In a sign of survival, the European Union appoints a new commander for its forces deployed in the Red Sea

The European Union has announced the appointment of a new commander for its forces deployed in the Red Sea, tasked with protecting commercial ships from Houthi attacks, in an indication of its intention to remain in the region despite the Houthis’ announcement to halt their naval attacks, which it linked to Israel’s war on Gaza.

The Aspidis mission explained in a statement on Monday that the Greek Navy's Brigadier General Konsta Ntinos Petikakis handed over the command of the operation in the Red Sea to Brigadier General Mikhail Pantoufakis.

In a statement at the end of his work, Petikakis stressed the European Union's commitment to protecting freedom of navigation, the lives of seafarers and global common goods.

On 19 February 2024, the European Union launched its naval operation "Aspedes" to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea and international and regional waters from attacks by the Houthi group, which is classified as a terrorist group. On the occasion of the 11th month of the operation, Aspedes explained that its military assets had successfully carried out more than 590 escort and protection operations for commercial vessels and secured their passage in the region.

On February 2, on board Italian Flagship FEDERICO MARTINENGO, at the presence of the Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (EL N), Commodore Konstantinos Pitykakis (EL N) handed over the duty of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Force Commander to Commodore Michail Pantouvakis (EL… pic.twitter.com/0niIJQl7Uv

- EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) February 3, 2025