By participating in the European Union (EU) NAVFOR ATALANTA mission, Montenegro strengthened its military capabilities and raised the capacities of the Montenegrin naval forces, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) said.
Montenegrin Navy officer Bojan Đokić, who participated in the EU NAVFOR ATALANTA mission, said that he had a good experience in the mission whose primary goal was to combat piracy in Somali waters.
He pointed out that later the goal of the mission was expanded beyond the territorial waters of Somalia, to combat trafficking in people, arms and narcotics.
Đokić, who at that moment was the only representative from the Army of Montenegro (VCG) in the NAVFOR ATALANTA operation, worked in the headquarters on the command ship of the operation.
"My task was the combat shift officer, I followed, together with my colleagues on that duty, the events and movements of the ships in the operation zone," Đokić told the MINA agency.
As he said, it was his first engagement in a foreign mission with international forces, but he previously had experience working with other countries and members of other armed forces, which began when he went to the Military Academy in 2014.
"So it wasn't difficult for me to adjust to constantly speaking English and working with people who think in a different way than us," added Đokić.
He stated that there are many similarities in the way of work of Montenegrin and allied military sailors.
"They are a reflection of the fact that we are all professional military personnel and that we all perform the duty that we liked in the way we know best and in the most professional way possible," said Đokić.
The differences, he added, are mainly in who works on which systems, how much training he has undergone and how ready he is for a certain duty.
Đokić pointed out that he was ready for five months on the ship, because he had gathered experience from previous colleagues who participated in the same mission.
"Of course, from the moment I entered the Naval Academy in 2014, I was somehow prepared to spend a long time on a ship and away from home," added Đokić.
As he said, during the mission, the places he visited and the people he met made the biggest impression on him.
Asked about the attitude of the MOD and the Croatian Army towards the soldiers they send on such missions, Đokić said that his cooperation and communication with the Ministry was at a satisfactory level and that they had a correct relationship.
Speaking about the attitude of other participants and heads of missions towards members of the VCG, he pointed out that, from his experience, that attitude is also at an enviable level.
"I had no problems during the mission," Đokić emphasized.
According to his words, all foreign colleagues who had the opportunity and honor to work with members of the VCG have positive experiences.
Đokić stated that there is a possibility that, considering that the mission in which he participated is not the only one in which members of the VCG are sent, he may participate in another international mission during his further career.
The MOD reminded that Montenegro began participating in the EU NAVFOR ATALANTA mission in 2010, joining the coalition of European and international forces participating in the fight against piracy at sea.
The government department told the MINA agency that the role of the VCG in the ATALANTA mission is multiple and includes the embarkation of staff officers on allied ships and the engagement of the Independent Ship Protection Team - the AVPD team.
"Montenegro regularly sends staff officers to allied ships and command structures of the ATALANTA mission," the MOD pointed out.
This, they added, enables Montenegrin officers to gain valuable experience in the international context, contributing to the operational efficiency of the mission.
The MOD said that the Croatian Navy expanded its participation in that mission during 2017, by sending the Independent Team for the Protection of Ships of the World Food Program and other humanitarian missions.
As they stated, the teams were boarded on ships with the task of providing physical protection against potential attacks by pirates.
The MOD pointed out that AVPD teams were particularly focused on preventing attacks on humanitarian convoys transporting food and basic necessities for vulnerable populations in East Africa.
"Teams from Montenegro showed high readiness and professionalism, often working in difficult conditions and extreme weather conditions," said the Ministry.
They stressed that the EU NAVFOR ATALANTA mission is crucial for global maritime security, given that piracy activities in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean seriously threaten international trade and humanitarian efforts.
"Montenegro's participation shows its dedicated contribution to international security in cooperation with partners within the EU," said the MOD.
They stated that the ATALANTA mission provides the opportunity for Montenegrin members to work in international operations and participate in global initiatives to preserve security.
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