The Turkish Frigate TCG Giresun set off yesterday from Marmaris and headed for Somalia.

 

The soldiers were sent off with sentiments of pride and nostalgia

 

The Turkish Frigate TCG Giresun set off from Marmaris yesterday, on duty to prevent Somali pirates from attacking ships in the Gulf of Aden. In a ceremony held at the Aksaz Naval High Command, emotional moments were experienced as soldiers said goodbye to their families. Ship Commander Albay Cenk Dalkanat released information to the press regarding the TCG Giresun being sent by mandate to Somalia. Emphasizing that they are not going off to fight pirates, but will actually be our there trying to stop sea bandits, Dalkanat stated; "Pirates imply that there is government backing. Those causing terror in the Gulf of Aden are footloose bandits. Our mission is to go up against them. We will act humanely as long as they do not harm anybody." Dalkanat also announced that the frigate was loaded with two AB 212 helicopters, snipers and two doctors, one of which is a diver. A total of 264 personnel were sent off at 11:00 as families tried to hold back tears.