A specialized team of the Armed Forces of Malta Maritime Squadron has returned from a Frontex migration operation in Greece.

‘Joint Operation Sea 2013’  was spread over two months and took place in Greek territorial waters as part of European effort to stem illegal migration on Europe’s South-Eastern borders.

Operating with other European forces, two Maltese crews of eight men each operated within the designated area mostly during darkness. A crew change took place half way through the deployment thus giving the opportunity to a fresh group of Maltese personnel to operate in an unfamiliar theatre of operations.

The AFM said the primary mission was to conduct border control patrols in Greek waters and the interception of suspicious activity.

Am AFM fast Interceptor Rigid Hull Inflatable Dinghy (P02), and two supporting vehicles were deployed for this mission.

The AFM contingent was stationed in Molivos Harbour in the Northern part of Lesvos island which has seen a significant number of migrant incidents over the past months.

The Rapid Deployment Personnel conducted patrols in collaboration with the Hellenic Coast Guard almost every day. Approximately 36 kilometres of the Greek coast  was continuously patrolled. Various methods of surveillance were used in order to detect potential violations including radar and thermal imaging cameras.

The Maltese personnel were also prepared to assist in other tasks  such as search and rescue operations.

As the Maltese servicemen were about to leave, Greek islanders showed their appreciation and thanked the Maltese soldiers for their sterling service whilst they hoped to see the Maltese flag on their pier in the near future, the AFM said.