The Romanian frigate F-221 Regele Ferdinand left Constanta to join the EU anti piracy task force Atalanta.
According to Romanian website Resboiu.ro this is the first participation of Romanian ships in anti-piracy operations.
Last year the ship participated under NATO command in the Mediterranean Sea in Operation Active Endeavour and in Operation Unified Protector against Libya.
Also for the first time a frigate to participate in an international mission with Puma helicopter aboard Naval craft.
The ship passed through the Turkish Straits on 14th September 2012.