26/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 26 July, the “Foreign Affairs” Council approved the appointment of French Rear Admiral Philippe Coindreau as the new commander of the naval force of the EU off the coast of Somalia (EUNAVFOR Atalanta). Rear Admiral Coindreau, who is currently deputy commander of the French aero-maritime rapid reaction force (FRMARFOR), will take up his duties on 15 August. He will replace his Swedish counterpart Jan Thörnqvist. According to the French military press, the frigate De Grasse, which will host the force headquarters, was set to leave the port of Brest on Monday 26 July. As the new vessel of EUNAVFOR, it will replace another French frigate, Guépratte. France will hold the force command for the next four months. (A.By./transl.fl)