Italian destroyer Francesco Mimbelli in the context of "Operation Ocean Shield"

Operation Ocean Shield was NATO's anti-Piracy in Somalia initiative in the Indian Ocean, Guardafui Channel, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. It follows the earlier Operation Allied Protector. Naval operations began on 17 August 2009 after being approved by the North Atlantic Council, and were terminated on 15 December 2016 by NATO. Operation Ocean Shield focused on protecting the ships of Operation Allied Provider [de; no; ru; uk], which transported relief supplies as part of the World Food Programme's mission in the region. The initiative also helped strengthen the navies and coast guards of regional states to assist in countering pirate attacks. Notably, the Italian Military Support Base in Djibouti contributed, utilizing naval vessels such as the Italian Francesco Mimbelli and San Marco in the Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and off the coast of Somalia. Additionally, China, Japan, and South Korea sent warships to participate in these activities.

The United States Navy was the largest contributor of ships, followed by the Indian Navy. The taskforce was composed of ships from the contributing navies, led by a designated leadship. The role of leadship was rotated among the various countries involved.