Rear Admiral Stefano Costantino is the Former Force Commander for the European Union Aspides naval operation to protect Red Sea shipping from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels based in Yemen. In 2023, Rear Admiral Costantino served as tactical commander at sea of “Safe Mediterranean” Operation, while in July 2022, he had instead assumed command of Agenor Operation, the military component of the European led Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH), a role he held until January 2023.