Commanding officer of 56th The Frigates Flotilla” Rear Admiral Horia MACELLARIU”

Captain(N)
Vasile-Ciprian MANDACHI
(28.09.2023-)

Captain Vasile Ciprian MANDACHI was born on 28th April 1971 in Negrești city, Vaslui county.

Captain Mandachi, a seasoned naval officer, graduated from the Naval Academy "Mircea cel Bătrân" in 1996 with a specialization in "Underwater Weapons." Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational expertise in various key positions within the Romanian Naval Forces.

Career Highlights:
• Early Career: Capt. Mandachi began his career as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer onboard Submarine Hunter 2 in the ASW 50th Squadron, where he served until his appointment as OF-3 in ASW 50th Squadron HQ in 2000.
• Commander Roles: In 2004, he joined the first Romanian crew of Frigate 222 "Regina Maria" as Principal Warfare Officer (Underwater), successfully completing the combat training program for T22 Frigate in the UK. Following this, he held commanding positions, including Commander of Corvette 263 "Eugeniu Roșca" from 2010 to 2014 and Deputy Commander of the 50th Corvette Squadron between 2015 and 2017.
• Diverse Leadership Roles: in 2016 he assumed the role of Chief of N3 Operations at the "Vice-Admiral Vasile Urseanu" Fleet Command. He then led the 146 Division of Minesweeping Ships from 2017 to 2020 and served as Chief of the Training and Doctrine Office Service within the Romanian Naval Forces Headquarters from 2020 to 2023.
• Command of 56th Frigate Flotilla: On April 1, 2023, Mandachi was appointed Commander of the 56th Frigate Flotilla "Rear Admiral Horia Macellariu," a position he officially assumed on September 28, 2023.

Education and Training:
Captain Mandachi continuously invested in his professional development, completing various courses, including those on Naval warfare, NATO procedures, and learning languages. In 2000 he succesfully completed the Deffence and Operational Planning Course Netherlands Defence College, and in 2002 the NATO Staff Orientation Course at NATO School, Oberammergau – Germany.
As part of the warfare Training Program with the crews of the Type 22 Frigates in 2005, he successfully completed the following courses:
- International Principal Warfare Officer Course and The International Anti Submarine Warfare Course at Maritime Warfare School HMS Coolingwood-UK.
- Sea Safety Training HMS Raleigh/Triumph NBCD School-UK
Captain Mandachi pursued advanced studies, completing a Master's in Naval Forces Interarm Leadership at the "Carol I" National Defense University in 2008.
Notably, he successfully graduated from the Naval Command College at the Naval War College Rhode Island, USA, in June 2020.

Teaching and Certification:
He is certified as an instructor on command and control and ASW operating procedures by the Training, Simulation, and Evaluation Center since 2010. He also served as an associate instructor at the Naval Forces Application School, sharing his expertise in Naval Tactical Procedures and Operational Planning.

Awards and Distinctions
Captain Mandachi received numerous distinctions, including Emblem of Honor from the Romanian General Staff, the Emblem of Honor of Romanian Naval Forces and Air Forces and Emblem of merit "In the Service of the Romanian Armed Forces". Notably, he was awarded the NATO Article 5 Medal for his services in Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR in 2006 and 2007.

International Deployments and Exercises
Captain Mandachi actively participated in over 35 NATO , partner exercises and regional initiatives, showcasing his operational prowess. His deployment in the theater of operations for Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR in 2006 and 2007 exemplifies his commitment to international cooperation under the NATO flag.

Language Skills and Personal Details
Fluent in English, Captain Mandachi loves travelling, is married to Erghiul, and they have a son, Lucas.