On a recent clear, bright and early morning in the Gulf of Aden, Operation Atalanta’s Dutch Flagship, HNLMS Tromp, was refueled at sea by the American tanker, USNS John Ericsson.

Refuels such as this are referred to by sailors as Replenishment At Sea (RAS) and are vital for ensuring ships can continue with their important missions without the need for regular port visits.

HNLMS Tromp is the Flagship for EU Naval Force’s counter-piracy mission off the Somalia coastline and this RAS has ensured she is able to sustain her patrols; deterring and disrupting piracy and keeping seafarers safe in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.