To remain at sea for long periods warships need to top up on fuel, military stores and of course food for the crew. During recent counter-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia, Operation Atalanta warships ESPS Galicia and ESPS Infanta Cristina conducted a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with French Navy ship, FS Var, which is currently deployed as part of the Combined Maritime Forces in the region.
During the RAS, which is a highly specialized manoeuvre that requires ships to sail very close to each other to enable fuel to be passed across via hoses, other stores were also transferred to the warships by helicopter.
The RAS highlights the close cooperation that exists between EU Naval Force warships and the other Task Forces operating in the region.
During the RAS, which is a highly specialized manoeuvre that requires ships to sail very close to each other to enable fuel to be passed across via hoses, other stores were also transferred to the warships by helicopter.
The RAS highlights the close cooperation that exists between EU Naval Force warships and the other Task Forces operating in the region.