Having taken over as the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) flagship on 7 April 2012, French warship FS Marne has already been very busy out at sea ensuring that the Task Force remains fully prepared for counter-piracy operations off Somalia. In her first 3 days the ship has carried out a number of replenishments at sea (RAS), transferring fuel, food and spare parts to 4 of the other EU warships.
As well as replenishing the ships, the new EU Force Commander, Rear Admiral Dupuis (French Navy) and his staff took the opportunity to meet the commanding officers and crew of the EU ships – the Admiral met the commanding officers of Portuguese frigate Corte Real and French Navy warships FS Georges Leygues , Aconit and Dixmude . A replenishment at sea was also carried out with spanish frigate Reina Sofia .
Such meetings are seen as important because they make it possible for the Force Commander to meet his Task Force commanding officers face-to-face and it also allows him to get an update on the ships’ capabilities and any operational issues.
As well as rendezvousing with other EU warships, over the coming months FS Marne will also meet up with other counter-piracy Task Forces such as NATO and the Combined Maritime Force, together with the independent deployers in the Indian Ocean to ensure good coordination and cooperation is maintained in the fight against piracy.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , April 19, 2012; Image: eunavfor