On Saturday, August 22, FGS Erfurt carried out her first replenishment at sea (RAS) since deploying with Operation Atalanta off the coast of Somalia.
A RAS is a specialised manoeuvre that requires a high level of coordination between two vessels. After approaching USNS John Ericsson on her port side, fuel hoses and supply lines were passed between the ships to transfer fuel and stores.
Replenishing Operation Atalanta warships at sea enables them to maintain their counter-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia.
FGS Erfurt’s tasks during her deployment with Operation Atalanta are to help protect World Food Programme vessels and to deter and disrupt piracy in the region.
Image: EUNAVFOR