During recent counter-piracy patrol off the coast of Somalia, Operation “Atalanta” warship ESPS “Galicia” conducted a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with the USNS “John Ericsson”, currently deployed on the Task Force 53 of the United States in the Indian Ocean.

This is the second time that the ESPS “Galicia” achieves a successful replenishment at sea with the USNS “John Ericsson” and the 7th replenishment at sea since the incorporation of the Flagship to the Operation “Atalanta” in Somalia.

Shortly after the tanker was alongside the flagship, the Replenishment at Sea begun. Large hoses joined the two ships and pumping started; nearly 600 cums of diesel were transferred and, after two hours of maneuver and hard work of the crew members, the ships separated and ESPS “Galicia” departed, ready for the challenges ahead.

The ability to replenish warships at sea enables them to be on task for extended periods which significantly enhances their operational capability and flexibility.

Just after the end of the replenishment at sea, the Operation’s “Atalanta” Force Commander (and COMGRUEUROMARFOR) flown on the Spanish SH3D helicopter to visit the German Warship FGS “Erfurt”. Meanwhile Rear Admiral Gómez Fernández de Córdoba was on board the German corvette, the “Galicia’s” helicopter completed an Emergency Low Visibility Approach exercise and some approximation and landing exercises to increase the readiness of the flight capacities with the German surface unit.

The Force Commander was welcomed on board the German Corvette by the Comanding Officer Andreas Kaspar. Rear Admiral Alfonso Gómez was then briefed on the German corvette capabilities and was given a tour all around the ship.

 At the end of his visit, Rear Admiral Gómez Fernández de Córdoba stated

“You have arrived at an important time. The South West monsoon in the Indian Ocean is ending and the improving weather conditions will make it easier for patrolling all the areas off the east coast of Somalia.  We need to remain vigilant to this threat and our surveillance needs to be at its highest. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but during my visit today you have shown me that you are ready for the challenges that the coming months will bring.”