This week in the Gulf of Aden, Operation Atalanta’s flagship ITS Carabiniere and Spanish warship ESPS Victoria met with USNS Laramie and carried out a combined replenishment at sea (RAS).

The two warships positioned themselves at the same time on either side of the USNS oiler, in order to receive fuel to enable them to continue their counter-piracy patrols in the high risk area.

The US supply ships which are deployed in region are a great support to Operation Atalanta enabling warships to maintain their presence at sea, and in turn, strengthening the maritime security in the region.

RAS is a highly complex procedure, and refueling two warships at the same time increases the close coordination required to ensure a safe delivery of vital fuel.