Whilst operating in the Gulf of Aden as a part of the EU Naval Force counter-piracy mission, Operation Atalanta, the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter has refueled from the US auxiliary ship USNS Medgar Evers.
The refueling was conducted via a Replenishment at Sea (RAS), an impressive event requiring constant attention from the crews of both vessels. The two ships sail very close to each other - about 45 metres apart - whilst various lines and hoses are connected between them for the transfer of fuel and other supplies. A RAS is a challenging event, requiring the two vessels to maintain their position as precisely as possible to avoid excessive tension in the lines or contact between the ships.
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