EU NAVFOR Somalia Operation Atalanta and Task Forces (TF) 53 collaborated in a training activity. As EU NAVFOR this activity was important as it has few opportunities to cooperate with ships of other navies and Combined Task Forces (CTF).
More specifically, Spanish frigate Numancia and US Navy ship Wally Schirra accomplished Replenishment at Sea (RAS) activity in only 2 hours. So EU NAVFOR units can extend their range of operation without entering a port, time consuming and always more complicated for COVID-19 restrictions in the area of operation.
TF 53 supply ships are deployed mainly in support of US Navy assets but they help allied partners that are part of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) or sail in the overlapping Joint Area of Operation.
EU NAVFOR and CMF are closely coordinating activities at sea. Their cooperation in this major maritime trade route is no coincidence. To maintain the durability and a presence even through the festive season, the respective counter-piracy missions still cooperate to make sure that these crucial sea lanes remain open and free from piracy.
It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go, as long as you don’t stop. Thanks to our American friends of the TF 53 and to our extremely professional team on deck
noted Lieutenant junior grade Vicente Cuquerella Lorenzo from Numancia.