Dutch Frigate Performs RAS with RFA FORT VICTORIA – The Dutch Frigate HNLMS VAN AMSTEL – a EU NAFVOR unit working alongside Coalition Task Force 151 – successfully performing a “RAS” (replenishment at sea) with the RFA FORT VICTORIA.    The RFA FORT VICTORIA is part of the British commitment to Coalition Task Force 151 serving East of Suez.

The EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta was launched in December 2008 and is conducted in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions which have been extended by the European Council until December 2014.   The EU NAVFOR Operational Headquarters is at Northwood (Middlesex) and the commander is a British Rear Admiral!    The objectives of Operation Atalanta are:-

·         Protect vessels of the World Food Programme, humanitarian aid and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) shipping
·         Help deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery and protect vulnerable shipping
·         Monitor fishing activities off the coast of Somalia
To date the following countries have contributed to EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta :
Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom,  Lithuania, Latvia as well as non-EU countries such as Croatia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia and Ukraine.