Fort Rosalie's RAS in the Red Sea

As RFA Fort Rosalie transited through the Red Sea she was tasked to carry out a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the French Ship FS Var.

This would allow Fort Rosalie to take on fuel as she continued her voyage home after a successful six-month deployment in support of Op Kipion, the UK’s long standing presence in the Gulf and Indian Ocean.

The rendezvous of the two venerable old ladies took place at 0800 on a clear bright morning, with Fort Rosalie proceeding to take station on the port side of FS Var.

With both ships enjoying the benign weather conditions hoses were swiftly and skilfully connected and pumping of 550CZ of fuel commenced to Fort Rosalie’s rig three.

The evolution provided valuable experience and training to the staff on board in working with NATO partners, and helped to reinforce the ‘Entente Cordiale’ between the two close neighbours.

After three hours of close co-operation the serial came to a successful conclusion with Fort Rosalie bidding farewell to Var before she continued her passage through the Red Sea.