On Thursday 10 July 2014 the EU Naval Force welcomed a new ship to its counter-piracy Task Force – the German Navy replenishment ship FGS Berlin.
After a two-week transit from Northern Germany the ship, under command of Commander Marcel Rosenbohm, arrived in the operating areas off the coast of Somalia. FGS Berlin has taken over the duties from auxiliary replenishment tanker FGS Rhön which has been deployed with the EU Naval Force for the last three months.
Together with the German flagship FGS Brandenburg, Dutch frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën and Spanish frigate ESPS Relámpago the support ship will contribute to the European Union’s fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
Commanding Officer Commander Marcel Rosenbohm: “The ship’s company is looking forward to the challenge. They will be busy months, but we are in best spirits and well prepared for the tasks that await us.”
In addition to the task of deterring, preventing and repressing acts of piracy and armed robbery in the piracy high risk areas, FGS Berlin has the specialised role of supplying warships with fuel, spare parts and food. This will allow warships to remain at sea for longer periods without the need for port visits.
Also embarked on board FGS Berlin are two Sea King helicopters and enhanced medical facilities.
FGS Berlin will remain part of Operation Atalanta for three months before returning to her home port of Wilhelmshaven, Germany in October 2014.
[mappress] Press Release, July 10, 2014; Image: EU NAVFOR