RAS doughnuts

HMCS Calgary conducts a Replenishment at Sea, receiving fuel from HMAS Sirius in the Indian Ocean April 8. Corporal Lynette Ai Dang, HMCS Calgary Imagery Technician

Captain Jeff Klassen
HMCS Calgary
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Sweet treats were served while HMCS Calgary conducted a replenishment-at-sea, or RAS for non-navy readers, pronounced “razz”, with Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Sirius in the Indian Ocean on April 8.

A RAS is mostly about a ship getting fuel so it can extend its operational range before coming alongside a port. However, there is also a fun atmosphere throughout the event.

During the RAS, the two ships exchanged gifts, had a dance off, and Calgary had their mascot Bullseye out as Petty Officer Second Class Jason Boisvenue played air-guitar to a metal song.

Another fun thing during the RAS, and it’s almost a tradition, is snacks were served to the crew – trays of colorful and tasty doughnuts. It was almost surreal, a warship getting refueled by a giant retractable hose, helicopters buzzing around, everyone focused and working hard, and then tasty treats were delivered to replenish the crew.

Chief Petty Officer Second Class Paul Huffman serves doughnuts – more specifically RAS doughnuts – to the officers and crew of HMCS Calgary during a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with Her Majesty’s Australian Ship Sirius. Photo by Captain Jeff Klassen, HMCS Calgary

The RAS took place during a trilateral cooperative deployment that also included HMAS Anzac and Japanese Ship Akebono and helicopters from all three nations.

On April 15, Calgary began Operation Artemis where it will be in the Gulf of Oman combating maritime smuggling operations that fund terrorism.

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