World War II also saw naval ships staying at sea for much longer periods than had been the case since the days of sail. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) delivers worldwide logistic and operational support to Royal Navy military operations. Make a difference. Its primary role is to supply the Royal Navy with fuel, ammunition and supplies, normally by replenishment at sea (RAS). In a carefully-worded statement, the MoD has confirmed the Fleet Solid Support ships will, at least predominantly, be built in the UK and the competition will be re-launched in the Spring of 2021. [8], The Wave-class are 'Fleet Tankers', which primarily provide under way refuelling to Royal Navy ships, but can also provide a limited amount of dry cargo. Naval auxiliary fleet which supports the Royal Navy, Ministry of Defence Sealift/Supply Vessels, Lists of ships operated by or in support of Her Majesty's Naval Service. Royal Marines are able to operate across all terrains and environments using an arsenal of highly specialised equipment and weapons. 901.8K views. royal fleet auxillary ships undergoing refit in the cammel lairds shipyard at birkenhead taken from the liverpool waterfront july 2013 (9311813935).jpg 3,958 × 2,373; 6.1 mb These contain alphabetical indexes of ships, crew lists, rates of pay, and next of kin. M - Number 4R dress is the same only without the jacket and with an optional baseball cap. 2C, "red sea rig", is worn for informal evening wear on board ship; it consists of a white short sleeved shirt, worn with shoulderboards, without medals and with black trousers, black shoes and a black cummerbund. Fully integrated into front-line warships, the RFA is an essential element of how the Royal Navy operates with freedom around the globe. Many of the names have been re-used over the years and thus represent more than one ship. Anders qualified as an officer of the watch in 1993, and joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the fleet of civilian-crewed ships operated by the Ministry of Defence, as a third officer in 1996. Safeguarding the essential trade routes that Britain depends on for 95% of its economic activity. The RFA played an important role in the largest naval war since 1945, the Falklands War in 1982 (where one vessel was lost and another badly damaged), and also the Gulf War, Kosovo War, Afghanistan Campaign and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Rank insignia is denoted on the lower sleeve. 902K views. The museum also holds crew books for Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and Mercantile Fleet Auxiliary. Books. Learn more about the Royal Navy’s priorities and what we do day-to-day. All Royal Fleet Auxiliaries are built and maintained to Lloyd's Register and Department for Transport standards. The Royal Navy ceased this practice for most officers in 1955, with the exception of medical and dental officers who are denoted by red and pink cloth respectively. Whether it’s dealing with the demands of deployment or the rigours of relocation, we make sure that the family and friends of Naval Service personnel have all the help, guidance and support they need, every day. Make friends for life – and get paid to do it. I - Officers receive a morning briefing which outlines the objectives and exercises each team needs to complete that day. Both Fort Rosalie-class vessels (in addition to the Wave-class vessel Wave Ruler) were in reduced (base maintenance period) or "extended readiness" (unmanned reserve) as of June 2020. James_C Super Moderator. In September 2020, a new head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary was announced. From the Vanguard-class ballistic submarine to the formidable HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier, our equipment is among the best in the world. Commodore Lamb has predominantly spent his last 38 years at Sea with Commands across the RFA Flotilla. Marine Engineers may also have maroon coloured cloth in place of purple. T - 168 talking about this. RFAPCS is distinguished from its RNPCS counterpart by the RFA blue ensign and 'ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY' tape replacing the white ensign and 'ROYAL NAVY' tape worn on the left arm and left chest pocket respectively. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) delivers worldwide logistic and operational support to Royal Navy military operations. The royal fleet auxiliary, 1905-85. Access dedicated veterans charities and get all the support you need, from help with any mental health issues to financial advice. the royal fleet auxiliary service cufflinks a great way to add some colour and elegance to your shirt. See how Naval Service Family and People Support (NS FPS) can help you with anything from coping with deployment to relocating. Members experienced in research to help … Royal Fleet Auxiliary . As the network of British bases overseas shrank during the end of the Empire, the Navy increasingly relied on the RFA to supply its ships during routine deployments. Thus No.3 dress is divided into 3B (without jersey) and 3C dress (navy-blue jersey worn over the shirt with the shirt collar out). This is the formal uniform worn on ceremonial occasions. I’m the systems engineer on duty. RNR officers have been included since 1862. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary has three “Landing Ships Dock Auxiliary”, essential for Britain’s amphibious operations and power projection around the world. Most RFA ships are armed, typically with at least two 20 mm GAM-B01 anti-aircraft guns and a number of 7.62 mm L7 GPMGs. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. P - hawkey01 Super Moderator. Officers and Ratings of the RFA wear similar uniforms to the Royal Navy with RFA distinguishing marks. The RFA is tasked with the role of supporting Royal Navy amphibious operations through its three Bay-class dock landing ships (LSD). As of 2020, there are 13 ships in service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary with a total displacement of approximately 376,000 tonnes. Protecting our nation’s interests: guardian, diplomat and humanitarian force for good. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is civilian-manned fleet of ships owned by the United Kingdoms Ministry of Defence, created in 1905. Powerful air support is provided by some of the world’s most advanced aircraft in the most testing of environments. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Discover the key services available to serving personnel and access the Defence Gateway, where you can contact a range of external organisations. The RFA ensures the Royal Navy is supplied and supported by providing fuel and stores through replenishment at sea, transporting Royal Marines and British Army personnel, providing medical care and transporting equipment and essentials across the world. Join Community Forum Staff View All Pompeyfan Super Moderator. Originally six ships were part of the deal, allowing the MoD use of four of the ships with two being made available for commercial charter, these latter two were released from the contract in 2012. 24000 photos and videos mainly relating to the British Merchant Navy. full operational deployment overseas. It is referred to as Royal Fleet Auxiliary Personal Clothing System (RFAPCS); it consists of a navy blue fire-retardant jacket (worn tucked in), navy blue beret, navy blue stable belt, navy-blue fire-retardant trousers, dms boots, navy-blue T-shirt and an optional navy-blue microfleece. The four tankers have been ordered from DSME, South Korea with design support from Britain's BMT Defence Services, the first of which Tidespring entered service in 2017.[9]. For officers 3A dress includes a long-sleeved shirt and tie, while 3B includes a short-sleeved shirt worn with hard shoulder boards. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary – A Century of Service. Junior ratings may also wear an RFA badged baseball cap in this order of dress, whilst undertaking courses at Royal Navy establishments. ISBN 1-86176-259-3. The presence of aviation facilities on RFA ships allows for them to be used as 'force multipliers' for the task groups they support in line with Royal Navy doctrine. For ratings this uniform is a single breasted tunic fastened with four RFA buttons, with flapped chest pockets and hip pockets; white shirt and black tie, peaked cap for Petty Officers and above and a light blue beret for other ratings; and black leather shoes. This is the official Royal Fleet Auxiliary facebook page; it will be administered by the RN Public Relations. The most important role provided by the RFA is replenishment at sea (RAS), therefore the mainstay of the current RFA fleet are the replenishment ships. We have been on patrol in the Gulf since 1980, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to peace and stability. As the officer of the day, I represent the Captain, ensuring everything on the ship runs smoothly and safely, whatever the mission. Join now to ask and comment! Learn more here. The stability of our nation depends on the freedom of the seas. Fleet solid support ships for the Royal Navy to be built in Britain. V - The older Fort Rosalie-class ships provide only dry cargoes. Four new Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tankers, which will be bought as part of the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) programme, will be called the Tide Class. Typically one Bay-class is also assigned as a permanent 'mothership' for Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels in the Persian Gulf. RFA Ships. In 2018 the MoD requested tenders to renew these contracts for the next 10 … [16][17] Since the end of the contract for the use of Maersk Rapier, a further contract for the use of another tanker, renamed the Raleigh Fisher, has been secured.[18][19]. 242 talking about this. The RFA performed important service to the Far East Fleet off Korea from 1950 until 1953, when sustained carrier operations were again mounted in Pacific waters. E - With my team, I make sure the ship’s power systems are in top working order. All Royal Fleet Auxiliaries are built and maintained to Lloyd's Register and Department for Transport standards. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. 3 dress but with the relevant rate insignia and beret. View the range of ships crests here. Maintaining a state of readiness to protect the interests of Britain and our allies. If time allows, I get to relax and unwind with my crewmates in the officers’ mess. B - Z. Are you ready for a career in the Royal Navy? For all officers it consists of a double-breasted, navy blue reefer jacket with four rows of two RFA buttons; matching trousers; white shirt and black tie; peaked cap; and black leather shoes. Royal Fleet Auxiliary Listed in this forum are a few of the RFA ships, please add any you would like to see in here. In addition the RFA acts independently providing humanitarian aid, counter piracy and counter narcotic patrols together with assisting the Royal Navy in preventing conflict and securing international trade. This is the official Royal Fleet Auxiliary facebook page; it will be administered by the RN Public Relations. The Royal Navy is a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team and together we protect the nation's interest. The ships are crewed by 80 Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel and there is also provision for 22 Royal Navy personnel for helicopter and weapons systems operations. They are the uniformed civilian branch of the Naval Service, staffed by UK merchant sailors. 2.9K posts. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a naval auxiliary fleet owned by the UK's Ministry of Defence and is the fifth fighting arm of the Royal Navy. She cannot be described as such – and is not afforded such protection under the Geneva Convention – as she is armed. We work with our allies and partners to help cement the relationships that our nation depends on. The Wave-class, Fort Victoria and the Fort Rosalie-class have generous aviation facilities, providing aviation support and training facilities and significant vertical replenishment capabilities. 2.9K posts. Officers are recruited in one of three ways:[41]. Find the contacts you need for recruitment, media enquiries and more. ", BBC News: Refit of navy ship RFA Argus ends, https://splash247.com/james-fisher-secures-37-2m-worth-of-contracts-acquires-mr-tanker/, https://www.forces.net/news/operations/operation-shader-how-rafs-aircraft-are-kept-flying, "Final Tide-class tanker joins Royal Navy fleet", https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1295986356745773058, https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/223968/james-fisher-lands-30mln-of-renewable-energy-business-223968.html, "Royal Fleet Auxiliary Logistics (RFA) Training & Development", "New Commodore Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Assistant Chief of Staff Afloat Support", "NEW HEAD FOR ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY – NAVY'S CRUCIAL SUPPORT IN WAR AND PEACE", Chief of the Naval Staff and First Sea Lord, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff and Second Sea Lord, Judge Advocate General of the Armed Forces, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Capability), Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Policy), Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Submarines), Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Support)|Director Naval Support, Commander United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group, Commodore RFA and Deputy Director Royal Navy Afloat Support, Flag Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Royal_Fleet_Auxiliary&oldid=1002093214, 1905 establishments in the United Kingdom, Articles with dead external links from April 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Aviation training & primary casualty receiving ship, direct from industry (or where they are suitably trained to allow direct entry), via the RTO (rating-to-officer) programme, This page was last edited on 22 January 2021, at 20:41. 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