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The
Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service (RFA) is a civilian manned fleet, owned
by the Ministry of Defence. Its main task is replenish the warships of
the Royal Navy at sea with fuel, food, stores and ammunition.
Thus
it fills a vital role that is becoming increasingly important as the
current UK government has worldwide ambitions which demand the
services of the Royal Navy.
Other RFA tasks include amphibious support
and sea transport for the Army.
The
RFA is managed by the Commodore RFA who is directly responsible to
Commander in Chief Fleet for the administration and operation of the
organisation.
The RFA employs over 2,300 civilian officers and ratings, and is one of
the larger employers in the UK shipping industry. Replenishment of
warships at sea requires specialist knowledge and training, and RFA
personnel are on terms of service that take account of both of these
activities and of being directed to possible operational areas. Many
RFA ships carry naval or military parties for tasks such as the
operation and maintenance of helicopters.
The
RFA boasts a significant number of large ships, especially in
comparison with the warships it supports. The largest ship in the
present Royal Navy is HMS Ocean, displacing 21,758 tons full
load. In
the RFA there are 10 vessels (the largest at 49,000 tons) that are
larger. Though many of these ships are ageing, the UK MoD has made
fair provision for realistic support of a global reach for the Royal
Navy.
The UK MoD believes
that the RFA average cost of maintenance is estimated at £3.5 million
per annum for each vessel. This includes maintenance on operational
vessels, defect rectification, post design work, stock consumption and
small packages of upkeep. In addition an element has been included to
reflect the cost of scheduled refits, which are generally undertaken
on a five yearly basis for each vessel.
RFA decommissioning programme
Current plans for the decommissioning of RFA vessels are as follows:
Grey Rover 2006; Sir Tristram 2006; Sir Galahad 2006; Orangeleaf 2009;
Brambleleaf 2009; Gold Rover 2009; Bayleaf 2010; Oakleaf 2010; Black
Rover 2010; Sir Bedivere 2011; Fort Rosalie 2013; Fort Austin 2014;
Diligence 2014; Fort Victoria 2019; Fort George 2019; Argus 2020; Wave
Ruler 2028; Wave Knight 2028.
Two of these vessels, Orangeleaf and Bayleaf, are chartered.
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