Two Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships have completed a six hour Replenishment at Sea to handover duties as the UK and coalition partner fleet tanker
RFA Wave Ruler is handing over to RFA Fort Victoria and sent the Fort Victoria vital supplies for the deployment in exchange for fuel for the journey home.
RFA Fort Victoria’s Commanding Officer, Captain Kevin Rimell said: “This marks the handing over of the Gulf tanker duties baton back to RFA Fort Victoria after over 18 months of hard work by RFA Wave Ruler and her crew.”
Fort Victoria recently completed an extensive refit package, followed by Operational Sea Training and will now operate in the Middle East and Indian Ocean for several years, keeping UK and coalition warships topped up with fuel and ammunition.
She is a highly versatile ship, capable of concurrently supplying fuel and stores to multiple ships and aircraft.
Her arrival in theatre frees up both the tanker Wave Ruler and dry stores ship Fort Austin to return to the UK.
In addition, Fort Victoria also has the facilities to operate up to three Merlin helicopters, a full Royal Marines boarding team and a specialised damage control team.
She can be tasked in a wide range of roles including counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
Image: Royal Navy