Two Royal Naval vessels have undertaken an aerial transfer of stores and goods in the heat of the Persian Gulf.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Victoria spent a day with the Royal Navy’s newest warship, HMS Duncan, completing a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) by Merlin helicopter.
During her deployment to the Gulf, Fort Victoria has had a busy time providing fuel, stores and ammunition to ships of the Royal Navy enabling them to continue operations away from the UK.
Carrying out a RAS is a core function of the RFA in order to extend the reach and capability of British warships with Fort Victoria having carried out several since she arrived in the region three months ago, mainly ship-to-ship.
A Merlin helicopter from 820 Naval Air Squadron took part in the airborne RAS, known as a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP).
Building on the success of the VERTREP, and to maximise the opportunity of working with Fort Victoria, the Merlin team then performed a series of deck landings and aviation training serials.
Duncan is currently working with the UK’s international partners performing maritime security operations in the Gulf region.
Image: Royal Navy