RFA Gold Rover departs Simon’s Town

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Gold Rover left Simon’s town Naval Base for the final time on November 8.

Gold Rover first visited Simon’s Town, South Africa in late 2006 and ever since has been a regular visitor.

Simon’s Town has proven to be an ideal location within the area of operations to conduct maintenance, stores, personnel transfers and a perfect place for R&R, hence the many return visits.

Each port visit for Gold Rover brings her closer to her decommissioning date next year.

Simon’s town is the home of the South African Navy; it is located on False Bay and only a short distance from Cape Town.

Gold Rover was escorted from the harbour by two naval tugs, giving her a guard of honour with a display of their fire-fighting monitors.

Captain Richard Taylor, Commanding Officer of Gold Rover said: “It is with a high degree of sadness that we depart Simons Town for the last time and we are genuinely humbled by the warm reception we receive every time we call.

“We must always look to the future and I have no doubt that UK Naval Units will continue to be regular visitors within the region and that Simons Town will always be the choice port of call where we are assured of a welcoming and cheery port visit”

RFA Gold Rover is the last operational ship of the “Rover” class and this will be her last tour of the South Atlantic.