RFA Fort Rosalie supporting USS Theodore Roosevelt in Persian Gulf

After concluding operations with the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Fort Rosalie switched to supporting the US Navy’s Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group.

As Fort Rosalie joined the US task group in the Persian Gulf, RFA Fort Rosalie personnel were welcomed aboard their American equivalent flying from their ship on a US MH-60 Seahawk helicopter to the USNS Matthew Perry for a two-day visit.

The trip enabled personnel to get first-hand knowledge of how the US Military Sealift Command ship operates her helicopters, flight deck and equipment during high-tempo vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations with the US aircraft carrier.

CO of Fort Rosalie Capt Karl Woodfield said: “This opportunity for Fort Rosalie to see at first hand and then conduct high tempo carrier support operations is a major plus as ships of the RFA prepare to support the UK’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

“The RFA has a longstanding close relationship with the Military Sealift Command and I spent three very enjoyable years as the RFA exchange officer working in MSC Command in Washington DC.

“It was therefore great to see at first hand again the professional service and renew my links with the MSC.”

Fort Rosalie will be supplying the ships in the group with food, mail and stores.