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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 to 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 across the globe. 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 about 2,000 (2013 figure) 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, there is fair
provision for realistic support of a Royal Naval reach.
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.
DECOMMISSIONING
PROGRAMME
Current plans for the decommissioning of RFA vessels
are as follows: Orangeleaf 2015; Gold Rover 2016; Black Rover 2017;
Fort Rosalie 2021; Fort Austin 2021; Argus 2020; Wave Ruler 2028;
Wave Knight 2028.
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