Tireless Royal Navy support ship completes frontline missions with HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth
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The tanker sailed 7,500 miles and conducted extensive operations alongside both aircraft carriers
A naval support ship has been at the centre of frontline operations and has supported both Royal Navy aircraft carriers.
RFA Tideforce has held a vital role in recent allied security operations across the North Atlantic and High North. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker supported HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth during carrier operations, as well as supplying French and Dutch warships.
She delivered more than 2.9m litres of fuel and becoming home to a submarine-hunting Merlin helicopter for intelligence sorties and missions reporting on Russian activity. Captain Chris Clarke, Commanding Officer of RFA Tideforce, said: “The unpredictability of 320 operations is still as rewarding as it ever was – whether that be in understanding the intelligence picture, delivering operational output, enjoying the variation in tasking, the violent weather challenges or conducting complex repairs at sea to keep the ship on task.
“It all plays out in the hands of the RFA seafarer – especially when the ‘Force’ is with you. It’s what we do; it’s what we’ve always done and it’s what we will do for many more years to come.”
RFA Tideforce filled up the equivalent of 50,000 cars and sailed 7,500 miles across six weeks. The missions were completed under Commander Task Force 320, which delivers maritime security operations, anti-submarine warfare and day-to-day oversight within UK waters.
A Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron used the tanker as a launchpad for intelligence-gathering activity, stalking Russian ships in the English Channel and North Atlantic. RFA seafarers contended with challenging weather conditions during Storm Boelo.
During operations, 35 members of the ship’s company were welcomed into the RFA during a traditional naval ceremony. Cadet (X) Finley Groves said: “As a Cadet taking part in his second trip with the RFA, I can wholeheartedly say that I have picked the right career for me. Whilst I don’t think I have stopped moving for more than five minutes these last few weeks, I have felt privileged to have experienced new things almost every day this trip.”
APP(CIS) Rio Owen added: “As a communications apprentice who’s undergoing their first sea going appointment, following a brief stint alongside, the contrast is much greater than I expected. I’ve now had a real opportunity to immerse myself into the true nature of what the RFA is all about. From experiencing thrilling helicopter flights as well as being at the centre of the RFA’s most vital role in the UK’s strategic defence i.e., Replenishments at sea, specifically supporting the UK’s current flagship.”
RFA Tideforce’s work with HMS Queen Elizabeth took place in the Irish Sea following the carrier’s departure from Belfast. After contending with a major engine defect, the tanker conducted a navigation exercise in the Gulf of Corryvreckan between the Scottish islands of Jura and Scarba.
A short logistical stop in Loch Striven followed before sailing to support the UK Carrier Strike Group - headed up by HMS Prince of Wales - for the second phase of Operation Firecrest.