RFA Tidesurge enters service
The Royal Navy’s third Tide-class tanker, Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Tidesurge, has entered the fleet with a dedication service at Greenock’s Ocean Terminal, the navy announced on 20 February.
Following a detailed customisation programme at the A&P ship repair yard in Falmouth, the 39,000t fleet replenishment tanker will now take on the duties of the RFA Gold Rover, which provided sterling service in support of the Royal Navy, NATO and coalition allies for over 40 years. RFA Tideforce will become operational later in 2019.
RFA Tidesurge is the third of four Tide-class tankers of the Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability tankers, which also includes RFA Tidespring, Tiderace and Tideforce. RFA Tideforce will enter into service in 2019. The Tide-class tankers are flexible, double-hulled vessels which will provide underway replenishment at sea capability and will support the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Once in service, Tidesurge will also provide fuel and water for the Royal Navy warships throughout the world. The vessels will also perform a wide range of maritime operations including constabulary patrols policing shipping lanes and humanitarian relief.
Commodore Duncan Lamb, head of the RFA, said: ‘With her flight deck capable of operating Chinook helicopters, double probe replenishment at sea rigs, self-defence capability and versatile fuel cargo system, she represents a crucial element of the Royal Navy task group of the future and a key enabler of our navy’s global reach.’
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