The RFA was first established in 1905 to provide coaling ships for the Navy in an era when the change from sail to coal-fired steam engines as the main means of propulsion meant that a network of bases around the world with coaling facilities or a fleet of ships able to supply coal were necessary for a fleet to operate away from its home country. USS Donald Cook receives fuel during a replenishment at sea (RAS) with RFA Wave Ruler. The RFA counts an aviation support vessel and dock landing ships amongst its assets. Royal Navy personnel are also needed to operate certain weapons, such as the Phalanx however, other weapons (such as the DS30B 30 mm cannon) are operated by RFA personnel. RFA vessels are commanded and crewed by these sailors, augmented with regular and reserve Royal Navy personnel who perform specialised functions such as operating and maintaining helicopters or providing hospital facilities. Although RFA personnel wear Merchant Navy rank insignia with naval uniforms, they are part of the Royal Navy. RFA personnel are civilian employees of the Ministry of Defence and members of the Royal Naval Reserve and Sponsored Reserves. They are a uniformed civilian branch of the Royal Navy staffed by British merchant sailors. In addition the RFA acts independently providing humanitarian aid, counter piracy and counter narcotic patrols together with assisting the Royal Navy in preventing conflict and securing international trade. The RFA ensures the Royal Navy is supplied and supported by providing fuel and stores through replenishment at sea, transporting Royal Marines and British Army personnel, providing medical care and transporting equipment and essentials around the world. It is a component of His Majesty's Naval Service and provides logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ( RFA) is a naval auxiliary fleet owned by the UK's Ministry of Defence.
0 kommentar(er)
