'It's happening!': Royal Navy support ship RFA Mounts Bay back at sea after more than a year away
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The update was announced on social media
A Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker has returned to sea after a -year-long refit was completed.
RFA Mounts Bay, previously tasked with supporting the Royal Navy with various logistical tasks, has finally taken to the water after being redeveloped. The Bay-class landing ship dock will now undergo sea trials to check that all the systems are functioning.
Announcing the update on social media, a post showed the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship leaving her home of Cornwall. “It’s happening,” the RFA Mounts Bay X account said. “Farewell Falmouth, thank you for having us.”
Forces News said RFA Mounts Bay designed to transport amphibious vehicles, equipment and landing craft. This allows troops and supplies to be delivered ashore. The ship provides Royal Marines with heavy lift amphibious capability.
RFA Mounts Bay has supported operations all over the world since she entered service in 2006. This includes counter-piracy, counter-narcotics missions, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief efforts.
RFA civilian seafarers are tasked with extending the reach of Royal Navy operations and supporting warships by keeping them topped up with vital supplies. The Tide-class replenishment tanker RFA Tidespring is currently deployed with HMS Prince of Wales and the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Norwegian Sea.
RFA Lyme Bay, bristling with autonomous mine-hunting kit, has been deployed to the Middle East and is prepared to join a possible multinational effort to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.