Unsung heroes of HMS Prince of Wales deployment honoured for their "dedication and professionalism"
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Hard-working Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) sailors have been honoured for their "dedication and professionalism" after being deployed to the Indo Pacific.
Support fleet sailors played a vital role alongside the Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales during Operation Highmast - replenishing the UK Carrier Strike Group and keeping the ships at sea for longer.
Head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Commodore Sam Shattock, and minister for veterans and people, Louise Sandher-Jones, visited RFA Tidespring in Gibraltar to thank personnel for their efforts. The Tide-class tanker made notable visits to Singapore, Darwin, Busan, Goa, Mombasa and Cape Town, as well as participating in major international exercises.
She parted ways with the task group at the end of October, sailing to Gibraltar via the Cape of Good Hope and the west coast of Africa, stopping briefly in the remote British Overseas Territory of St Helena. Her sister ships, RFA Tideforce, continued to support the deployment in the Mediterranean.
Sailors in Gibraltar were presented with a commemorative coin and a certificate – which marked their efforts and the 120th anniversary of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Chief Petty Officer Andrew Clare, who has served in the RFA for 40 Years this January, Steward Andrew Hunter, the oldest member of Tidespring’s crew, and its youngest, Communicator Robbie Birch, were personally handed their keepsakes by the minister and Commodore.
Ms Sandher-Jones said: “First, my sincere thanks to Captain James Wingrove and the crew of RFA Tidespring for their exceptional support throughout the Carrier Strike Group validation, Operation Highmast,” said Louise Jones.
“2025 has been a platform to showcase the dedication and professionalism of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – RFA personnel have excelled in delivering vital support worldwide and underpinning Royal Navy operations at home and overseas.
“Finally, this year marks a proud milestone: the RFA’s 120th Anniversary. For 120 years, the Service has stood as a pillar of quiet strength and enduring commitment to our Royal Navy and Defence. To mark the end of the RFA’s contribution to Operation Highmast and recognise this special anniversary year, I’m delighted to join Commodore Sam Shattock, Head of the RFA Service, in presenting the first commemorative keepsakes to some of the crew.”
The RFA has been put under the spotlight in recent weeks, with sailors being balloted for strike action over a recent pay and conditions deal. Civilian sailors affiliated to Nautilus International and The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), could go on industrial action in Portsmouth and across the UK.
An RMT spokesperson previously said there is “deep frustration” in the force due to slow progress of reforms and a lack of commitment to improve terms and conditions. A Royal Navy spokesperson previously said pay negotiations are ongoing, and the government will work with the unions to reach a resolution that reflects the “vital contribution” of sailors.