Although all part of the Fort Class, these ships have two very different roles.
Fort Victoria and Fort George combine the functions of fleet oilers and stores ships. Being large and adaptable they are equipped with an expansive flight deck, supported by hangars for three Sea King-sized helicopters. This class can embark and support both anti-submarine helicopters and troop-carrying Sea King Mk4 helicopters, which can transfer large amounts of stores to other ships.
For dual-purpose replenishment rigs are fitted amidships, enabling transfer of fuel and stores to two ships simultaneously. Both can fuel vessels over the stern. The variety of tasks that these vessels can be employed upon is reflected in their complements. The ship’s company of RFA officers and ratings is supplemented by civilian Warship Support Agency staff and RN personnel who maintain the weapons.
The ability to re- arm and re-supply the Royal Navy while underway, coupled to their capacity to carry extra helicopters, makes these ships a highly flexible and important part of any naval task group. They have extensive storage areas for stowage of everything from food to weapons.
Fort Victoria and Fort George combine the functions of fleet oilers and stores ships. Being large and adaptable they are equipped with an expansive flight deck, supported by hangars for three Sea King-sized helicopters. This class can embark and support both anti-submarine helicopters and troop-carrying Sea King Mk4 helicopters, which can transfer large amounts of stores to other ships.
For dual-purpose replenishment rigs are fitted amidships, enabling transfer of fuel and stores to two ships simultaneously. Both can fuel vessels over the stern. The variety of tasks that these vessels can be employed upon is reflected in their complements. The ship’s company of RFA officers and ratings is supplemented by civilian Warship Support Agency staff and RN personnel who maintain the weapons.
The ability to re- arm and re-supply the Royal Navy while underway, coupled to their capacity to carry extra helicopters, makes these ships a highly flexible and important part of any naval task group. They have extensive storage areas for stowage of everything from food to weapons.
RFA Fort Victoria was built by Harland and Wolff, being launched in 1990. She was accepted into service in 1994.
RFA Fort George was built by Swan Hunter, being launched in 1991. She was accepted into service in 1994.
