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The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service (RFA) is a civilian manned fleet, owned by the Ministry of Defence. Its main task is to supply warships of the Royal Navy at sea with fuel, food, stores and ammunition which they need to remain operational while away from base. It also provides aviation support for the Royal Navy, together with amphibious support and secure sea transport for Army units and their equipment.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary, comprises 22 ships, that is owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The Flotilla is managed by the Commdore RFA who is directly responsible to the Commander in Chief Fleet (Cinc Fleet) for its day-to- day operation.

The primary role of the RFA is to supply the Royal Navy (RN) at sea, with food, fuel, ammunition and spares that it requires in order to maintain operations away from its home ports. In addition, the RFA provided the RN with seaborne aviation training facilities as well as secure logistical support and amphibious operations capability for the Royal Marines and the British Army.

The RFA is manned by British Civilian Seafarers whose training conforms to traditional Merchant Navy Competences overlaid with military skills that enable them to operate RFA ships in close support of military operations.

During it's long and distinguished history the RFA has earned many battle honours. The Flotilla was deployed in support of British Forces during the Falklands War and the Gulf War. The RFA's also formed part of the British contribution to operations in former Yugoslavia and are often deployed in support of Britains contribution to NATO and United Nations peace-keeping operations and humanitarian relief.

Most RFA ships carry, or are capable of carrying, RN helicopters and the personnel required to operate and maintain them. Because RFA ships are often required to operate in war zones in support of the RN, most have a limited weapons-fit for self-defence

History
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service was constituted in 1905. It began by carrying coal bunkers and other stores, acquiring a tanker fleet as British warships became oil burning during World War I. The RFA saw service in every naval theatre of operations (from the Arctic to the Pacific) in the Second World War, including the Maltese, Russian and other convoys. Since then it has supported the Royal Navy and the Army in Korea, Suez, Cyprus, Beira, Kuwait, Borneo, Belize, Aden and in the Icelandic Wars. During the Falklands Conflict in 1982, the RFA spearheaded logistic support for the Task Force, losing RFA Sir Galahad to heavy air attack at Fitzroy.

Throughout its history RFA officers and men have distinguished themselves, many being decorated for their gallantry and fortitude. More recently, the RFA played a fundamental role in the Gulf War supporting the British task Force, and in the Adriatic supporting the UN Task Force.

The Personnel
The RFA employs over 2000 civilian officers and ratings, and is one of the biggest employers in British Shipping. UK personnel serve under RFA conditions of service which contain clauses that take account of the Service centred around replenishment at sea, and also provide that the crew stay with the ship in the event of its being directed to an area where warlike hazards may arise. Personnel follow the traditional training paths of their Merchant Navy counterparts to obtain professional qualifications, but with a substantial overlay of Navy training to develop the skills needed in an operational environment. Many RFA ships carry naval or military parties for tasks such as the operation and maintenance of helicopters.

The Ships
RFAs are distinguished by their grey colour and their flag, the blue ensign defaced by an upright gold anchor. There are 19 ships in the RFA fleet; 8 Fleet and Support tankers, 2 Dry Cargo Fleet Replenishment Ships, 2 combined fuel and stores replenishment ship, 4 Landing ship’s Dock, 1 Landing Ships (Logistic), 1 Aviation Training Ship, and 1 Forward Repair Ship. RFA Argus was converted to an Aviation Training Ship at Harland and Wolff and entered service in 1989.