:Royal Fleet Auxiliary

{{Further|Maritime history of the United Kingdom|History of the Royal Navy}}

File:RFA Wave Ruler (A-390) refueling USS Donald Cook (DDG 75).jpg receives fuel during a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the former RFA Wave Ruler.]]

The RFA was established in 1905 to provide logistical support for the Navy. Since the Royal Navy of that era possessed the largest network of bases around the world of any fleet, the RFA at first took a relatively minor role.

The RFA first became heavily relied upon by the Royal Navy during World War II, when the British fleet was often far from available bases, either due to the enemy capturing such bases, or, in the Pacific, because of the sheer distances involved. World War II also saw naval ships staying at sea for much longer periods than had been the case since the days of sail. Techniques of replenishment at sea (RAS) were developed. The auxiliary fleet comprised a diverse collection, with not only RFA ships, but also commissioned warships and merchantmen as well. The need for the fleet to be maintained was unambiguously demonstrated by World War II.

After 1945, the RFA became the Royal Navy's main source of support in the many conflicts that the Navy was involved in. The RFA performed important service to the Far East Fleet off Korea from 1950 until 1953, when sustained carrier operations were again mounted in Pacific waters. During the extended operations of the Konfrontasi in the 1960s, the RFA was also heavily involved. As the network of British bases overseas shrank during the end of the Empire, the Navy increasingly relied on the RFA to supply its ships during routine deployments.

The RFA played an important role{{clarify|in what way|date=May 2023}} in the largest naval war since 1945, the Falklands War in 1982 (where one vessel was lost and another badly damaged), and also the Gulf War, Kosovo War, Afghanistan Campaign and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.{{cn|date=May 2023}}

In July 2008, the RFA was presented with a Queen's Colour, an honour unique to a civilian organisation.Journal of the Flag Institute, [http://www.flaginstitute.org/pdfs/Flagmaster128.pdf Issue 128, p. 20] {{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}Gunline, [http://www.historicalrfa.org/downloads/Gunline-Apr-08.pdf April 2008, p. 7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310124817/http://www.historicalrfa.org/downloads/Gunline-Apr-08.pdf |date=10 March 2012 }}Gunline, [http://www.historicalrfa.org/downloads/Gunline-Sep-08.pdf Sept 2008, p. 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310103241/http://www.historicalrfa.org/downloads/Gunline-Sep-08.pdf |date=10 March 2012 }}

{{see also|List of Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship names}}{{Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship types}}

File:Commodore RFA and Commodore Fraser.jpg RN aboard RFA Lyme Bay]]

Ships in RFA service carry the ship prefix RFA, standing for Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and fly the Blue Ensign defaced with an upright gold killick anchor. All Royal Fleet Auxiliaries are built and maintained to Lloyd's Register and Department for Transport standards.

As of 2024/25, there are 11 ships in service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary with a total displacement of approximately 278,000 tonnes. These figures exclude the merchant navy vessels under charter to the Ministry of Defence performing sealift and fuel provisioning roles.

The most important role provided by the RFA is replenishment at sea (RAS), therefore the mainstay of the current RFA fleet are the replenishment ships.Britain's Modern Royal Navy, Paul Beaver, Patrick Stephens Limited, 1996, {{ISBN|1-85260-442-5}} Two classes of vessel are in service as of 2024: {{RFAux|Fort Victoria|A387|2}} and the {{sclass2|Tide|tanker|4}}.

The Tide class are designated 'Fast Fleet Tankers' that were ordered in February 2012. The four tankers were ordered from DSME, South Korea with design support from Britain's BMT Defence Services, the first of which {{RFAux|Tidespring|A136|2}} entered service in 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://navaltoday.com/2017/01/25/uk-accepts-rfa-tidespring-after-ten-month-delay/|title=UK accepts RFA Tidespring after ten-month delay|date=25 January 2017|publisher=NavalToday|access-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126065143/http://navaltoday.com/2017/01/25/uk-accepts-rfa-tidespring-after-ten-month-delay/|archive-date=26 January 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} From 2022, only the Tide class remained active with both of the former {{sclass2|Wave|tanker|4}} vessels placed in extended readiness (uncrewed reserve) and then, in 2024/25, retired from service completely.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2k0292v0w1o |title=UK to decommission ships, drones and helicopters to save £500m |website=BBC |last=Vock |first=Ido |date=20 November 2024}}{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1495750964632080389 |title=NAO report on EP says MoD has decided to place both Wave Class RFA tankers in "extended readiness" saving £79M over 10 years. |user=NavyLookout |number=1495750964632080389 |date=21 February 2022 |access-date=3 April 2022}} As of April 2024, RFA Tiderace was also reported to be in extended readiness, primarily owing to serious personnel shortages in the RFA.{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1776290443468189892?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@NavyLookout. @RFATiderace is officially 'in maintenance' @CammellLaird but actually has been significantly store robbed and is now at extended readiness indefinitely (Laid up next to @RFAFortVictoria) |number=1776290443468189892 |user=NavyLookout |date=5 April 2024 |access-date=5 April 2024}}

RFA Fort Victoria is a 'one-stop' replenishment ship, capable of providing under way refuelling and dry cargo (i.e. rearming, victualling and spares). Until 2011, she had a sister ship in {{RFAux|Fort George|A388|6}} until she was decommissioned as a result of defence cuts. Two ships of the {{sclass|Fort Rosalie|replenishment ship|4}} also provided dry stores replenishment but were placed into extended readiness in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/premium-rfa-trio-remain-extended-readiness-reduced/|title = RFA trio remain in extended readiness as reduced fleet continues to support RN deployments - Shephard Media}} The two ships were later decommissioned, leaving Fort Victoria the only fleet solid support ship in service.{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-sells-naval-vessels-to-egypt/|title=Britain sells naval vessels to Egypt|date=29 October 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-of-the-potential-sale-of-the-former-rfa-austin-and-rfa-rosalie-for-recycling-only|title = Notice of the potential sale of the former RFA Austin and RFA Rosalie for recycling only}} In 2023, Fort Victoria was reported to be in "reduced readiness" and, in 2024, she was relegated to "extended readiness" (uncrewed reserve).{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1661677820832100354 |title=@RFAFortVictoria UPDATE Now in Leith being maintained by small crew but is mechanically sound and in an emergency could support an unplanned CSG deployment, although this would require taking crews from other RFA vessels that currently have higher priority |number=1661677820832100354 |user=NavyLookout |date=25 May 2023 |access-date=27 May 2023}}{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1696873541973750142 |title=@RFAFortVictoria sailed from Leith today to continue her lay up in Birkenhead, pending further work at @CammellLaird |number=1696873541973750142 |user=NavyLookout |date=30 August 2023 |access-date=30 August 2023}} A class of three new fleet solid support ships are expected to arrive starting in 2031 under the Fleet Solid Support Ship Programme.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2023-06-13.HL8463.h&s=Fleet+Solid+Support|title=Fleet Solid Support Ships: Procurement Ministry of Defence written question – answered on 27 June 2023 |website=They Work for you |date=27 June 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf|title=2015 SDSR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124082813/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf|archive-date=24 November 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/march/23/1sl-message-on-integrated-review |title=First Sea Lord's Message on Integrated Review |publisher=Royal Navy |date=23 March 2021 |access-date=29 March 2021}}{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-changes-course-on-interim-anti-ship-missile-for-a-second-time/ | title=Royal Navy changes course on interim anti-ship missile for a second time | Navy Lookout | date=6 July 2022 }} The manufacturing contract for this acquisition, valued at £1.6 billion, was signed in January 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/01/uk-mod-signs-contract-with-team-resolute-for-3-logistic-ships-for-the-royal-navy/ | title=UK MoD signs contract with Team Resolute for 3 logistic ships for the Royal Navy | date=18 January 2023 }}

The Tide class and Fort Victoria incorporate aviation facilities, providing aviation support and training facilities as well as vertical replenishment capabilities. They are capable of operating and supporting Merlin and Lynx Wildcat helicopters, both of which are significant weapons platforms. The presence of aviation facilities on RFA ships allows for them to be used as 'force multipliers' for the task groups they support in line with Royal Navy doctrine.

File:RFA Tiderace arrives at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a scheduled port visit in August 2017.jpg|Tiderace (Tide class)

File:RFA Fort Victoria A387 BB.jpg|Fort Victoria (Fort Victoria class)

From 2025 the RFA is tasked with playing the lead role in providing amphibious shipping within the naval service, through its three {{sclass2|Bay|landing ship|0}} dock landing ships (LSD). Typically one Bay-class vessel has also been assigned as a permanent 'mothership' for Royal Navy mine countermeasures vessels in the Persian Gulf. However, crewing problems in the RFA have meant that the capacity to do this has eroded.{{cite web|title=The Royal Navy’s fading presence in the Middle East|url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-royal-navys-fading-presence-in-the-middle-east/|website=Navy Lookout |access-date=16 December 2024|date=16 December 2024}}

The 2021 defence white paper proposed the acquisition of a new class of up to six Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS) to support littoral strike operations. These vessels are to replace the Bay-class ships, and other vessels, starting in the 2030s. In the interim, the white paper had proposed to upgrade one of the Bay-class vessels with permanent hangar facilities in order to carry out the littoral strike role.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/up-arrows-and-down-arrows-reflecting-on-the-defence-command-paper/|title = Up arrows and down arrows – reflecting on the Defence Command Paper | Navy Lookout| date=30 March 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-defence-command-paper-and-the-future-of-the-royal-navy/|title=The Defence Command Paper and the future of the Royal Navy | Navy Lookout|date=22 March 2021 }} However, in July 2022 it was reported that the future littoral strike role would in fact be assumed by {{RFAux|Argus|A135|6}} after a refit to convert her to this role.{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-oldest-ship-in-the-royal-naval-service-to-become-the-new-littoral-strike-ship/ | title=The oldest ship in the Royal Naval Service to become the new Littoral Strike Ship | Navy Lookout | date=20 July 2022 }}

Argus is a unique support ship in the RFA and has served in various aviation support roles. On active operations, she can deploy as a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship (PCRS); essentially a hospital ship. She cannot be described as such – and was not afforded such protection under the Geneva Convention – as she is armed. Argus completed a refit in May 2007 intended to extend her operational life to 2020.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6649989.stm BBC News: Refit of navy ship RFA Argus ends], bbc.co.uk Prior to the announcement that she would take on the Littoral strike role, Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin indicated that it was planned to retain the ship in service beyond 2030 rather than retiring her in 2024 as previously planned.{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/rfa-argus-extended-in-service-beyond-2030/ | title=RFA Argus extended in service beyond 2030 | Navy Lookout | date=29 June 2022 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/no-plans-or-funding-to-replace-royal-navys-rfa-argus/|title = No plans or funding to replace Royal Navy's RFA Argus|date = 27 February 2020}} The 2021 defence white paper did not specifically mention her replacement. However, Minister Quinn indicated that her functions are projected to be taken over by the new MRSS vessels, approved for acquisition in the 2021 defence white paper.

File:The British Royal Fleet Auxiliary landing dock ship RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009) maneuvers into position to receive a U.S. Navy MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 in 130520-N-OA702-044.jpg|Cardigan Bay (Bay class)

File:RFA Argus off the coast of Devonport.jpg|Argus

The RFA has acquired a Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship to protect undersea critical national infrastructure, such as gas pipelines and undersea cables.{{cite news |title=Royal Navy infrastructure protection ship accelerated |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-infrastructure-protection-ship-accelerated |access-date=8 November 2022 |work=GOV.UK |date=7 November 2022}} In February 2023, the vessel identified for this role - MV Topaz Tangaroa - was acquired and in October 2023 entered service as RFA Proteus. She was purchased for some £70 million and was converted to act as a mothership for autonomous systems and have military communications and light defensive armament added.

It is reported that a second MROS ship is envisaged, which may be a new build vessel and, as of 2023, is in the concept stage. Service entry is envisaged likely in the early 2030s.{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/uk-purchases-commercial-vessel-for-conversion-to-ocean-surveillance-ship/ | title=UK purchases commercial vessel for conversion to ocean surveillance ship; Navy Lookout | date=17 January 2023 }}{{cite news |title=Why has the Royal Navy decommissioned 6 ships in a year? |url=https://www.navylookout.com/why-has-the-royal-navy-decommissioned-6-ships-in-a-year/ |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=Navy Lookout |date=23 March 2023}}

File:RFA Proteus in Cammell Laird.webp|Proteus at Cammell Laird

In December 2022, it was reported that a commercial vessel was being sought for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary which would act as a trials vessel to further develop the concept of deploying autonomous minehunting systems from command and support motherships.{{cite web | url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/12/uk-seeks-commercial-osv-to-act-as-blue-water-mine-warfare-mothership/ | title=UK Seeks Commercial OSV to Act as Blue-Water Mine Warfare Mothership | date=20 December 2022 }} The new vessel, to be named RFA Stirling Castle,{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1635613501971394562 |title=Former MV Island Crown, currently in Devonport being converted into a mothership to support RN autonmous mine warfare systems is to be re-named: RFA Stirling Castle |number=1635613501971394562 |user=NavyLookout |date=14 March 2023 |access-date=14 March 2023}} is the former offshore support vessel MV Island Crown which, after her entry into service, is likely to be based at the Clyde naval base to operate with the Mine Threat and Exploitation Group which deploys the Royal Navy's autonomous vessels. The ship was purchased for £40 million and arrived at HMNB Devonport in January 2023. Her conversion was not anticipated to be lengthy.{{cite news |title=Up close with RFA Stirling Castle – first of the navy's new motherships |url=https://www.navylookout.com/up-close-with-rfa-stirling-castle-first-of-the-navys-new-motherships/ |access-date=4 July 2023 |work=Navy Lookout |date=4 July 2023}} Full service entry took place in April 2024{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1778455975655051681?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@NavyLookout.@RFAStrlngCastle formally welcomed into RFA service at service of dedication held in Leith today in the presence of HRH Prince Edward |number=1778455975655051681 |user=NavyLookout |date=11 April 2024 |access-date=11 April 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-royal-fleet-auxiliary-in-2023/ |title=The Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 2023 |date=15 December 2023|accessdate=2023-12-15|website=Navy Lookout}} though a serious manpower shortage in the RFA meant that, as of late 2024, the ship was effectively inactive.{{cite tweet |url=https://x.com/NavyLookout/status/1845008521093320759?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet|title=@NavyLookout. @RFAStrlngCastle crane defect rectified - tested while alongside in Portland this week (with water-filled load test weight bags). |number=1845008521093320759 |user=NavyLookout |date=12 October 2024 |access-date=12 October 2024}}

Up to three additional ships, either new-build vessels or commercial conversions, are planned for eventual acquisition in the mine countermeasures command and support role.

File:2013-06 Island Crown.jpg|Stirling Castle

The {{sclass2|Point|sealift ship|1}}s were acquired in 2002 under a £1.25bn private finance initiative with Foreland Shipping known as the Strategic Sealift Service. These ships are Merchant Navy vessels leased to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as and when needed and as such are not part of the RFA. However, they are listed here due to their role in expeditionary military operations and in provisioning U.K. military bases and facilities. Originally six ships were part of the deal, allowing the MoD use of four of the ships with two being made available for commercial charter, these latter two were released from the contract in 2012.[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130902/text/130902w0002.htm Strategic Sealift Service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129175834/http://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130902/text/130902w0002.htm/ |date=29 November 2016 }}, publications.parliament.uk, 2 Sep 2013

The MoD also contracts to secure fuel supplies for facilities overseas. For sometime this requirement was maintained through charter of the vessel {{MV|Maersk Rapier||2}},{{cite book|last=Bush|first=Steve|title=British Warships and Auxiliaries|year=2014|publisher=Maritime Books|page=50 |isbn=978-1904459552}} then with the vessel Raleigh Fisher and most recently with the ship Leander Fisher.{{Cite web|url=https://splash247.com/james-fisher-secures-37-2m-worth-of-contracts-acquires-mr-tanker/|title=James Fisher secures $37.2m worth of contracts, acquires MR tanker|date=17 July 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.forces.net/news/operations/operation-shader-how-rafs-aircraft-are-kept-flying|title = On the Ground with 'The Fuelies': How the RAF's Aircraft Are Kept Flying}}{{cite tweet |url=https://x.com/NavyLookout/status/1878429430516752591?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@NavyLookout.@JamesFisherPLC tanker MV Leander Fisher in Gibraltar. |number=1878429430516752591 |user=NavyLookout |date=12 January 2025 |access-date=13 January 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9878058|title = Leander Fisher |website=Vessel Finder |access-date = 13 January 2025}} As of 2025, Leander Fisher is tasked with supplying fuel to the United Kingdom's various naval establishments at home and overseas, as well as providing aviation fuel to RAF stations at Cyprus, Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands. A further vessel was chartered from Furetank in 2025 also for the delivery of petroleum products to UK & overseas bases and to assist the Joint Expeditionary Force Maritime.{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ministry-of-defence-tenders-100m-global-refuelling-contract/|title=Ministry of Defence tenders £100m global refuelling contract |website=UK Defence Journal |last=Allison |first=George |date = 18 July 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mynewsdesk.com/furetank/pressreleases/furetank-announces-five-year-time-charter-agreement-with-uk-ministry-of-defence-3365594?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=Subscription&utm_content=current_news|title=Furetank Announces Five-Year Time Charter Agreement with UK Ministry of Defence |website=Furetank |date = 23 January 2025}} The MoD has chartered vessels to commercial companies during periods when not in use for defence purposes.[https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo031027/text/31027w01.htm Hired Tankers Hansard Written Answers – House of Commons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026200919/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmhansrd/vo031027/text/31027w01.htm |date=26 October 2016 }}, publications.parliament.uk, 27 October 2003

• Not part of the RFA, under charter to the MoD

File:Merchant Vessel Hartland Point Carrying Military Equipment During Cougar 12 MOD 45154449.jpg|Hartland Point (Point class)

Rank insignia of RFA officers differ from the Royal Navy as the RFA makes use of the diamond used by some British merchant shipping companies, rather than the executive curl used by the RN.

The rank of commodore is the most senior in the RFA.

Department Colours

The RFA uses distinction cloth to distinguish the branch of its officers. The Royal Navy ceased this practice for most officers in 1955, with the exception of medical and dental officers who are denoted by red and orange cloth respectively.

Although the Marine Engineering distinction cloth is generally described as being purple, it is in practice closer to maroon.

Officers and Ratings of the RFA wear similar uniforms to the regular navy with RFA distinguishing marks.

File:2013 Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service and Reunion 01 (Bill Walworth cropped).JPG

This is the formal uniform worn on ceremonial occasions. For all officers it consists of a double-breasted, navy blue reefer jacket with four rows of two RFA buttons; matching trousers; white shirt and black tie; peaked cap; and black leather shoes. Rank insignia is denoted on the lower sleeve. RFA officer cap badges, although similar in style to those used by RN officers, feature a ring with letters 'RFA' surrounding the fouled anchor at the centre.

For ratings below the rank of Petty Officer, this uniform is a single breasted tunic fastened with four RFA buttons, with flapped chest pockets and hip pockets; white shirt and black tie, and a dark blue beret and black leather shoes. Petty Officers and Chief Petty Officers wear a double breasted navy blue reefer jacket similar to the Officers version but with three rows of two RFA buttons. They wear a beret with an RFA badge, formerly a pantone blue, now the same colour as the RN Navy Blue. Rank insignia is denoted on the lower sleeve.

File:Prins Edward, earl av Wessex & Sophie, grevinna av Wessex -3.jpg]]

Number 2A dress is the formal evening dress for ceremonial dinners; it consists of a navy blue mess jacket with a white waistcoat (black cummerbund for female officers) with miniature medals.

2B is "mess undress" for other mess functions, and is worn with either a black cummerbund or navy blue waistcoat and miniature medals. 2C, "red sea rig", is worn for informal evening wear on board ship; it consists of a white short sleeved shirt, worn with shoulderboards, without medals and with black trousers, black shoes and a black cummerbund. It is unusual to see a black cummerbund worn with red sea rig as it is traditional to have personalised cummerbunds. These are usually in the branch colours of the wearer and commonly have either a branch insignia or a ship's badge embroidered in the centre. This tradition is also prevalent in the RN.

This is worn all year round for general duties. It consists of a white shirt with rank insignia on the shoulders, and appropriate headgear. For officers 3A dress includes a long-sleeved shirt and tie, while 3B includes a short-sleeved shirt worn with hard shoulder boards. 3C is the same in all respects as 3A but with the addition of a navy blue woollen jersey.

This is the same as for Officer's No. 3 dress but with the relevant rate insignia and beret. Junior rates are only issued with short-sleeve shirts and are not issued with ties. Thus No.3 dress is divided into 3B (without jersey) and 3C dress (navy-blue jersey worn over the shirt with the shirt collar out). There is no equivalent of 3A dress for junior ratings.

Number 4 dress is the working uniform of the RFA. It is referred to as Royal Fleet Auxiliary Personal Clothing System (RFAPCS); it consists of a navy blue fire-retardant jacket, navy blue baseball cap and beret, navy blue stable belt, navy-blue fire-retardant trousers, dms boots, black T-shirt and an optional navy-blue microfleece.

Number 4R dress is the same only without the jacket and with an optional baseball cap.

RFAPCS is distinguished from its RNPCS counterpart by the RFA blue ensign and 'ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY' tape replacing the white ensign and 'ROYAL NAVY' tape worn on the left arm and left chest pocket respectively.

Junior ratings may also wear an RFA badged baseball cap in this order of dress, whilst undertaking courses at Royal Navy establishments.

Number 5 dress is the collective category for all specialist working uniforms. They are worn as required for duties.

As of 2022–23, the RFA was reported to be facing considerable recruiting challenges. Manpower was said to have dropped by 5 per cent from 2021 to 2022, contributing to the reduced availability, and even potential redundancy, of some vessels.{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/wave-class-tankers-to-remain-in-extended-readiness-to-2028/ |title=Wave class tankers to remain in extended readiness to 2028 |website=UK Defence Journal |last=Allison |first=George |date=17 June 2023}}{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1667449403664105472 |title=@NavyLookout Given crew shortages, it has been decided RFA Wave Ruler and RFA Wave Knight will be permanently decommissioned. |number=1667449403664105472 |user=NavyLookout |date=10 June 2023 |access-date=10 June 2023}} In September 2024 RFA sailors began strike action over low pay. Due to compounding personnel shortages, even routine ship movements were curtailed.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/rfa-cardigan-bay-returns-to-uk-but-no-sailors-available-to-take-her-to-shipyard-for-refit/ |title=RFA Cardigan Bay returns to UK but no sailors available to take her to shipyard for refit |website=Navy Lookout |date=17 September 2024}}

The RFA recruits ratings either directly from industry (or where they are suitably trained to allow direct entry), or as apprentices whilst undertaking training.

Officers are recruited in one of three ways:{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/rfa/training-progression-and-development|title=Royal Fleet Auxiliary Logistics (RFA) Training & Development|website=www.royalnavy.mod.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120225901/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/rfa/training-progression-and-development|archive-date=20 January 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

• direct from industry (or where they are suitably trained to allow direct entry)
• via the RTO (rating-to-officer) programme
• as cadets

All new officers take part in a 10-week Initial Naval Training Officers (INT-O) course at BRNC Dartmouth that is designed to familiarise new officers to the RFA and develop leadership skills.

File:Commodores David Eagles and Duncan Lamb.jpg

The post of Commodore of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (COMRFA) was created in 1951, known as Commodore RFA and Deputy Director Royal Navy Afloat Support since 2020, is the senior officer of the RFA.{{cite web |title=New Commodore Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Assistant Chief of Staff Afloat Support |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/october/03/131003-rfa-new-cdre |website=Royal Navy |access-date=7 July 2020 |language=en |date=3 October 2013}} The following people have served as COMRFA:{{cite web |title=RFA Commodores |url=http://www.historicalrfa.org/rfa-commodores |website=www.historicalrfa.org |publisher=RFA Historical Society |access-date=7 July 2020}}{{cite web |title=New head of Royal Fleet Auxiliary |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/september/02/200902-rfa-new-head |website=Royal Navy |access-date=12 September 2020 |language=en |date=2 September 2020}}

{{div col}}

• 1951–1954: Stanley Kent
• 1954–1955: William Browne
• 1955–1957: Thomas Card
• 1957–1962: Thomas Elder
• 1962–1964: Albert Curtain
• 1964–1966: Eric Payne
• 1966–1968: Griffith Evans
• 1968–1971: Joe Dines
• 1971–1972: Henry L'Estrange
• 1972–1977: George Robson
• 1977–1983: Samuel Dunlop{{cite news |title=Commodore 'Black Sam' Dunlop |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/2581224/Commodore-Black-Sam-Dunlop.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/2581224/Commodore-Black-Sam-Dunlop.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=7 July 2020 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=18 August 2008}}{{cbignore}}
• 1983–1985: James Coull
• 1986–1989: Barry Rutterford
• 1989–1994: Richard Thorn
• 1994–1999: Norman Squire
• 1999–2003: Peter Lannin
• 2003–2008: Robert Thornton
• 2008–2013: Bill Walworth
• 2013–2015: Rob Dorey
• 2015–2020: Duncan Lamb
• 2020–2024: David Eagles
• 2024-present: Sam Shattock

{{div col end}}

• List of amphibious warfare ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
• List of replenishment ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
• List of miscellaneous ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

• List of active Royal Navy ships
• List of active Royal Marines military watercraft
• List of ships of Serco Marine Services

• His Majesty's Naval Service
• List of Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship names
• Merchant Navy (United Kingdom)
• Royal Research Ship
• Military Sealift Command – the United States Navy's analogue to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary
• Solid Support Ship

{{Reflist|group=N}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary – A Century of Service. Adams/Smith. London 2005. Chatham Publishing. {{ISBN|1-86176-259-3}}.

• {{Official website}}
• [http://rfaaplymouth.org/rfaaphotoarchive/index.php RFA Association Photo Archive] (rfaaplymouth.org)
• [http://www.historicalrfa.org History of the RFA] (historicalrfa.org)

{{Naval Service (British)}}

{{Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships}}

Category:British Merchant Navy

Category:1905 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Naval Service