The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a naval auxiliary fleet owned by the UK's Ministry of Defence. It is a component of His Majesty's Naval Service and provides logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. The RFA ensures the Royal Navy is supplied and supported by providing fuel and stores through replenishment at sea, transporting Royal Marines and British Army personnel, providing medical care and transporting equipment and essentials around the world. In addition the RFA acts independently providing humanitarian aid, counter piracy and counter narcotic patrols together with assisting the Royal Navy in preventing conflict and securing international trade. They are a uniformed civilian branch of the Royal Navy staffed by British merchant sailors. The RFA is one of five RN fighting arms.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary
USS Donald Cook receives fuel during a replenishment at sea (RAS) with RFA Wave Ruler.
Commodore Bill Walworth and Commodore Tim Fraser RN aboard RFA Lyme Bay
Tiderace (Tide class)
His Majesty's Naval Service
His Majesty's Naval Service is the United Kingdom's naval warfare and maritime service. It consists of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and Naval Careers Service. The Naval Service as a whole falls under the command of the Navy Board, which is headed by the First Sea Lord. This position is currently held by Admiral Sir Ben Key. The Defence Council delegates administration of the Naval Service to the Admiralty Board, chaired by the Secretary of State for Defence.
HMS Queen Elizabeth on sea trials in June 2017
HMS Vanguard, a Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarine
HMS Diamond, a Type 45 guided missile destroyer
Mk5 Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel