Former Head Of RFA: 'We’re Beginning To Find Our Feet Again As A Maritime Nation'

The former head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) has told Forces News he believes the UK is "beginning to find our feet again" as a "maritime nation".

Commodore Duncan Lamb handed over the role to Commodore David Eagles during a ceremony in Portsmouth last month after five years at the helm.

Speaking a few weeks into retirement, Cdre Lamb reflected on what the service has achieved and what challenges lie ahead.

"It's certainly come a long way and continues to change and transform, to remain relevant and deliver the outputs that are required by the Royal Navy," he told Forces News.

"It's been quite a tough, but rewarding, five years.

"Tough from the perspective of lots of change happening, lots to get our heads around, financial challenges and manpower challenges but, rewarding in terms of there’s very few of my predecessors have been in a position to oversee four new fleet replenishment tankers coming into service."

His tenure as RFA Head of Service and Deputy Director of RN Afloat Support marked the climax of a career spanning more than 43 years.

During his time in charge, Cdre Lamb oversaw the introduction of four new Tide-class tankers – the largest ships under the RFA banner.

The vessels are crucial to supporting the operations of HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales and their carrier battle groups into the mid-21st century.

He said the introduction of the ships into the RFA was "absolutely brilliant" and "totally memorable".

Looking forward, Cdre Lamb also predicted "busy times" for the Royal Navy and RFA.

He warned: "The geopolitics is certainly putting a focus on sea trade and sea lines of communications in this day and age and I think that will grow in importance as we move through the decade."

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary provides the fuel, supplies, ammunition and cargo space to support the Royal Navy when on deployment anywhere in the world.

It is staffed by merchant sailors and is the civilian branch of the naval service.

Cdre Lamb described it as "a privilege" to work alongside the Navy as part of the RFA, adding: "The past five years have been an immense privilege to head the organisation that I joined way back in 1977.

"I’ve got no grand plans for the future. I don’t really see myself doing anything quite as all-consuming as Com [Commander of the] RFA.

"My heart is still in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and I will be watching with extreme fondness as my successor, Commodore David Eagles, takes the service forward into the 2020s now."