RFA: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary explained as organisation celebrates 120th anniversary

Ready for rapid deployment anywhere in the world, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) delivers worldwide logistic and operational support to Royal Navy and Royal Marines operations.

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

Established in 1905 by an order of the Admiralty, the RFA is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year.

• From RFA to HMS: Stirling Castle, the minehunter with autonomous countermeasures – and a sauna
• RFA Tidespring refuels New Zealand frigate during Carrier Strike Group deployment
• Tidespring turns: RFA vessel breaks away from CSG25 as it heads towards Suez and Red Sea

Since its inception, the RFA has supported numerous operations, from war-fighting and counter-piracy in hostile environments, to relief and evacuation in devastated climates.

Military operations during every major conflict since the First World War have made use of the civilian crew's mixed background experience and a variety of RFA vessels.

From replenishing warships on the move to dropping Royal Marines into hotspots, the RFA has the vessel for the occasion. These include:

:: Six tankers, including four Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) tankers, provide supplies and fuel for military ships. These MARS vessels offer a vital refuelling capability. 

Among them is RFA Tideforce, a 39,000-tonne fleet replenishment vessel capable of 'underway replenishment' – on-the-move refuelling – for two aircraft carriers simultaneously. 

:: Three Fleet Solid Support Ships are able to carry and store food, ammunition and explosives, keeping military operations well stocked, anywhere and everywhere.

:: Three vessels within the Landing Ship Docking Auxiliary facilitate amphibious operations, dropping troops safely into dangerous conditions – an important role in providing humanitarian aid.

:: One Primary Casualty Reception Facility, RFA Argus, operates within the fleet. Argus is 175 metres in length, fits 100 beds on board – essentially making it a hospital-at-sea for wounded personnel.

RFA Tidespring is currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific as part of the Carrier Strike Group 25's eight-month mission.

The RFA is currently led by Commodore Sam Shattock, who took over the role in 2024.