UK launches ship dedicated to drones and underwater surveillance
British protection has been enhanced with the launch of a new ship dedicated to underwater surveillance in areas of UK interest.
RFA Proteus, which started life as an oil rig support vessel, will be used as a launchpad for remotely-operated vehicles and a number of specialist capabilities used in the oil and gas industry.
Operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and named after the god of rivers and water in Greek mythology, the ship will also serve as a testbed for technology to be used beneath the waves.
She will carry a crew of 26 officers and sailors from the RFA, as well as 60 Royal Navy personnel responsible for the undersea surveillance and survey and warfare systems.
RFA Proteus also comes with a flight deck, a 1,000 sq metre cargo deck and a heavy-duty crane for lifting and lowering operations.
Commanding Officer Captain Martin Jones RFA said it was a "huge honour to be able to bring RFA Proteus to the City of London for her official naming ceremony".
"To be berthed at such an auspicious location alongside HMS Belfast on the River Thames, is a unique opportunity to present the RFA to the public eye and allow the ships company to enjoy the sights and sounds of London."
The ship was formally dedicated on the Thames in front of RFA Commodore-in Chief, Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh.
The ceremony comes just 11 months since the Ministry of Defence (MOD) committed to invest in Proteus as the first ship in its Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) programme.
After leaving Merseyside last month, the ship has undergone trials off Portland before heading to London, berthing alongside iconic wartime cruiser HMS Belfast, for today's service of dedication.
Commodore David Eagles, head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, said it was a "huge honour" to crew and operate the ship.
"Bringing a ship into service is a demanding endeavour which relies on a diverse, multi-skilled team, strong leadership, and unflinching determination," he added.
"Proteus is no different and I pay tribute to the men and women in the UK, military and civilian who have contributed to this project and made today possible."
Akshata Murty, a businesswoman and wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, will serve as RFA Proteus sponsor throughout her active life and said it was "a privilege" to sponsor the ship.
"The Royal Fleet Auxiliary are unsung heroes of our maritime security, and I am incredibly proud of all those who have worked on her to date, and all those who will serve on board in the years to come," she said.
"I look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Proteus and all associated with her."
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