‘FLOATING Service Station’ RFA Wave Knight Heading To Clyde After Middle East Mission

Wave Knight draws alongside a warship to refuel at sea

ROYAL Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Wave Knight will arrive at Loch Striven on Saturday (29 February) after sustaining allied warships in the fight against terrorism in the Middle East.

The 196-metre ship spent seven months away from home, six of them in the Middle East where she was used as a ‘floating service station’, providing fuel to patrolling warships.

The ship’s fuelling rig was run out 29 times during the mission as Wave Knight’s huge tanks topped-up British, French, Spanish and US warships.

In total the tanker pumped 12,276 cubic metres of ship fuel -– 12,276,000 litres -– enough to fill up the tanks of more than 220,000 family cars. Wave Knight also delivered 319 cubic metres of fuel for helicopters and aircraft in the region.

Captain Simon Herbert, Wave Knight’s commanding officer, said: “I am proud of my ship’s company for the dedication and professionalism they have displayed while operating far from home and loved ones.

“Wave Knight has completed a successful deployment which has included the delivery of maritime security, making an important contribution to the freedom of navigation and providing direct maritime support to the Royal Navy and coalition warships.

“We are looking forward to some well-earned leave when it arrives.”

During her stay at Loch Striven, RFA Wave Knight’s fuel tanks will be pumped out at the loch’s fuel depot. Once emptied, the ship will sail for Devonport to offload remaining stores and supplies before heading to Birkenhead at the end of March to begin a refit at the Cammell Laird yard.