National Support Squadron (Royal Australian Navy)

Last updated
National Support Squadron (RAN)
Active2022-present
CountryFlag of Australia (converted).svg Australia
TypeNaval Squadron
RoleAuxiliary
Part of Royal Australian Navy
LiverySaphire-blue hull and white superstructure [1]
Strength7 ships

The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) National Support Squadron is a fleet of auxiliary naval vessels that provide critical non-combat support to the RAN's operations. These ships enhance the Navy's logistical and operational capabilities, particularly in regional engagements and humanitarian missions as well as supporting the introduction of unmanned systems. [2] These ships are crewed through a partnership between the RAN and civilian mariners from Teekay Shipping Australia Pty Ltd. Each vessel has a permanent naval liaison officer on board, and additional mission-specific personnel from the Australian Defence Force or other government agencies can be embarked as needed. Medical services are provided by Opstar Pty Ltd, a Nowra-based search and rescue specialist company. [1]

Contents

Role

ADV Guidance at Fleet Base East in November 2023 ADV Guidance at Fleet Base East November 2023.jpg
ADV Guidance at Fleet Base East in November 2023

The National Support Squadron plays a vital role in the RAN's regional engagement strategies including but not limited to training, [3] submarine search and rescue, [4] humanitarian aid [5] and the introduction of unmanned systems.

For instance, the ADV Reliant has been deployed to the South-West Pacific to provide aid to Pacific nations. [6]

List of active vessels

NameVessel typeClassEntered serviceNotes
MV Mercator Navigation training vessel-1998
MV Besant Submarine rescue ship -2015
MV Stoker Submarine rescue ship -2016Carries the LR5 submarine rescue vehicle
ADV Ocean Protector Auxiliary naval vessel-2016Conducts border protection duties
MV Sycamore Aviation training vessel-2017
ADV Reliant Auxiliary naval vessel-2022Pacific Support Vessel
ADV Guidance Auxiliary naval vessel-2023Undersea Support Vessel

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Massie, Mark (26 August 2022). "Pacific support vessel shoots to thrill". defence.gov.au/news-events. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  2. ↑ Defence Media (8 April 2023). "Undersea support vessel to deliver enhanced capability". defence.gov.au/news-events. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  3. ↑ "MV Sycamore" . Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  4. ↑ "MV Stoker" . Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  5. ↑ "ADV Reliant" . Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  6. ↑ Aldrich, Sharon (3 February 2025). "Reliant delivers in the Pacific". Defence News and Events. Retrieved 26 August 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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