RFA Gold Rover

Last updated

RFA Gold Rover MOD 45139420.jpg
RFA Gold Rover
History
British-Royal-Fleet-Auxiliary-Ensign.svgUnited Kingdom
NameRFA Gold Rover
OrderedNovember 1971
Builder Swan Hunter, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
Launched7 March 1973
In service22 March 1974
Out of service6 March 2017
HomeportLondon
Identification
FateScrapped (completely dismantled: 2 December 2019)
Badge Gold Rover Ships Badge.jpg
General characteristics
Class and type Rover-class tanker
Tonnage
Displacement11,520 tons full load
Length461 ft 4 in (140.61 m)
Beam63 ft 2 in (19.25 m)
Draught24 ft 0 in (7.32 m)
Depth33 ft 6 in (10.21 m)
Propulsion
  • 2 × SEMT-Pielstick 16 PA 4 diesel engines (post 1974)
  • 15,360 hp (11,450 kW)
  • 1 × shaft
  • Bow thruster
Speed18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Range15,000 miles (24,000 km) at 15 knots (28 km/h)
Endurance8,000 nautical miles
Capacity
  • 7,460 m3 (46,900 bbl) fuel oil
  • 600 tons aviation fuel
  • 70 tons lubricating oil
  • 362 m3 (80,000 imp gal) fresh water
Complement
  • 16 officers
  • 31 ratings
Sensors and
processing systems
  • Sperry Marine Visionmaster radars and ECDIS
  • 1690 I band navigation radars
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armament
Aircraft carriedone flight spot for a Merlin can take a Chinook
Aviation facilities Helicopter deck (no hangar)

RFA Gold Rover(A271) was a Rover-class small fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and one of five [1] ships that were designed by the Admiralty, all of which were built at the Swan Hunter shipyard.

Contents

Gold Rover and her sister Black Rover were the last two in service with the RFA [2] on duty around the world. The class was phased out as part of a worldwide effort to replace single-hulled tankers with more environmentally safe double-hulled vessels. [3] Gold Rover herself was decommissioned in a sunset ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base on 6 March 2017. [4]

Characteristics

Ships of the Rover class were predominantly used to transport fuel, oil, and aviation fuel for services around the globe; they could also carry limited dried stores of 340 tonnes (330 long tons; 370 short tons) such as munitions and refrigerated goods. [5] They were built with a flight deck large enough to accommodate two helicopters, although no hangar was fitted.

Operational history

1974–1980

In July 1974, Gold Rover participated in evacuation duties during the partition of Cyprus during the Turkish invasion of the island. [5]

1981–1990

Gold Rover was in Singapore at the time of the Falklands Conflict in 1982 and therefore took no part in the hostilities.

On 14 November 1984, Gold Rover sailed from Gibraltar on completion of refit, the last RFA to be refitted in HM Dockyard Gibraltar. [6]

Gold Rover participated in the 1986 Jamaican flood relief operations.

On 1 December 1990, Gold Rover lost her rudder in severe weather in the South Atlantic and sent out a distress call. Some of her crew were airlifted off by a Royal Air Force Sea King helicopter of No. 78 Squadron and she managed to get to anchor seventeen miles (27 km) east of Lively island to ride out the storm before she was towed by the tug Oil Mariner to Montevideo for repairs. The crew of the Sea King rescue helicopter, captained by Flt Lt David Kerr-Sheppard, received various awards for outstanding flying skill in such difficult weather conditions.

1991–2000

In January 2000, she was towed back to Devonport by two RMAS tugs after breaking down off Lizard Point.

2001–2010

2006 was a busy year for Gold Rover. She was in Nigeria in June 2006 for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the formation of the Nigerian Navy. As part of the celebrations there was a Fleet Review by President Olusegun Obasanjo. [5] On 6 October she, along with Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll and Royal Marines from 40 Commando, seized more than two tonnes of cocaine during a major drugs haul off the coast of West Africa. The illegal drugs, which were found in an unregistered vessel, had a UK street value of some £60 million.

Gold Rover was part of a Royal Navy amphibious task group, the VELA Deployment 06, en route to Sierra Leone where she and other ships were taking part in a major amphibious exercise. Whilst on the way to West Africa Gold Rover was contributing to the global fight against terrorism and the Royal Navy's maritime security operations activity.

2011–2017

Gold Rover entered refit in the middle of 2013. [7] Gold Rover departed her home port for her last operational deployment in 2014. [8]

Between 12 and 16 October 2015 Gold Rover and HMS Lancaster participated the bicentennial anniversary commemorations of Napoleon's arrival on Saint Helena after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, and subsequent surrender to British forces. [9]

In 2015, she participated in Operation UNITAS. [10]

Gold Rover entered Portsmouth for the final time on 22 February 2017, bowing out after 43 years of active service. [11] On 29 August 2017 the Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) invited expressions of interest from companies interested in receiving an invitation to tender with respect to the proposed sale for the sole purpose of recycling of the former RFA ship.

She was scrapped at Aliaga on 3 September 2019. [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Fleet Auxiliary</span> Naval auxiliary fleet which supports the Royal Navy

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a naval auxiliary fleet owned by the UK's Ministry of Defence. It is a component of His Majesty's Naval Service and provides logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. The RFA ensures the Royal Navy is supplied and supported by providing fuel and stores through replenishment at sea, transporting Royal Marines and British Army personnel, providing medical care and transporting equipment and essentials around the world. In addition the RFA acts independently providing humanitarian aid, counter piracy and counter narcotic patrols together with assisting the Royal Navy in preventing conflict and securing international trade. They are a uniformed civilian branch of the Royal Navy staffed by British merchant sailors. The RFA is one of five RN fighting arms.

HMS <i>Portland</i> (F79) 2001 Type 23 or Duke-class frigate of the Royal Navy

HMS Portland is a Type 23 frigate of the British Royal Navy. She is the eighth ship to bear the name and is the fifteenth and penultimate ship of the 'Duke' class of frigates, and is named for the currently extinct title of the Dukedom of Portland, and more particularly for the third Duke, who was Prime Minister.

RFA <i>Orangeleaf</i> (A110) 1979 Leaf-class support tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Orangeleaf was a Leaf-class fleet support tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), the naval auxiliary fleet of the United Kingdom, and which served with the fleet for over 30 years, tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy and allied naval vessels around the world.

RFA <i>Argus</i> (A135) Aviation Support and Littoral Strike Ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Argus is a ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary operated by the Ministry of Defence under the Blue Ensign. Italian-built, Argus was formerly the container ship MVContender Bezant. The ship was requisitioned in 1982 for service in the Falklands War and purchased outright in 1984 for a four-year conversion to an Aviation Training Ship, replacing RFA Engadine. In 1991, during the Gulf War, she was fitted with an extensive and fully functional hospital to assume the additional role of Primary Casualty Receiving Ship. In 2009, the PCRS role became the ship's primary function. Argus is due to remain in service beyond 2030. In July 2022 it was reported that the future Littoral Strike Role would be assumed by Argus after a refit to convert her to this role. As of October 2023, Argus had started her deployment to serve as part of Littoral Response Group (South).

RFA <i>Fort George</i> 1993 Fort Victoria-class replenishment oiler of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Fort George was a combined fleet stores ship and tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and one of two Fort Victoria-class replenishment oilers.

RFA <i>Bayleaf</i> (A109) 1982 Leaf-class support tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Bayleaf (A109) was a Leaf-class support tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), the naval auxiliary fleet of the United Kingdom, which served with the fleet for 30 years, tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world.

RFA <i>Black Rover</i> 1974 Rover-class small fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Black Rover was a Rover-class small fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). She was designed to replenish ships underway at sea with fuel, fresh water, and stores in all weather conditions. She had a helicopter deck served by a stores lift and was capable of conducting helicopter replenishment. Displacing 16,160 tonnes, she was powered by twin diesels and has a ship's company of 60.

RFA <i>Olna</i> (A123) 1966 Ol-class fast fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Olna (A123) was the third and final of the three Ol-class "fast fleet tanker" of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), the naval auxiliary fleet of the United Kingdom. When she entered service she was one of the largest and fastest ships in the RFA Fleet. Olna saw service in the Falklands War and the Gulf War.

RFA <i>Tidespring</i> (A75) 1963 Tide-class replenishment oiler of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Tidespring (A75) was a Tide-class replenishment oiler of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. As a replenishment oiler, her main purpose was to refuel other ships. The ship had a long career in the RFA, entering service in the early 1960s, and finally being decommissioned in 1991.

RFA <i>Green Rover</i> 1969 Rover-class small fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Green Rover (A268) was a Rover-class small fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), built by Swan Hunter Shipbuilders on the River Tyne, UK and completed in 1969. After decommissioning in 1992 she was sold to the Indonesian Navy and renamed KRI Arun (903).

NRP <i>Bérrio</i> 1970 Rover-class small fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Portuguese Navy

NRP Bérrio (A5210) was a fleet support tanker of the Portuguese Navy. She was built by Swan Hunter in 1969 at Hebburn, England as RFA Blue Rover (A270) of the Rover-class and from 1970 to 1993 was part of the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary. In 1982 during her British service she participated in the Falklands War.

RFA <i>Cardigan Bay</i> 2006 Bay-class dock landing ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Cardigan Bay is a Bay-class landing ship dock of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). Built by BAE Systems, the ship was dedicated into the RFA at the end of 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Standing Royal Navy deployments</span>

Standing Royal Navy deployments is a list of operations and commitments undertaken by the United Kingdom's Royal Navy on a worldwide basis. The following list details these commitments and deployments sorted by region and in alphabetical order. Routine deployments made by the Navy's nuclear-powered submarines and their location of operations is classified.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">His Majesty's Naval Service</span> Maritime service of the British Armed Forces

His Majesty's Naval Service is the United Kingdom's naval warfare and maritime service. It consists of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve and Naval Careers Service. The Naval Service as a whole falls under the command of the Navy Board, which is headed by the First Sea Lord. This position is currently held by Admiral Sir Ben Key. The Defence Council delegates administration of the Naval Service to the Admiralty Board, chaired by the Secretary of State for Defence.

Rover-class tanker Class of five small fleet tankers of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

The Rover class is a British ship class of five small fleet tankers, active from 1970 to 2017 with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), the naval auxiliary fleet of the United Kingdom. One remains in service, having been sold to Indonesia; the rest have been scrapped or are awaiting disposal, including the one sold to Portugal. They are tasked with the replenishment at sea (RAS) of naval warships with fuel oils and with limited supplies of other naval stores. For RAS tasking, they can refuel a vessel on either beam and a third trailing astern and have a large flight deck to allow vertical replenishment with helicopters.

RFA <i>Wave Ruler</i> (A390) 2003 Wave-class fast fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Wave Ruler is a Wave-class fast fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) of the United Kingdom tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world.

RFA <i>Wave Knight</i> (A389) 2003 Wave-class fast fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

RFA Wave Knight is a Wave-class fast fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) of the United Kingdom tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime)</span> Royal Navys contribution to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force

The Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) (or JEF(M)) (formerly the Response Force Task Group (RFTG), and prior to that the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF)), is the Royal Navy's contribution to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) maintained at very high-readiness and available at short notice to respond to unexpected global events. In addition to the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, the JEF(M) also includes elements of the British Army and the Royal Air Force. While it is primarily poised to conduct war-fighting or strike operations, the JEF(M) is capable of undertaking a diverse range of activities such as evacuation operations, disaster relief or humanitarian aid.

In 1989 the Royal Navy was under the direction of the Navy Department in the UK Ministry of Defence. It had two main commands, CINCFLEET and Naval Home Command.

References

  1. ↑ "Rover Class". www.worldnavalships.com. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
  2. ↑ "RFA Gold Rover". M.O.D. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
  3. ↑ "RFA Gold Rover". www.toysoutofthepram.com. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
  4. ↑ "Golden sunset for veteran tanker as dusk ceremony marks end of more than 40 years' service". navynews.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 March 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 "A271 RFA Gold Rover". www.helis.com. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
  6. ↑ "RFA Gold Rover".
  7. ↑ ""RFA Gold Rover returns home". www.royalnavy.mod.uk".
  8. ↑ ""Final Plymouth farewell by Royal Navy's support ship" www.royalnavy.mod.uk".
  9. ↑ "Royal Navy visit next week". St Helena Government. 6 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  10. ↑ "RFA Gold Rover's globe trotting goes on | Royal Navy". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015.
  11. ↑ "RFA Gold Rover to make a last trip to Portsmouth after 43-year career". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
  12. ↑ "Gold Rover (7306221)" . Miramar Ship Index . Retrieved 21 December 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.