RFA Wave Knight. (Photo courtesy Royal Navy website)
The Naval Support Ship RFA WAVE KNIGHT will arrive off the jetty at Little Bay port on March 24 for a three-day visit during her deployment to the region on Atlantic Patrol Tasking North (APT(N)). “This,” it is said in a Government House press release, “is a year round commitment to the region in support of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Counter Narcotics Operations.
During WAVE KNIGHT’s visit the Commanding Officer will call on The Governor and The Premier. They will entertain local dignitaries on board at a business luncheon, and the ship’s company are expected to engage in a number of sporting events. WAVE KNIGHT will also be participating in a number of training exercises including the evacuation of the southern Belham Valley residents from Iles Bay and an Oil Pollution workshop at DMCA.
WAVE KNIGHT has loaded Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) and UK Department for International Development (DfID) stores to support relief operations in the region. Prior to deployment the ship’s company of WAVE KNIGHT completed a HADR training package which tested and developed the ship’s company’s ability to plan and deliver support to relief operations.
The Royal Navy release said that Captain Ross Ferris commented on the visit, “My Ship’s Company and I are very much looking forward to the visit and to forging relationships whilst being able to liaise with Disaster Management authorities regarding our capabilities. It will be especially helpful to be able to investigate the challenges involved in Isles Bay and we look forward to contributing to the island’s oil pollution prevention strategy.”
While stationed in the Caribbean and North Atlantic Region, the ship is also expected to conduct counter narcotics trafficking patrols, working closely with the US, multi¬national and regional forces in the war against illegal drugs.
RFA WAVE KNIGHT is a 31,500 tonne Fleet Tanker that has the ability to refuel other naval vessels at sea from its three beam rigs and one stern rig as well as carrying dry stores. The ship has recently undergone a refit at Cammell Lairds in Birkenhead following on from her last deployment, which ended in March 12. This saw her supporting the international naval effort east of Suez, providing not only fuel for Coalition ships and aircraft but also carrying out front-line and anti-piracy duties.
“Our flexibility and capability is ably demonstrated by Wave Knight’s action-packed programme. This time last year operations East of Suez and this year operations in the Caribbean, with a major refit enroute. 2013 promises to be no less busy and satisfying,” added Captain Ferris.
The ships is crewed by 77 Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel and supported by 5 Royal Naval personnel for helicopter and weapons systems operations.
In notes relating to the ship informs that RFA Wave Knight (A389) is a Wave Knight-class Fast Fleet Tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. She was launched in 2000 and accepted into service in 2003. She is the second ship to bear this name in RFA Service. Wave Knight and her sister, RFA Wave Ruler
The ship carries 77 Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel, supported by five Royal Naval personnel for helicopter and weapons systems operations.
