Forward Repair Ship

RFA Diligence

Forward Support is that element of Naval Operational Logistics by which the military capability of Fleet Force Elements can be sustained away from UK base ports in war fighting or non war fighting environments. RFA Diligence is a sophisticated, multi-purpose ship, fitted with a wide range of workshops for hull and machinery repairs, as well as the facilities for supplying electricity, water, fuel, air, steam, cranes and stores to other ships and submarines.

Originally operating as the MV Stena Inspector, Diligence was designed for commercial operation as an offshore maintenance and Diving Support Vessel.  In 1982 she was chartered by the Ministry of Defence for Service in the South Atlantic.  Purchased by the Ministry of Defence in 1983, and converted to a Forward Repair Ship (FRS), the ship was commissioned as RFA Diligence in March 1984 and manned by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The ship is the only Forward Repair Ship in the fleet and was deployed during both Gulf conflicts.