RFA thanks supporters aboard Tiderace

A plethora of historic livery companies converged on one of the prides of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary flotilla to celebrate the ties that bind the two.

New tanker Tiderace hosted the RFA’s annual ‘livery day’, when worshipful companies and other affiliates are invited to join a ship for an update on the support fleet’s activities and to receive a ‘thank-you’ for their ongoing assistance and support.

Representatives from the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and Worshipful Companies of Carmen, Cooks, Fuellers and RFA-affiliated organisations, including representatives from Greenwich Hospital responded to the invite from the head of the auxiliary service, Commodore Duncan Lamb, to join him in Portsmouth aboard the 39,000-tonne oiler, the second of four such vessels built to sustain carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales.

The commodore gave guests an overview of the ‘state of the RFA union’; Tiderace’s CO Capt Gerry Patterson sang the praises of the new tankers; Capt Chris Clarke ran through the many achievements of the service in 2018; and Capt Martin Jones gave an insight into the future ‘solid support’ ships which will replace the Forts.

After a spot of lunch, affiliates were treated to a comprehensive tour of the tanker – of particular interest to Hugh Player, one of the directors of Greenwich Hospital, which is affiliated with the 39,000-tonne vessel.

“It’s a real privilege to be affiliated to this brilliant ship,” he said. “Receiving an insight into Tiderace’s capability and ability to support the Royal Navy at sea has been all good.”