RFA Fort Rosalie joins US carrier strike group

Personnel from RFA Fort Rosalie were welcomed aboard their American equivalent as the Naval Service vessel joined a US task group in the Gulf.

Following her operations with the Royal Australian Navy, Fort Rosalie is now supporting the US Navy’s Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group.

Seven of Fort Rosalie’s ship’s company flew from their ship by US MH-60 Seahawk helicopter to the USNS Matthew Perry for a two-day visit.

The trip enabled personnel to get first-hand knowledge of how the US Military Sealift Command ship operates her helicopters, flight deck and equipment during high-tempo Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) operations with the US aircraft carrier.

CO of Fort Rosalie Capt Karl Woodfield said: “This opportunity for Fort Rosalie to see at first hand and then conduct high tempo carrier support operations is a major plus as ships of the RFA prepare to support the UK’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

“The RFA has a longstanding close relationship with the Military Sealift Command and I spent three very enjoyable years as the RFA exchange officer working in MSC Command in Washington DC.

“It was therefore great to see at first hand again the professional service and renew my links with the MSC.”

Fort Rosalie will be supplying the ships in the group with food, mail and stores.