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RFA Wave Knight refuels Dutch Navy at sea
27 March 2017
As RFA Wave Knight left the Dutch Antilles territory of Curacao recently, she completed a successful Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with the Dutch Navy’s multi-purpose frigate, HNLMS Van Amstel.
This is significant, as whilst Wave Knight is primarily carrying out duties of Hurricane and Disaster Relief (HADR), regional engagement and also Counter-narcotics; her ‘day job’ is still refuelling ships at sea, and she continues to achieve this whilst on task.
This followed a maintenance period in Curacao, where the ship prepared for the next phase of her deployment.
RFA Wave Knight (A389) is a Wave Knight-class fast fleet tanker. She was launched in 2000 and accepted into service in 2003. She is the second ship to bear this name in RFA service.
The ships are crewed by 72 Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel and there is also provision for 26 Royal Navy personnel for helicopter and weapons systems operations.
Wave Knight is able to operate in support of amphibious forces, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations and protection of vital sea areas and shipping.
She has the capability to deliver fuel through an RAS (replenishment at sea) rig, either port, starboard or astern to other vessels.