The crucial role of two Royal Fleet Auxiliaries on major exercises in Australia

RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus together form the UK maritime force of the Littoral Response Group (South) – a UK amphibious task group designed to react to crises east of the Suez Canal.

Carrying raiding craft, vehicles and helicopters, the two extremely versatile vessels have been integral to moving UK Commando Force where they need to be and ultimately sustaining them as the marines pushed inland.

During Exercise Predators Run near Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, the LRG(S) operated alongside the Australians, the United States and the Philippines.

Three Commando Merlin aircraft from Yeovilton-based Commando Helicopter Force’s 845 Naval Air Squadron launched sorties into the Outback – carrying troops and equipment to where they were needed most – from RFA Argus.

Aboard both ships were personnel from Culdrose-based 1700 Naval Air Squadron which provides additional personnel to ships on front-line missions, notably running flight decks and enabling flying operations.

Their main work has been with 40 Commando and 845 Naval Air Squadron’s Merlin Mk4 aircraft, although the also been working alongside its partners including the US Marine Corps with its distinctive Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

1700 Naval Air Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Barry Smith, said: “The squadron has embarked two aviation teams, including a flight deck officers, aircraft controllers and aircraft handlers, to ensure effective and safe flying operations from RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus. 

“We also have a weapons engineer who maintains the Phalanx radar-guided gun to keep the ship safe.

“Our Royal Navy team have been doing a great job working with our colleagues in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and our regional partners during this exercise. This ability to generate personnel and deploy them around the world is at the heart of our operations here at 1700 Naval Air Squadron.”

Lyme Bay was the main launchpad for amphibious operations – deploying craft of all shapes and sizes from ship to shore to land Commando teams raiding inland and vehicles, including the lightweight MRZR and armoured Viking All-Terrain Vehicles.

The landing ship also welcomed on board the US Marines unique Osprey tiltrotor and carried out flying operations with the Merlin aircraft too.

The ship also had a visit from officers of Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules, formerly RFA Largs Bay and a fellow Bay-class support ship.

Meanwhile, British Army Private Charlie Wright with the Chivenor-based Commando Logistic Regiment, and Lance Corporal Adrian Cluning from the Australian 1st Combat Service Support Battalion, were part of a multinational team of petroleum operators (PETOPS), fuelling the fight.

Working hard to support Battle Group Tiger in the Bradshaw Field Training area, the two have been pushing the boundaries of their trade amidst the scorching heat of the Northern Territory – even in the depths of the austral winter, temperatures regularly top 30 Celsius. 

Lance Corporal Adrian Cluning, a dual specialist in trucks and PETOPS from Ballarat, Victoria, shared an insight into the vital role. 
“It's basically just a portable service station,” said Lance Corporal Cluning.

“We drive our petrol in a truck and come to refuel the team’s vehicles as we go.

“In a place as big and remote as this, you become an essential worker within the team – Army doesn’t go without fuel.” 

Private Charlie Wright, a full-time PETOP from Warrington, in the northwest of England, echoed the essence of his job.

“We just literally essentially build a petrol station in the middle of anywhere and get everyone to come round and fuel up around us,” he said.
“We have a big responsibility to the team; it’s pressure, but it’s nice.” 

The logistical challenges have kept them busy, with tasks like refuelling from a tanker to a tanker and ensuring continuous fuel supply to various call signs. 

When asked about the differences between performing their duties at home and in the Northern Territory, Private Wright underlined the collaborative spirit with his Australian counterparts.
“Working with the Aussies has been really good, really different,” he said.

“Some of the kit is very similar but the way we lay it out is slightly different.

“The banter however, has been great – we’re similar in our humour.” 

Exercise Predators Run hasn’t been all work and no play – Lance Corporal Cluning also appreciated the camaraderie and ease of integration. 

“You can't really tell that they're international lads 'cause they work the same,” Cluning said.

“It's just normal, talking into the night – classic, just the way it is, no international exercise is complete without it.” 

Adapting to the Northern Territory heat has also been a unique experience for the cold-climate PETOPS. 

“I think next time it’d be nice if we hosted it in the UK, and have the Aussies come to us,” said Private Wright.

“It’d be a nice change for them as well, give a bit of a taste of how the Australians soldier in the cold.”