Royal Fleet Auxiliary recognised for their role in Royal Navy global mission

Head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Commodore Sam Shattock, and Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Jones MP, visited tanker RFA Tidespring in Gibraltar to thank crew for their role during Operation Highmast – which saw the UK Carrier Strike Group, with flagship HMS Prince of Wales at its centre, operate with allies and partners across the world.

Tidespring was a crucial part of Highmast, providing fuel and other supplies to the task group’s warships, while also carrying out notable visits to Singapore, Darwin, Busan, Goa, Mombasa and Cape Town alongside major international exercises with the strike group.

The tanker parted ways with the task group at the end of October, sailing to Gibraltar via the Cape of Good Hope and the west coast of Africa, stopping briefly in the remote British Overseas Territory of St Helena, while sister ship RFA Tideforce continued to support the deployment in the Mediterranean.

In Gibraltar the Tidespring’s sailors were presented with a commemorative coin and a certificate – which marked their efforts and the 120th anniversary of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. 

Chief Petty Officer Andrew Clare, who has served in the RFA for 40 Years this January, Steward Andrew Hunter, the oldest member of Tidespring’s crew, and its youngest, Communicator Robbie Birch, were personally handed their keepsakes by the Minister and Commodore.

“First, my sincere thanks to Captain James Wingrove and the crew of RFA Tidespring for their exceptional support throughout the Carrier Strike Group validation, Operation Highmast,” said Louise Jones.

“2025 has been a platform to showcase the dedication and professionalism of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – RFA personnel have excelled in delivering vital support worldwide and underpinning Royal Navy operations at home and overseas.

“Finally, this year marks a proud milestone: the RFA’s 120th Anniversary. For 120 years, the Service has stood as a pillar of quiet strength and enduring commitment to our Royal Navy and Defence.

“To mark the end of the RFA’s contribution to Operation Highmast and recognise this special anniversary year, I’m delighted to join Commodore Sam Shattock, Head of the RFA Service, in presenting the first commemorative keepsakes to some of the crew.” 

Soon after Tidespring’s arrival in Gibraltar, her helicopter – Swordfish Flight from 814 Naval Air Squadron – made a long journey home through Portugal, Spain and France to Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall. 

The flight, including aircrew and engineers, were embarked for several months with Tidespring and were greeted home in Cornwall by loved ones.

Also berthed in Gibraltar is RFA Lyme Bay, whose ship’s company were also presented with their commemorative coins by Commodore Shattock. This year the ship has played a critical role in Royal Marines amphibious operations, carrying out notable missions in the Arctic and Baltic Sea as part of bolstered NATO efforts. She is in the dockyard for routine maintenance.