RFA Tideforce (A139)

Providing logistical support to the Royal Navy, all over the world, RFA Tideforce is the Fourth of Class of the Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability (MARS) Tankers.

Role

The Tide Class tankers are flexible, state-of-the-art double-hulled vessels, designed to provide key underway replenishment at sea (RAS) capability and support to the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

Additionally, RFA Tideforce provides fuel and water for Royal Navy, NATO and Allied warships all around the world.

Capability

At 39,000 tonnes, the Tide Class tankers are the largest ships currently in service within the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. As well as providing replenishment at sea (RAS) capability and support to the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, they also provide fuel and water for Royal Navy, NATO and Allied warships.

The Tide Class tankers are significantly larger than their predecessors with far more advanced capability, they can also operate Chinook, Merlin or Wildcat helicopters from their flight decks.

Tide class

Crew

RFA Tideforce typically has a complement of 63 crew members, but can accommodate an additional 46 non-crew embarked persons. These could consist of Royal Marines, helicopter flight crew and various trainees.

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