Two Royal Navy officers, Sub Lieutenants Adam Whitelaw and Kieran Kitsell, have hailed their recent month-long deployment on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) tanker Tidespring as an invaluable learning experience, according to a press release.
The officers, currently serving on the Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Medway, spent 33 days aboard the support ship, with 29 of those days at sea.
Their deployment was part of their Specialist Fleet Time training, aimed at enhancing their maritime knowledge and practical skills.
Sub Lts Whitelaw and Kitsell joined Tidespring while she was operating in UK waters. During their time on board, they sailed over 5,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic and North Sea, participating in various naval operations.
These included multiple replenishments-at-sea and collaborative exercises with the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, a US maritime patrol aircraft, and aircraft from the Netherlands and Portugal. They also took part in anti-submarine warfare operations alongside the United States and Norwegian Navy.
![Sub Lieutenants Adam Whitelaw and Kieran Kitsell spent a month on board RFA Tidespring](https://cd.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media/rnweb/news/rfa/tidespring/240805-medway-officers-on-rfa-tidespring/20240730-tspg-photo-os.jpg?h=1125&iar=0&w=1500&rev=b18b0833af324e11aae7827eda8b4be5&hash=1E7BFC57ED5DDA3D49A925B0F0297882)
The officers spent more than 200 hours on Tidespring’s bridge, gaining crucial insight into the RFA’s operations. Sub Lt Kitsell commented on the experience, stating, “Throughout this trip alone I have seen first-hand how the Royal Fleet Auxiliary performs a vital role in enhancing our Navy’s capabilities in order to conduct vital tasking.”
Sub Lt Whitelaw echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the RFA’s role in national defence tasking. “My time onboard gave me a massive appreciation for the roles that the RFA undertake in defence tasking and how close ties between all arms of the Naval Service is vital for operational output,” he said.
Sub Lt Whitelaw praised the familiarity of the bridge equipment and the welcoming nature of the crew, which facilitated their integration and learning process. “Putting into practice the skills learnt at Britannia Royal Naval College and the Maritime Warfare School at HMS Collingwood on national tasking was thoroughly enjoyable, made all the better by the welcoming nature and efforts made by the crew to train us,” he said.
Ah to remember the time when the RN had an actual Dartmouth Sqn, comprising several escorts, which enabled YO’s to get some serious sea time and sea going experience in a controlled environment. A the moment they’re struggling to even have several escorts at sea at one moment from the entire force.
Yes yes yes but will they go on strike now too ?
Shades of what is to come?
That’s what I was thinking when I saw this. RN officers, RFA other ranks maybe?
I cam see the RFA fleet being absorbed into the RN at this rate.
I really hope and pray this happens as I’m sick of being treated so poorly by this government. I’ve been RFA for many years and things have never been this bad. I would happily accept redundancy along with the majority of my colleague who are also fed up with the current state of affairs.
That’s very sad to hear Ted….
Hi John, its a shame really as it used to be a really rewarding career and we used to feel valued. Now it’s a case of if you don’t like it leave and that’s exactly what people are doing. They are being offered better pay and conditions elsewhere and without the b******t. I really despair as I have a feeling we could be heading for a major conflict very soon and the youngsters have no idea what lies ahead. At least in the RN the ships are designed to take hits or at least evade incoming fire. Unfortunately ours are… Read more »
Crazy Ted, it seems like a relatively easy fix among govenment spending choices.
Ted I agree with all your statements. Pay and conditions not difficult to fix. All it takes is the will. I have also been saying the RFA are now genuine targets for any crazy with a model aeroplane. The term fitted for but not with needs to be history. There are clearly areas where any RFA would need and armed escort. Even the Points although not RFA are targets. One of them has just visited Sunny Point, that alone would make it a target for the Houthis and the like. Being British also of course. I had the privilege to… Read more »
When you think about the crucial support these vessels give and are expected to sail.into harms way (remember the Falklands) I’m surprised this hasn’t happened already
Don’t see what that will fix though, wouldn’t be able to keep the RFA Sailors on I imagine, not trained same as RN personnel
No chance,the point of the RFAs is that it can operate in ares ports not available to the RN.
If numbers continue to drop in the RFA and more ships end up alongside, then the RN might be forced to act and take them under direct control.
The new Government don’t appear to be in any hurry to fix the problem, odd because it’s personnel represent a tiny number of employees. It would be relatively easy fix among the governments major issues!
It’s got to be on the cards. The RFA is so small now with few officers and men. Maybe some might transfer across? They deserve better than they’ve been getting whatever happens.
His is nothing new. The RFA have often taken junior RN officers to sea in order for them to develop their navigational and bridge man ship skills. Of note , it is nearly always warfare officers which is a shame as I’m sure engineers and logistical officers would also gain lots ?
It seems a good idea – if the Captain and crew buy in to it. I had a rather negative experience when sent to a civilian STUFT ferry for a NATO exercise in the early 1990’s.