RFA Fort Victoria

{{Short description|1994 Fort Victoria-class replenishment oiler of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}} {{Use British English|date=January 2018}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = FortVictoria Plymouth.jpg | image_caption = RFA ''Fort Victoria'' }}

|section2={{Infobox ship/career | country = United Kingdom | flag = {{shipboxflag|United Kingdom|naval-RFA}} | name = ''Fort Victoria'' | namesake = Fort Victoria (Isle of Wight) | ordered = 23 April 1986 | awarded = | builder = Harland & Wolff, Belfast, United Kingdom | original_cost = | yard_number = | way_number = | laid_down = 15 September 1988 | launched = 4 May 1990 | sponsor = | christened = | completed = | acquired = | commissioned = 24 June 1994 | recommissioned = | decommissioned = | maiden_voyage = | in_service = | out_of_service = | renamed = | reclassified = | refit = | struck = | reinstated = | homeport = Marchwood Military Port, Southampton<ref name=":472">{{Cite web|date=27 April 2021|title=FOI(A) regarding the Royal Navy|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/743903/response/1777888/attach/3/FOI2021%2003678%20Response.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1|access-date=27 April 2021|website=What do they know?}}</ref> | identification = *Pennant number: A387 *{{IMO Number|8606032}} *{{MMSI Number|233135000}} *International call sign: GACE *{{ICS|Golf}}{{ICS|Alfa}}{{ICS|Charlie}}{{ICS|Echo}} *Deck code: FV | motto = | nickname = | honours = | captured = | fate = | status = Ship in extended readiness (uncrewed reserve) as of late 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=Examining the state of the UK Carrier Strike capability |publisher=NavyLookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/examining-the-state-of-the-uk-carrier-strike-capability/ |date=19 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1696873541973750142?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet |title=@RFAFortVictoria sailed from Leith today to continue her lay up in Birkenhead, pending further work at @CammellLaird |number=1696873541973750142 |user=NavyLookout |date=30 August 2023 |access-date=30 August 2023}}</ref> | notes = | badge = }}

|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = | class = {{sclass|Fort Victoria|replenishment oiler}} | displacement = {{convert|31565|t|LT|0|abbr=on}} full load | length = {{convert|203.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|30.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = | draught = {{convert|9.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | depth = | propulsion = 2 × Crossley-Pielstick V16 medium speed diesels, 2 shafts, {{convert|25083|bhp|0|abbr=on}} | speed = {{convert|20|kn|lk=in}} | range = | endurance = | boats = | capacity = *{{convert|12500|m3|cuft|0|abbr=on}} liquids *{{convert|3377|m3|cuft|0|abbr=on}} ammunition *{{convert|2941|m3|cuft|0|abbr=on}} dry stores<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/november/08/181108-fort-victoria-returns-after-refit | title=The Fort is with us as RFA support ship returns from major refit | date=8 November 2018 | publisher=Royal Navy |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> | complement = *95 RFA *15 RN *24 RNSTS *154 RN Air Squadron personnel | sensors = | EW = Sea Gnat decoy launcher system<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-to-equip-19-ships-with-trainable-decoy-launchers/ |title=Royal Navy to equip 19 ships with trainable decoy launchers |work= Navy Lookout |date=29 April 2024 |access-date=1 May 2024}}</ref> | armament = *2 × Phalanx CIWS (fitted for, depending on deployment)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/last-ditch-defence-the-phalanx-close-in-weapon-system-in-focus/ |title=Last ditch defence – the Phalanx close-in weapon system in focus |work= Navy Lookout |date=10 August 2020 |access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref> *2 × GAM-BO1 20 mm guns (fitted for, depending on deployment)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-all-rounder-the-30mm-automated-small-calibre-gun-in-focus/ |title=The all-rounder – the 30mm Automated Small Calibre Gun in focus |work= Navy Lookout|date=13 January 2021 |access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref> *3 × Minigun (replaced by Browning .50 caliber heavy machine guns as of 2023)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/in-focus-the-50-cal-heavy-machine-gun-in-royal-navy-service/ |title=In focus: the 50 cal heavy machine gun in Royal Navy service |publisher=Navy Lookout |date=5 May 2023 |access-date=5 May 2023}}</ref> *7 × General Purpose Machine Guns * (Sea Wolf SAM VLS; originally envisaged but never fit)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.seaforces.org/marint/Royal-Navy/Frigate/Duke-Type-23-class.htm |title=Duke (Type 23) class Frigate |work= Seaforces - online |access-date=29 March 2023}}</ref> | armour = | aircraft = | aircraft_facilities = *Hangar for 3 × Merlin helicopters *2 spot flight deck | notes = }} }} '''RFA ''Fort Victoria''''' is a Fort-class combined fleet stores ship and tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary of the United Kingdom tasked with providing ammunition, fuel, food and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world. She is now the only member of her class.

==Construction== {{See also|RFA Fort Victoria bombing}} ''Fort Victoria'' was ordered from Harland and Wolff in 1986, and was launched in 1990. She is named after Fort Victoria on the Isle of Wight.<ref>[http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/royal-fleet-auxiliary/rfa-flotilla/fleet-replenishment-ships/rfa-fort-victoria/history/index.htm] {{dead link|date=December 2011}}</ref>

On 6 September 1990, while ''Fort Victoria'' was at dock and less than three months after being christened, a Provisional IRA (IRA) unit planted two explosive devices on board. After a telephone warning from the IRA,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-09-07-mn-657-story.html |title=Explosion Rips British Navy Ship in Belfast |agency=Reuters |work=Los Angeles Times |date=7 September 1990 |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> one of the bombs exploded, causing extensive damage inside the engine room, which was holed and subsequently flooded. The ship listed 45 degrees, and the chances of sinking were high. The ship was saved after hours of work by emergency teams, who pumped the water out of the engine room. Sir John Parker, chairman and CEO of Harland & Wolff, praised the courage of the engineers for saving the ship. It was not learned that a second device had failed to explode until a second IRA phone call 24 hours later. It took two weeks to find and disable the second bomb, which stalled the works further.<ref name="rep">From an interview to shipbuilder Sir John Parker published by ''Sunday Times'', 13 March 2006: :''The contract for Fort Victoria was won, but the ship became a target for the IRA. "She was afloat in the dock when we got the call from the IRA. Later that day the bomb went off and blew a hole in the engine room of the ship. The ship heeled over to about 45 degrees and we thought we were going to lose her. Fortunately some very courageous engineers went on board and lowered pumps in to clear the engine room so we could save the ship." The next day there was a call about a second bomb. It took two weeks to find it and make it safe — valuable time lost. Such incidents moulded Sir John and taught him patience and resolve, the like of which is rare in many boardrooms.''</ref><ref name="ph">{{cite web |url=http://republican-news.org/archive/2000/September13/13back.html |title=IRA bombs British Navy ship |work=An Phoblacht |date=13 September 1990 |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref>

This incident and other problems with the construction of the vessel meant it was not delivered until 1993, two years after originally planned.<ref name="Barnsley">{{cite web|url= http://barnsleyrna.weebly.com/affiliations.html|title=RFA Fort Victoria|publisher=Royal Naval Association|access-date=2012-08-10}}</ref>

She was accepted into service on 24 June 1994. In 1998, the ship was fitted with the Phalanx close-in weapon system.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Terror/navy.html#victoria |title=Operation Veritas - Royal Navy |website=Britain's Small Wars |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201195858/http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Terror/navy.html |archive-date=2009-12-01 |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref>

== Operational history == The vessel took part in Operation Telic during early 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britains-smallwars.com/gulf2/units.html |title=Operation Telic: British Forces Deployed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820101422/http://britains-smallwars.com/gulf2/units.html |archive-date=2014-08-20 |website= Britain's Small Wars |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref>thumb|left|''Fort Victoria'' in 2003 (Note: lifeboats painted grey for Operation Telic)''Fort Victoria'' was adopted by the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley and has been affiliated with the borough for over ten years. A battle ensign was presented to the borough in 2003 following the vessel's participation in military operations in the Persian Gulf. The ensign can be seen in the foyer of Barnsley Town Hall.<ref name=Barnsley/>

With her ability to supply anything from humanitarian supplies to fuel and ammunition, ''Fort Victoria'' has uses in peacetime and war. An example of this was the Operation Highbrow in Lebanon, where she played a key role in supplying the Royal Navy and giving air support with a flight of Merlin MK1 helicopters from 814 squadron.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5190816.stm|title=Evacuation from Lebanon|work=BBC News|date=2006-07-21|access-date=2011-02-16}}</ref>

From November 2008 until May 2009 she underwent a refit on the Mersey by Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders, being towed up from the Solent by tugs ''Red Dolphin'' and ''Englishman''. She returned to operational status in November 2009, and was set to rejoin the RFA fleet by the early months of 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/royal-fleet-auxiliary/rfa-flotilla/fleet-replenishment-ships/rfa-fort-victoria/news/rfa-fort-victoria-leaves-refit-at-liverpool|title=RFA Fort Victoria Leaves Refit at Liverpool|publisher=Royal Navy|accessdate=2011-02-16}}</ref> The ship has undergone another refit from March 2014 to December 2014. The refit included the main engines receiving an overhaul, other machinery, pumps and pipework, new fire-detecting and fire-fighting systems, six new main generators, living quarters refurbished, and weapons and sensors also completely overhauled. This £50 million refit will allow the ship to serve for at least another 15 years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Victoria is queen of the seas as £50m revamp of Fort-class ship is completed|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/december/19/141219-fort-victoria-revamp|accessdate=9 January 2015|agency=Royal Navy|date=19 December 2014}}</ref>

===Indian Ocean deployments=== In September 2010, ''Fort Victoria'' was posted to the Indian Ocean as part of Operation Ocean Shield, the NATO mission to combat piracy. She has subsequently been involved in several operations against pirates off the coast of Somalia.<ref>{{cite news|title=British navy says it forced pirates to row home in shame|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2010/10/british-navy-says-it-forced-pirates-row-home-shame|newspaper=The Virginian-Pilot|date=2010-10-19|accessdate=2011-02-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=British ship seizes pirate vessel in Indian Ocean|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11753934|work=BBC News|date=2010-11-14|accessdate=2011-02-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RFA Fort Victoria thwarts another pirate attack|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RfaFortVictoriaThwartsAnotherPirateAttack.htm|publisher=Ministry of Defence|date=2010-12-01|accessdate=2011-02-16}}</ref> In June 2011 ''Fort Victoria'' was deployed off the coast of Yemen with an embarked force of 80 Royal Marines to assist with the possible evacuation of British nationals from that country due to the recent political unrest there. Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, had advised British nationals to leave the country immediately saying that it was "extremely unlikely" that the UK government would be able to stage an evacuation operation.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jun/07/yemen-marines-standby-evacuate-britons | location=London | work=The Guardian | title=Marines on standby to evacuate Britons in Yemen | date=2011-06-07}}</ref>

On 11 October 2011 ''Fort Victoria'', along with {{USS|De Wert}}, was involved in the release of the Italian ship ''Montecristo'' after it was hijacked by Somali pirates. The pirates surrendered without resistance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15261734|title=UK and US forces 'rescue pirate-held Italian ship'|work=BBC News|date=11 October 2011|access-date=11 October 2011}}</ref> ''Fort Victoria'' continued her deployment in the western Indian Ocean into early 2012. On 12 January she foiled an attempt by pirates to attack cargo ships in the Indian Ocean by forcing a previously hijacked tanker, ''Liquid Velvet'', now being used as a pirate mothership, to return to Somalia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/January/12/120112-Fort-Vic-Pirates|title=UK Naval Taskforce Foils Pirate Mothership Attack|publisher=Royal Navy|date=12 January 2012|access-date=13 January 2012}}</ref> On 13 January 2012, Royal Marines operating from ''Fort Victoria'' captured 13 Somali pirates in the Western Indian Ocean after they refused to stop despite warning shots fired from a Royal Navy helicopter. The commanding officer of ''Fort Victoria'', Captain Shaun Jones RFA, said: {{Blockquote|text=To manoeuvre such a large ship at speed in close vicinity of a nimble dhow takes extreme concentration and skill; my team were never found wanting. The 13 Somalis certainly found Friday 13th unlucky for them.|sign=Captain Jones|source=BBC interview<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16549042|title=Royal Navy captures 13 Somali pirates|work=BBC News|date=13 January 2012|access-date=13 January 2012}}</ref>}}

On 14 May 2012, during its 2012 deployment, U.S. helicopter squadron HSM-77 Detachment Five completed its temporary operational rotation on board ''Fort Victoria'' which was serving as the flagship for Combined Task Force 151. This was the first time that a MH-60R helicopter had ever operated from a Royal Navy ship. The detachment's helicopters primarily concentrated on anti-piracy surveillance missions during this two-week period.<ref name=NNS120608-17>{{cite press release | first= Adam | last= Arndt | title= HSM-77 Deploys First MH-60R on British Ship | url= http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67693 | work= NNS120608-17 | publisher= United States Navy | date= 8 June 2012 | access-date= 2012-06-11 | url-status= dead | archive-date= 26 October 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121026051354/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=67693 }}</ref>

For her four-month-long 2013 deployment, ''Fort Victoria'' relieved {{ship|RFA|Wave Ruler|A390|2}} and operated with Task Force 53 in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf.<ref>{{cite web | title= Different ship, different year as RFA Fort Victoria takes over support mission in the Middle East | url= http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/January/11/130111-Fort-Vic-Gulf | publisher= Royal Navy | date=11 January 2013 | accessdate=2013-02-06}}</ref> In September 2013 she took over as flagship of Combined Task Force 151 tackling piracy off Somalia.<ref name=RN20130910>{{cite web | url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/September/10/130910-RN-Takes-Charge-of-CTF151 | title=Royal Navy takes charge of pirate-hunting force | date=10 September 2013 | publisher=Royal Navy | access-date=12 September 2013}}</ref> In mid-2013, she sailed with the COUGAR 13 task group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Royal-Fleet-Auxiliary/Stores/RFA-Fort-Victoria |title=RFA Fort Victoria (A387) |publisher=Royal Navy |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref>

===Refit and carrier support=== thumb|RFA ''Fort Victoria'' transferring live ammunition to aircraft carrier HMS ''Queen Elizabeth''. In July 2017, ''Fort Victoria'' returned to the UK following an extended 26-month deployment, much of which was spent East of Suez in support of anti-piracy operations. This included three months in the Aegean Sea in April 2016 on operation Bucktail monitoring activities of people traffickers in the Lesbos region, taking over from {{RFAux|Mounts Bay}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Flat out: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 2016 |url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/flat-out-the-royal-fleet-auxiliary-in-2016/ |accessdate=8 October 2020 |agency=Save The Royal Navy |date=13 June 2016}}</ref> Following her return, during 2017–2018, the ship underwent an extensive refit intended to allow her to support the {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier}}s and meet current tanker anti-pollution hull requirements upon her re-entry into service. ''Fort Victoria'' returned to service in November 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Fort is with Us |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2018/november/08/181108-fort-victoria-returns-after-refit |publisher=Royal Navy |date=8 November 2018 |accessdate=14 November 2018}}</ref> In October 2020, she joined a nine-ship UK Carrier Strike Group and performed her first manoeuvres with HMS ''Queen Elizabeth''.<ref>{{cite news |title=RFA Fort Victoria Supports Carrier Strike Group After Refit |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/october/07/201007-fort-vic-supports-carrier-strike |accessdate=8 October 2020 |agency=Royal Navy |date=7 October 2020}}</ref>

On 11 May 2021 ''Fort Victoria'' suffered a small fire whilst alongside in Portland preparing for the Carrier Strike Group 2021 deployment, carrying munitions, fuel and other stores. Emergency services were called to the scene. However, the crew were able to successfully extinguish the small fire before their arrival. Four personnel were treated for smoke inhalation by ambulance crews and were taken to hospital but were not seriously injured.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/19292119.four-people-treated-fire-moored-ship-portland-port/ |title=Four people treated after fire on moored ship at Portland Port |work=Dorset Echo |last=Taylor |first=Michael |date=11 May 2021 |access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref>

The ship was in refit in 2022 for an upgrade to her engines as well as other repairs. She was initially reported to have returned to active operations in December 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/rfa-fort-victoria-returns-to-operations-after-refit/ |title=FA Fort Victoria returns to operations after refit |work=UK Defence Journal |last=Allison |first=George |date=15 December 2022 |access-date=2 January 2023}}</ref> However, in May 2023 it was reported that the ship continued to suffer from significant problems that required rectification, and would likely maintain only a skeleton crew through 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy struggling to keep RFA Fort Victoria operational |publisher=NavyLookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/navy-struggling-to-keep-rfa-fort-victoria-operational/ |date=19 May 2023}}</ref> Subsequently it was reported that the ship was "mechanically sound" and in an emergency could support an unplanned carrier group deployment, though this would then require taking sailors from other ships due to RFA personnel shortages.<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/NavyLookout/status/1661677820832100354 |title=@RFAFortVictoria UPDATE Now in Leith being maintained by small crew but is mechanically sound and in an emergency could support an unplanned CSG deployment, although this would require taking crews from other RFA vessels that currently have higher priority |number=1661677820832100354 |user=NavyLookout |date=25 May 2023 |access-date=27 May 2023}}</ref> In early 2024, the ship was reported to be "in the care of the Cammell Laird shipyard" and in "poor condition". She was expected to remain in refit through 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Examining the state of the UK Carrier Strike capability |publisher=NavyLookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/examining-the-state-of-the-uk-carrier-strike-capability/ |date=19 January 2024}}</ref> In late 2024, it was reported that she would be placed in "extended readiness" (uncrewed reserve) for at least a year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-08 |title=RFA Fort Victoria to be placed in long-term lay up |website= Navy Lookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/rfa-fort-victoria-to-be-placed-in-long-term-lay-up/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |language=en-GB}}</ref> In May 2026, it was reported that the ship was to commence refit in September 2026 and, assuming that a crew could be found for her, reactivated in 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2026 |title=RFA head of service outlines workforce recovery and plan to return ships to sea |website= Navy Lookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/rfa-head-of-service-outlines-workforce-recovery-and-plan-to-return-ships-to-sea/ |access-date=21 May 2026 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Replacement===

The replacement of ''Fort Victoria'' with the first of a new class of Fleet Solid Support Ship had been envisaged in around 2028. In July 2022, Rear-Admiral Paul Marshall, the Senior Responsible Officer for the Fleet Solid Support ship project, told the House of Commons Select Defence Committee that the lead ship of this class was envisaged for service entry in 2028.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navylookout.com/royal-navy-changes-course-on-interim-anti-ship-missile-for-a-second-time/ | title=Royal Navy changes course on interim anti-ship missile for a second time |work=Navy Lookout | date=6 July 2022 }}</ref> However, subsequently the Ministry of Defence indicated that the first ship of the new class would in fact not be operational until 2031. The MoD also indicated that it was therefore planned to maintain ''Fort Victoria'' in service for the required additional transitional period.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2023-06-13.HL8463.h&s=Fleet+Solid+Support|title=Fleet Solid Support Ships: Procurement Ministry of Defence written question – answered on 27 June 2023 |website=They Work for you |date=27 June 2023}}</ref>

==Notes== {{reflist}}

==External links== * [http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Royal-Fleet-Auxiliary/Stores/RFA-Fort-Victoria Official Royal Navy ''Fort Victoria'' webpage]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fort Victoria (A387)}} Category:Fort Victoria-class replenishment oilers Category:Ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Category:Auxiliary ships of the United Kingdom Category:Ships built in Belfast Category:1990 ships Category:Ships built by Harland & Wolff Category:Maritime incidents in 1990