The Royal Australian Navy's operational support capability has received a significant boost with the introduction of HMAS Supply into service on April 10, 2021.
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HMAS Supply (II) is the first of two new Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ships, with sister ship NUSHIP Stalwart part of the largest regeneration of the Royal Australian Navy since World War II.
Their primary role is to provide logistics replenishment to naval combat units while underway at sea. Now commissioned, Supply will undergo her test and evaluation period where she will integrate into and begin supporting the fleet.
Last month, NUSHIP Supply officially announced 'Bundian Way' as the name of the ship's main passageway and a sign was unveiled on board the ship, which has the Port of Eden as its ceremonial homeport.
Every Royal Australian Navy ship has a main passageway connected to their ceremonial homeport. Naming NUSHIP Supply's passage way Bundian Way creates a significant connection to the Bega Valley Shire and the local Aboriginal community.
The Royal Australian Navy said the AORs will enhance Fleet capability by extending the time a task Group can spend at sea and the distance travelled
Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton said the AORs are a critical support element to contemporary maritime operations across our region.
"With regional security challenges on the rise, it is more important than ever to have robust operational support capabilities for Australia's maritime assets," Minister Dutton said.
Carrying fuel, water, food, parts and dry cargo, the AORs will primarily provide logistics replenishment to naval combat units at sea. They will also be able to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations domestically and regionally.
"Supply will help sustain our lethal naval capability and will play a critical role in enabling our Joint Force to maintain the security, sovereignty and prosperity of Australia and our regional partners," Minister Dutton said.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said Australian Industry continued to carry out an active role in shipbuilding and bringing online new platforms with more advanced capabilities.
"Australian Industry played a key role in the build of the Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ships, including the use of 4500 tonnes of Australian BlueScope steel, and the final fit out of the ship in Western Australia," Minister Price said.
"As Supply embarks on her long life serving the Nation, Australian industry will carry out a central role in the sustainment of the capability, creating long term opportunities for Australian businesses and jobs for Australian workers.
"The AORs are an example of making the best use of our Defence platforms, with the introduction of a combat management system not present in predecessors, HMA Ships Success and Sirius."
To efficiently support Navy's Fleet, Supply will be based at Fleet Base East, Sydney while Stalwart, Supply's sister ship will be based at Fleet Base West at HMAS Stirling in WA.
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