RFA Wave Ruler was on Operational Tasking during the latter part of 2016 and spent Christmas in Scotland before heading down south to Portland to bring in the New Year.
After a busy maintenance period the ship sailed on the 22nd January to take up tanker duties in support of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST).
Wave Ruler is tasked to carry out numerous roles, from replenishing fuel to British and foreign warships undergoing sea training, conducting air and submarine defence exercises to acting as a merchant vessel that could be carrying illegal goods.
The period working in the FOST areas is an excellent opportunity for training personnel and developing their professional skills, especially those sailing with the RFA for the first time.
3/O(X) David Bunce has spent most of his career at sea on tankers and cruise ships so this has been a real change of direction for him.
He said “This has been a very steep learning curve, but everyone has been very patient and helpful and the training I have received will stand me in good stead for the rest of my career.“
Apprentice Communications Information Systems (CIS) Ian Northcote is coming to the end of his 2 year apprenticeship period with the Communications Department.
He commented “I feel I’ve integrated well to life on-board Wave Ruler and I have embraced the opportunity that the ship’s current programme provides for me to learn new skills and enhance my knowledge within the Radio Room and also on the Bridge for tactical voice circuits and visual signalling.“
Commanding Officer, Captain Rob Anders, being an ex “FOSTIE “is back on familiar territory.
He said “The crew of RFA Wave Ruler have really enjoyed the higher tempo of operations with multiple replenishments and opportunities to work with ships of different nationalities.
“FOST is widely recognised as the world leader in operational sea training, and the benefit of being the FOST tanker is the opportunity to weekly integrate as part of a multi-national task group and practice our core skills.
“There are a lot of personnel gaining valuable experience here that they will take to other vessels enabling the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to maintain our leadership in the field of delivery of maritime logistical effect.“
In between what has been a hectic schedule, the ship’s crew found time to hold a charity quiz night and managed to raise £302 which will be equally divided between cancer research UK and MacMillan cancer support.
