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The Navy’s AOR fleet has been bolstered by the official introduction of HMAS Supply.
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HMAS Supply, the first of two new Supply Class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ships, has officially entered service with the Royal Australian Navy.
The newly commissioned vessel is expected to enhance fleet capability by extending the time a Task Group can spend at sea and the distance travelled.
Minister for Defence Peter Dutton welcomed the introduction of the new vessel, which he said would provide critical support element to maritime operations across the 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.
The AOR ship is primarily designed to provide logistics replenishment to naval combat units at sea carrying fuel, water, food, parts and dry cargo.
The ship is also expected 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 added.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price noted the contribution of Australian industry in the delivery of the new AOR vessel.
“Australian industry played a key role in the build of the Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ships, including the use of 4,500 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.”
HMAS Supply will be based at Fleet Base East, Sydney, with Stalwart, Supply’s sister ship, to be based at Fleet Base West at HMAS Stirling in WA.
[Related: NUSHIP Supply arrives at Sydney homeport]
