Originally Posted by Guernsey Girl II
Ah RFAs.. Just because the CVS can do 25 Kts can the RFA? To that point can Bulwark do anywhere near that speed in the Med in mid summer too?
As for the no host nation support required line... Where is the RFA going to find all the Avter and Diesel (for Bulwark) Not the WSBA by any chance?
No need. The CVS will fuel-hop (we have reciprocal fuel agreement with many other countries, we have plenty of options.)
They can be there in 72 hours, give or take a few (you need to RAS (Replenishment At Sea) at a slower speed. Within range, air cover will go up and can start the ferrying process at the ship closes final destination. Maintaining top speed is not a problem, just requires enhanced watchkeeping, but the guys are no strangers to being tired - and there are no maximum hours working directives for them either!
It's going to be a multi-service op, so I don't know why some of the more blinkered on here persist in pretending that it's RN only, or that it proves that we don't need the RAF!