Griffo: Unable to raise you (for now) but let's see what turns up!
Ben: Some great nostalgia there involving your Dad, bravo!
Royal Navy Westland Sea King HAS-6 ZA136 from "A Flight" 824 Squadron operating with the RFA Fort Austin in June 1988 (Photo: Kevin Slade)
136 is seen here performing a hi-line transfer alongside the RFA Fort Austin in the North Atlantic. Sadly, this craft ditched in September of the same year following a hydraulic leak and fire in rear cabin. The fuselage went to HMS Sultan at Gosport.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Austin was laid down at Scott Lithgow in 1975, launched in 1978 and commissioned in 1979. This ship was designed to carry a wide range of stores to support other ships; ammunition, food, explosives. She had extensive aviation facilities with two flight decks, one to the stern and one spot on top of the hangar which could accommodate up to four Sea Kings. Austin had the capability of replenishing ships at sea via six RAS points.
The RFA Fort Austin at Portsmouth