The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a civilian-manned Flotilla, comprising 22 ships, that is owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The Flotilla is managed by the Commdore RFA who is directly responsible to the Commander in Chief Fleet (Cinc Fleet) for its day-to- day operation.
Supply of the Fleet has posed a logistic problem that is virtually as old as the Royal Navy itself. In the days of wooden warships the requirements were relatively simple - powder, shot, timber, canvas, victuals and, of course, rum. But as the Navy grew in size and complexity its logistical needs became evermore diverse. By the end of the 19th century, wooden hulls and sails had given way to ironclads and steam.
Reflecting this task as their core role, the RFA’s current flotilla of 18 ships contains thirteen tankers and stores ships. The newest additions to the flotilla are Wave Knight and Wave Ruler, which are large fleet tankers with the latest diesel-electric propulsion system.