NUSHIP Stalwart launched in Spain
NUSHIP Stalwart, the Royal Australian Navy’s second new support tanker was launched at Ferrol, Spain, yesterday.
CAPTION: NUSHIP Stalwart slips into the water in Ferol, Spain, during her well-attended ceremonial launch. Navantia drone image.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the launch of the second Supply-class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) vessel marked an important milestone in Australia’s $90 billion investment in the largest regeneration of Navy since the Second World War.
“The delivery into service of the Supply-class replenishment vessels from next year will provide Navy with vital afloat logistics support to enable our ships to remain at sea longer,” Minister Reynolds said.
“These ships will ensure Navy can make sustained and long-term contributions to regional and international security in support of our national interest, and further our strong relationships with countries across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
“These ships will be a force multiplier for our Navy’s capability in support of sustained operations across the Indo-Pacific region.”
Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan said NUSHIP Stalwart’s launch would support Navy’s readiness to conduct sustained operations at sea and position Navy as an agile, resilient and lethal fighting force.
“The Supply-class AOR vessels will enable Navy to maintain a long-term presence at sea and provide combat support to our frigates, destroyers and combatants wherever they operate in the world,” Vice Admiral Noonan said.
“NUSHIPs Stalwart and Supply will extend our warships’ endurance and operational range by providing bulk fuels, potable water, stores and explosive ordnance to naval vessels operating at sea.”
NUSHIPs Stalwart and Supply will replace the current replenishment tankers HMAS Sirius and ex-HMAS Success, which was decommissioned on 29 June 2019.
RELATED STORIES:
- NUSHIP Supply launched
- Message from CO Supply
- HMAS Success decommissioned
- New tanker names announced.
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