RFA on Patrol with US Coastguard Air Assets

These dramatic images show Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Wave Knight sailing alongside the US Coastguard cutter Forward 911 and her helicopter while on her North Atlantic deployment. The aircraft came aboard Wave Knight for a flying exercise as USCGC Forward (of Portsmouth, Virginia) made a port stop.

After a short time on board, the helicopter then flew back, much to the disappointment of the ship’s company who had enjoyed the chance to have the asset on board.

RFA Wave Knight has been deployed on North Atlantic patrol since January this year and has been a constant support to HMS Lancaster while on counter-narcotics patrol in the area, providing her with vital supplies.

The RFA vessel has also been working alongside coastguard teams from the US – in particular the US Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) teams on nearby US Coast Guard Cutters.

These are US Coastguard helicopter squadrons that specialise in the airbourne use of force and counter-drug operations.

As well as USCGC Forward, RFA Wave Knight also took the opportunity to work closely with the USCGC Tampa’s MH65 helicopter during several counter-narcotics patrols.

[mappress]
Press Release, September 03, 2013; Image: Royal Navy