RFA GOLD ROVER

all good things come to an end

My connection with her was strong:- 2/0 (1979/80), Captain (2004 and 2014). Great little ship that provided 45 years service. Superb VFM to the UK tax payer.

I can imagine it is an emotional experience seeing her go.
Were they good seaboats to handle? they certainly looked the part with a nice flared bow. I dont recall hearing any negativity about life on board a Rover?

They were terrific ships to handle and very powerful. Apart from significant vibration at high speeds that needed managing, they were great ships.

Providing the rudder didn't fall off Sean LOL.

I must be the one person in the world who is NOT sorry to see them go!

why is that Steve?

FG86:- They were a nightmare with the Rushton AO engines; a Wedgwood Benn flawed directive. GOLD/BLACK had Pielsticks at build and GREEN/GREY/BLUE retro fitted. Original PAXMAN DGs kept the Genny Third busy and these were replaced in the final few years.

I see, I heard some were re-engine early in their lives.
an aspect I found interesting was the variety of stern kedge anchor arrangements, it seemed some had one others two. However I dont think I can recall ever seeing them in use.

The GOLD/BLACK had single kedge anchors and the others two. Designed to support fueling over the beach but an evolution that was rarely used. BLUE supported dracone operations in the Falklands to resupply Harriers operating from San Carlos