The new RFA Fleet Solids Support Ships (FSSS), on their way at last but what exactly will we get?

Sir, – I admit that my ‘Letter to the Editor’ in 112/4, p. 620 was something of a stalking horse, hoping that it might lead to some indication of the new RFAs ‘solids’ (naval stores, food and ammunition) capabilities and the intended on-board stockholding policy. Before proceeding further I should perhaps declare my own background, as a retired MoD civilian of the former RN Supply & Transport Service (RNSTS). I served twice on ‘solids’ support RFAs, the second time as STO(N) in charge of the replenishment party on RFA Stromness (Capt Barrie Dickinson RFA) ‘down south’ in the Falkland…