RFA Stromness (A344)

RFA "Stromness" (A344) was a fleet stores ship which served the Royal Fleet Auxiliary until sold to the United States Military Sealift Command in 1983.

Built in England

Originally known as RFA "Stromness" (A344), the vessel was built at Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd, Wallsend as Yard Nr 2017, United Kingdom, for the Royal Navy. She was laid down 5 October 1965 and launched 16 September 1966.

RFA operational history

"STROM" saw serious service during the Falklands Islands campaign where she carried over 400 troops of "45" Commando Royal Marines to the beach landing in San Carlos Water.

ale to the U.S. Military Sealift Command

In 1983 "Stromness" was sold to the United States Military Sealift Command. She was renamed "Saturn" and placed into service.

USMSC mission

"Saturn" is one of five combat stores ships operated by Military Sealift Command. She provides fuel, food, ammunition and ocean towing services to U.S. Navy ships around the world. "Saturn" carries virtually every type of food and supply needed by Navy ships. "Saturn" carries spare and repair parts for other ships and aircraft and also has a limited capability to transfer fuel to other Navy ships at sea. Supplies and fuel are transferred to other ships using lines and hoses suspended above the water to another ship as the ships move forward at the same speed and sometimes less than 50 feet apart.

"Saturn" is capable of replenishing two ships at the same time, one on either side, using this side-by-side technique. Dry stores are also transferred by using helicopters to lift large cargo nets and pallets loaded with supplies and parts. "Saturn" has elevators and mobile equipment for handling stores internally on the ship. Helicopters are not assigned to "Saturn" on a full-time basis, but fly aboard for extended periods of time while the ship is at sea.

Civilian Mariners (CIVMARS) on board USNS "Saturn" are a vital part of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) Fleet. Their areas of expertise encompass a wide variety of occupations ranging primarily from the engineering, deck and supply departments. Current compliment is approximately 120 personnel. Tour lengths are 4 months in duration with an extension option available.

Enlisted ratings on board include Operations Specialists, Information Systems Technicians, Electronics Technicians, Personnelmen and Storekeepers. Current tour length for enlisted military members aboard "Saturn" is 12 months. Officers serve up to a two-year tour.

"Saturn" operational history

There is no current operational history for "Saturn".

Note

There is no journal entry on "Saturn" (T-AFS-10) at DANFS.

Honors and awards

Qualified "Saturn " personnel are authorized the following medals:
* Navy Unit Commendation
* Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2)
* Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (4)
* National Defense Service Medal
* Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
* Armed Forces Service Medal (4)

References

* [http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/52/5210.htm NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive - USNS Saturn (T-AFS-10) – ex - RFA Stromness (A-344) (1966 - 1983)]
* [http://www.msc.navy.mil/saturn/ USNS SATURN (T-AFS 10)]