RFA Diligence is oe of those unglamorous and unsung, but incredibly hardworking and vital ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Originally launched as a civilian oil-rig support ship, she was requisitioned as a repair ship during the 1982 Falklands War and afterwards was purchased for the RFA and renamed Diligence.
During her career she has acted as a repair ship, a minesweeper tender and also a submarine support ship. She has spent long periods at sea all around the world, including a 5 year deployment only a couple of years ago.
As well as being able to support divers, she has several substantial cranes, a large helicopter pad and a unique steering control system that allows her to move in all four directions, and position herself to within an accuracy of inches.
She’s just finished a refit at Birkenhead, and shes seen here entering Portsmouth Harbour last week.
Old ships ! Best accommodation I ever had, me and another RO1(T) got to share a cabin, just two bunks, a desk and big lockers – sodding luxury !!
She looks quite top heavy Jed, what was she like as a seakeeper?
Old, but still going strong!
Interesting how in Diligence and Argus we have 2 ex-commercials who have outlasted all of the Falklands warships!
Richard Caven Had 5 months on this girl, April to September 1985 in the Falklands. Anchored off in San Carlos Bay.Royal Navy attachment . Agree best accomodation i had as a MEM in the Royal Navy. Good memories and good ships company.