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This subject has come up before, but it has been confirmed that a shelter has now been fitted
from the MOD:

RFA proves its worth with yet another major drugs haul

13 Dec 07

British naval forces have notched up another counter-narcotics success in the Caribbean after the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) landing ship Largs Bay intercepted over half a tonne of cocaine on her first ever operational patrol.

RFA Largs Bay with ship's boat escorting the F/V Astromelia; RN Lynx helicopter hovering overhead
[Picture: Royal Navy]

RFA Largs Bay is currently tasked to provide support to UK Overseas Territories and to assist in the joint international effort in disrupting the flow of narcotics from South America to Europe and the USA.

The Royal Navy and RFA have had a series of successful operations to foil drug smuggling cartels in recent months. Although this latest incident started several days ago details have been put on hold for operational reasons. It began when Largs Bay tasked her Royal Navy Lynx helicopter, from 815 Naval Air Squadron based at Yeovilton in Somerset, to investigate a small fishing boat that had stopped in the water eight miles ahead of the ship, some 390 miles northeast of Barbados.

As the 16,000-tonne Largs Bay and the Lynx approached the vessel, the aircrew witnessed the fishermen hastily dumping their cargo into the sea. The Lynx hovered over the bales to mark their position in the rapidly diminishing light, simultaneously tracking the fleeing smugglers at the same time.

Largs Bay's sea boat was then launched. Despite the bales of cocaine being weighted - and the difficult twilight conditions - the crew managed to recover some 575kg of cocaine before being forced to leave as darkness approached. They were also mindful that there was a need to try and catch the suspect vessel as it attempted its getaway.

Meanwhile, the Lynx rapidly refuelled and began the pursuit. RFA Largs Bay once again intercepted the drug smugglers, with flag state approval sought to despatch elements of the embarked US Coastguard Law Enforcement Detachment to question the vessel's skipper; this was eventually received and the fishing boat subsequently boarded. Largs Bay is now escorting the Venezuelan fishing boat Astromelia and her crew to a rendezvous with a Venezuelan naval vessel for handover and due process.

Commanding Officer of RFA Largs Bay, Captain Ian Johnson, said:

"RFA Largs Bay is at the cutting edge of the international fight against drug smuggling. I am delighted that we have successfully secured a significant amount of cocaine, with a street value estimated at some £20 million and once more dealt a significant blow to the drug cartels. It is particularly satisfying given that this is the ship's first operational deployment after commissioning, and demonstrates the Government and MOD's ongoing commitment to keep narcotics off our streets."

Defence Secretary Des Browne added:

"The Navy and RFA have once again struck a major blow against the blight of drug dealers. I would like to thank them for this valuable contribution to keeping our country safe."

RFA Largs Bay is the First of Class Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) (LSD (A)). The LSD (A) provide a significantly enhanced capability from the Landing Ship Logistics (LSLs) that they replace, enabling rapid deployment of troops, vehicles and stores from over the horizon and in challenging sea conditions. LARGS BAY, at over 16,000 tonnes full load, is much larger, more capable and more flexible than the LSLs, with more than twice their capacity. The class provides a major increase in the capability of the RFA to support amphibious operations and other military tasks such as peacekeeping duties and disaster relief.

RFA Largs Bay is designed to carry an Embarked Military Force of 356 fully equipped troops which can be doubled in war 'overload' conditions. As well as transporting troops, Largs Bay can carry 32 Challenger Main Battle Tanks along with a vast array of other military vehicles. She has the aviation capability to transport and operate two medium helicopters, having power available for starting and servicing the aircraft, and the ability to refuel them on deck and in-flight. An aircraft shelter has been added since her introduction into service.

Along with some specific survivability and self-defence features, Largs Bay is fitted with a military communications suite and fitted to receive military weapons. She is built to Class 1 Passenger Ship Certification standards and classed by Lloyd's Register.