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British Tanker RFA Tideforce Fuels Both UK Carriers and Shadows Russian Units on Arctic Mission
RFA Tideforce completed six weeks of North Atlantic and Arctic operations, transferring more than 2.9 million litres of fuel and supporting both British aircraft carriers. Operating under Combined Task Force 320, the tanker sailed 7,500 miles and replenished French, Dutch and Royal Navy ships, including HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. An embarked Merlin from 814 Naval Air Squadron flew intelligence-gathering sorties involving Russian naval units in the English Channel and North Atlantic. The deployment combined replenishment with surveillance support, including carrier activity associated with Operation Firecrest, while crews also completed major engine repairs at sea to maintain availability.