First NAAFI Store on board RFA Ship opens

Author

Editorial Staff

Subjects

History - post WWII

Tags

None noted.

RAN Ships

HMAS Choules

Publication

June 2024 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)

This small article from the UK Forces Network is of some interest to us as there were originally four Bay-class RFA landing ship docks. One of these was RFA Largs Bay which was sold to the RAN in 2011, becoming the highly successful and versatile HMAS Choules.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary has welcomed its first-ever Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) shop on board one of its vessels, bringing a touch of familiarity and convenience to the crew. The shop is now open in RFA Lyme Bay which is getting ready to set sail to the Indo-Pacific as part of the Littoral Response Group South deployment.

In a post on the social media platform X, Lyme Bay said the ‘spanking new’ shop would be a boost for morale and a first for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The shop, which was declared open in a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the then Captain Walgrove, will provide the ship’s company and embarked forces with typical corner shop goods such as chocolate, crisps and toiletries.

Lyme Bay is one of three Bay-class RFA vessels – the class allows personnel to move from ship to shore using on-board Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel and Landing Craft Utility vessels.

The NAAFI said on social media that it was excited to have begun its journey with the Royal Auxiliary Fleet, and also announced plans to open shops on board RFA Mounts Bay and RFA Argus¹.

The NAAFI has been providing services to the Armed Forces since it was established by the Government in 1920, and already has a presence on board most Royal Navy ships. It operates a wide range of facilities including stores, cafes and recreational centres to support and enhance the wellbeing of military personnel and their families stationed both in the UK and abroad.

This year NAAFI has expanded its services to British high streets, having opened its first UK high street NAAFI café at Catterick Garrison in March, and another two cafés in Winchester and Gibraltar the following month. The not-for-profit organisation operates in various locations and even runs a restaurant on the grounds of Dover Castle.

Earlier this year (2024) Lyme Bay was involved with Argus in delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

1: RFA Argus is the former container ship and Falkland’s veteran MV Contender Bezant.