Royal Australian Navy HMAS Sirius achieves a new milestone with 700th replenishment done.

HMAS Sirius has achieved a career milestone less than a week from celebrating 14 years of service in the RAN. The replenishment ship conducted its 700th Replenishment at Sea since commissioning on 16 September 2006, refuelling HMAS Hobart.
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HMAS Sirius conducts her 700th Replenishment at Sea, with HMAS Hobart, while on Regional Presence Deployment 2020. (Picture source: Royal Australian Navy)

Commanding Officer HMAS Sirius Commander Sam Woolrych said the milestone was a highlight for the crew during the Regional Presence Deployment.

The Afloat Support Force provides operational support for the rest of the fleet by providing fuel, stores and ammunition, thus significantly extending the RAN’s operational reach and endurance at sea. It can also provide limited support to deployed Army and Air Force units.

HMAS Sirius was built as a double-hulled commercial product tanker, MV Delos and purchased by the Commonwealth Government on 3 June 2004. Named Sirius, the ship underwent modification for underway replenishment. In addition, a flight deck was fitted for helicopter operations.

HMAS Sirius departs Fleet Base West, Western Australia, for a four-month deployment. (Picture source: Royal Australian Navy)

The ship can carry over 38,000 cz (cubic metres) of fuel including 5486 cz (cubic metres) of aviation fuel for use by RAN helicopters. Sirius can replenish ships at sea by day and night and is capable of replenishing two ships at a time. She has transfer points for fuel, water and stores.

Sirius is the first RAN ship to carry this name, however, HMS Sirius was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1780 as the flagship of the 'First Fleet'. The name was selected because of its historical connections with the First Fleet and the import role the ship played in providing logistic support to the struggling economy. Her motto is “to serve and provide”.