National Support Squadron (Royal Australian Navy)
| National Support Squadron (RAN) | |
|---|---|
| Active | 2022-present |
| Country | .svg.png){kind=small} Australia |
| Type | Naval Squadron |
| Role | Auxiliary |
| Part of | Royal Australian Navy |
| Livery | Saphire-blue hull and white superstructure[1] |
| Strength | 7 ships |
The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) National Support Squadron is a fleet of auxiliary naval vessels that provide critical non-combat support to the RAN's operations. These ships enhance the Navy's logistical and operational capabilities, particularly in regional engagements and humanitarian missions as well as supporting the introduction of unmanned systems.[2] These ships are crewed through a partnership between the RAN and civilian mariners from Teekay Shipping Australia Pty Ltd. Each vessel has a permanent naval liaison officer on board, and additional mission-specific personnel from the Australian Defence Force or other government agencies can be embarked as needed. Medical services are provided by Opstar Pty Ltd, a Nowra-based search and rescue specialist company.[1]
Role
The National Support Squadron plays a vital role in the RAN's regional engagement strategies including but not limited to: training,[3] submarine search and rescue,[4] humanitarian aid,[5] and the introduction of unmanned systems.
For instance, the ADV Reliant has been deployed to the South-West Pacific to provide assistance to Pacific nations.
List of active vessels
| Name | Vessel type | Class | Entered service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MV Mercator | Navigation training vessel | - | 1998 | |
| MV Besant | Submarine rescue ship | - | 2015 | |
| MV Stoker | Submarine rescue ship | - | 2016 | carries the LR5 submarine rescue vehicle |
| ADV Ocean Protector | Auxiliary naval vessel | - | 2016 | conducts border protection duties |
| MV Sycamore | Aviation training vessel | - | 2017 | |
| ADV Reliant | Auxiliary naval vessel | - | 2022 | Pacific Support Vessel |
| ADV Guidance | Auxiliary naval vessel | - | 2023 | Undersea Support Vessel |
See also
List of active Royal Australian Navy ships
References
- ^ a b Massie, Mark (26 August 2022). "Pacific support vessel shoots to thrill". defence.gov.au/news-events. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
- ^ Defence Media (8 April 2023). "Undersea support vessel to deliver enhanced capability". defence.gov.au/news-events. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ "MV Sycamore". Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ "MV Stoker". Retrieved 11 July 2025.
- ^ "ADV Reliant". Retrieved 11 July 2025.