The Royal Australian Navy's operational support capability has received a significant boost with the introduction of HMAS Supply into service. HMAS Supply is the first of two new Supply class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ships. The AORs will enhance fleet capability by extending the time a task group can spend at sea and the distance travelled. Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton, said the AORs are a critical support element to contemporary maritime operations across the region. "With regional security challenges on the rise, it is more important than ever to have robust operational support capabilities for Australia's maritime assets," he said. Carrying fuel, water, food, parts and dry cargo, the AORs will primarily provide logistics replenishment to naval combat units at sea. They will also be able to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations domestically and regionally.
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