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. 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.
Role
The National Support Squadron plays a vital role in the RAN's regional engagement strategies including but not limited to training, submarine search and rescue, humanitarian aid and the introduction of unmanned systems.
For instance, the ADV Reliant has been deployed to the South-West Pacific to provide aid to Pacific nations.
List of active vessels NameVessel typeClassEntered serviceNotesMV MercatorNavigation training vessel -1998MV BesantSubmarine rescue ship -2015MV StokerSubmarine rescue ship -2016Carries the LR5 submarine rescue vehicleADV Ocean ProtectorAuxiliary naval vessel -2016Conducts border protection dutiesMV SycamoreAviation training vessel -2017ADV ReliantAuxiliary naval vessel -2022Pacific Support VesselADV GuidanceAuxiliary naval vessel -2023Undersea Support VesselADV Cape OtwayNavigation training vesselCape-class2022Reroled to training vessel in 2025
See also Royal Australian Navy List of active Royal Australian Navy ships
References