RFA Regent (A486) - Her Part in The Falklands War

Her Part in The Falklands War

After taking on stores at Glen Douglas and Plymouth, Regent sailed from Plymouth on 19 April 1982, arriving in the Total Exclusion Zone (TEZ) on 8 May. She spent much of her time with the Carrier Group, replenishing ships in the group, night and day.

Surviving at least one Exocet attack, the most publicized was on May 25th, Argentina's National Day. She was heading towards Falkland Sound, in the middle of a 'RAS' (Replenishment at Sea) with the Atlantic Conveyor, when an 'Air Raid Warning Red' sounded, and the two ships immediately executed an emergency breakaway. It was a matter of minutes afterwards that the Atlantic Conveyor was struck by one, or possibly two, Exocet missiles. 'Chaff' launched from several ships confused the Exocet(s), and it (they) locked onto the biggest target available on their new course.

RFA Regent arrived back in the UK at Rosyth on 15 September, after 148 days at sea, and replenishing most of the ships in the RN at least once. She had sailed more than 35,000 nautical miles.

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