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RFA Olna (A216)

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History
RFA EnsignUnited Kingdom
NameRFA Olna
BuilderSwan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Wallsend
Launched28 December 1944
Commissioned27 April 1945 (as HMS Olna)
In service20 March 1946 (transferred to the RFA)
Out of serviceNovember 1966
IdentificationPennant number A216
FateScrapped in Spain, 1967
General characteristics
TypeFleet tanker
Tonnage
Displacement17,000 t
Length583 ft 5 in (177.83 m)
Beam70 ft 2 in (21.39 m)
Draught31 ft 8 in (9.65 m)
Depth40 ft 6 in (12.34 m)
Installed power11,000 shp (8,200 kW)
Propulsion
Speed17 knots (31.5 km/h)
Complement
Armament
  • 1 x 4-inch gun
  • 4 x 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns
  • 8 x 20 mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns

RFA Olna (A216) was one of two ships built for Shell. She was originally named Hyalina and taken up for Fleet Service soon after building.

She was taken into service as a fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). The ship was built for service with the British Pacific Fleet against Japan, and was commissioned into the Royal Navy for that purpose. However, after the Second World War the ship was quickly transferred to the RFA, making the move in 1946. Olna was crucial to the development of replenishment at sea doctrines for the British fleet, and saw service up until 1966.

In 1955 when serving with the Mediterranean fleet, Olna was used in the making of the film Battle of the River Plate to depict the German supply ship Altmark.

References

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