HMAS Supply (AO 195) was a Tide-class replenishment oiler that served the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1962 until her decommissioning in 1985. Originally launched in 1954 as Tide Austral, she was built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The vessel was laid down on August 5, 1952, and launched on September 1, 1954, at a cost of approximately £A3.13 million, which exceeded initial estimates by 20%. Designed as a fleet tanker to support naval operations, she was intended to be the first of a post-World War II Australian fleet auxiliary. However, due to manpower shortages and financial difficulties, the RAN was unable to operate her directly upon completion. Instead, the ship was loaned to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) of the United Kingdom in 1955, operating under the name Tide Austral with a civilian crew. During her service with the RFA, she participated in various operational duties, including a notable two-year period (1956–58) where her activities were at the Admiralty’s discretion, including operations related to a debt repayment agreement. In August 1962, the vessel was purchased outright by Australia and commissioned into the RAN on August 15, 1962. She was officially renamed HMAS Supply on September 7, 1962, with her commissioning ceremony presided over by the wife of Rear Admiral Otto Becher. Throughout her Australian service, HMAS Supply played a vital logistical role, supporting fleet operations and participating in significant events. She notably sailed to Moruroa Atoll in protest against French atmospheric nuclear tests and was involved in Operation Navy Help Darwin following Cyclone Tracy in December 1974. Additionally, she was present at the proclamation of Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975 and participated in the bicentennial celebrations of the United States. In 1980, HMAS Supply became part of the Australia Squadron, a formation that undertook a major deployment in the Indian Ocean. She was decommissioned on December 16, 1985, and was replaced by HMAS Success. Her service marked an important period of logistical support and international engagement for the RAN during the Cold War era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.