Brad Pitt RFA Completes 5-month Refit
UK's A&P Falmouth completes a multi-million pound refit of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) 'Argus' as part of the company’s through life support “cluster” contract with the Ministry of Defence.
The Italian-built ship was originally a container ship and was requisitioned in 1982 for service in the Falklands War. This summer RFA Argus can be seen playing a starring role in the Brad Pitt zombie blockbuster World War Z, parts of which were filmed aboard in Falmouth in 2011.
RFA Argus is a Primary Casualty Receiving Facility, able to treat up to 100 casualties at a time ensuring wounded service personnel of any nationality can receive rapid medical care on operations. She also provides specialist aviation training facilities.
The work included upgrading lifeboats and davits, overhaul of the main engines, installation of an incinerator and shredder, new engine control systems, refurbishment of the ship’s hospital and a five-year paint and preservation package.
A&P Falmouth’s contract with the MOD for the long term maintenance of RFA ships was originally signed in 2008 and earlier this year was extended by five years, taking it to 2018 following a value for money review.
In addition to RFA Argus under the cluster contract, A&P Falmouth also provides Through Life Support including refit and maintenance periods to RFA Mounts Bay, Cardigan Bay and Lyme Bay.