She was on a long-term charter from 1967 to support the Royal Navy east of Suez and was at the time one of the largest ships in the RFA fleet.

Dewdale had no replenishment at sea (RAS) equipment and was classed as a Mobile Reserve Tanker.

[3] The bridge, accommodation and machinery were situated aft, and she needed to undergo a refit to enable her to receive rigs from fleet tankers in RFA service, therefore she was fitted with an astern fuelling rig and an abeam reception facility.

On 14 August 1967 she was bareboat chartered by the Admiralty and sailed to Birkenhead for these modifications, which were completed by Cammell Laird & Co.[4]

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