These ships were designed to carry a wide range of dry stores to support fleet task forces; ammunition, food, explosives.

The Ministry of Defence explored various options to transfer these nuclear weapons from the frigates to the safety of the deep magazines aboard Fort Austin, Hermes and Invincible.

After the conflict ended, weapons were transferred at sea to the two RFAs Fort Austin and Resource for transport back to the UK.

Following the Strategic Defence and Security Review of October 2010 it was decided to reactivate her at the expense of the larger RFA Fort George, which would be decommissioned.

Later that year it was announced that her service life would be extended until 2023;[6] the Fort class will ultimately be replaced by the Fleet Solid Support element of the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability programme.

[10][11] In June 2020, Fort Austin was reported to be in extended readiness (reserve) with replenishment rigs not compatible with the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.