D
Deleted member 675
Guest
Re: Take UK troops out of Iraq, senior military told ministers
I think we botched this up bad, we have been told that we are far too thinly spread out at this time, this could be a good thing, although i personally believe since we screwed up their country we should finish the job, i don't think this will happen though, they have too much precious oil for us to leave anyways.
I think we botched this up bad, we have been told that we are far too thinly spread out at this time, this could be a good thing, although i personally believe since we screwed up their country we should finish the job, i don't think this will happen though, they have too much precious oil for us to leave anyways.
Re: Take UK troops out of Iraq, senior military told ministers
The Two CVFs to be ordered immediately of course. We'll still be in Iraq and Afganistan by the time they're ready...
Also, 30+ Merlin HC4 troop transport helos to replace the Sea King HC4s of the RNs Commando Helicopter Force as they are starting to wear out through heavy use;
At least 12 more Chinooks with folding rotors to supplement the Merlins;
Another six Type 45s to restore the numbers originally needed;
Another five C-17 Globemasters for the RAF;
Restoration of the gun to all RAF Typhoons;
G-36 Assault Rifles to replace the SA-80;
Enough Body Armour for ALL ground forces;
Enough Ammo for all ground forces;
And an admission that Defence cuts in wartime are REALLY STUPID and will stop immediately.
The Two CVFs to be ordered immediately of course. We'll still be in Iraq and Afganistan by the time they're ready...
Also, 30+ Merlin HC4 troop transport helos to replace the Sea King HC4s of the RNs Commando Helicopter Force as they are starting to wear out through heavy use;
At least 12 more Chinooks with folding rotors to supplement the Merlins;
Another six Type 45s to restore the numbers originally needed;
Another five C-17 Globemasters for the RAF;
Restoration of the gun to all RAF Typhoons;
G-36 Assault Rifles to replace the SA-80;
Enough Body Armour for ALL ground forces;
Enough Ammo for all ground forces;
And an admission that Defence cuts in wartime are REALLY STUPID and will stop immediately.
D
Deleted member 675
Guest
Re: Take UK troops out of Iraq, senior military told ministers
Obi Wan, I think you've got the wrong end of the stick. Although a future budgetary increase is possible, what Blair was talking about were immediate reinforcements to our troops on the ground, e.g. extra helicopters being deployed.
Although I would agree with you about the ships. We might be lucky and see another two Type-45s in the near future, then again we might have to wait. As to CVF, we should be seeing movement on this issue hopefully by the end of the month. Main gate should be end of this year, or no later than the start of 2007.
Obi Wan, I think you've got the wrong end of the stick. Although a future budgetary increase is possible, what Blair was talking about were immediate reinforcements to our troops on the ground, e.g. extra helicopters being deployed.
Although I would agree with you about the ships. We might be lucky and see another two Type-45s in the near future, then again we might have to wait. As to CVF, we should be seeing movement on this issue hopefully by the end of the month. Main gate should be end of this year, or no later than the start of 2007.
HMS Ark Royal returns to sea after refit
HMS Ark Royal returns to sea
3 Oct 06
After a nine month refit period, the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal has returned to the North Sea to begin full sea trials.
On Friday 29 September 2006, as she slipped her moorings at Rosyth and glided out into the Firth of Forth, it was the first time in nearly two and half years that Ark Royal had sailed under her own steam.
Understandably, an air of expectation buzzed around the ship with a crowd of well wishers gathering to see her on her way, one step nearer to returning to service.
The event marks a significant milestone in the ship's return to operational service. She will now spend the next three weeks undertaking sea trials which will allow her to undertake initial tests of all her systems.
Ark Royal's company will also be put through their paces, carrying out a number of training exercises. The trials programme will include the testing and proving of major systems such as the propulsion, sensors and weapons.
Ark Royal's Commanding Officer, Captain Mike Mansergh, said:
"It will be my own first time at sea in Ark Royal. It will be an immensely proud and exciting time for all of us onboard.
"To have one ship that can undertake a number of roles gives the Royal Navy an extremely flexible option and one, of course, which can protect the UK’s interests all over the world and, hopefully, make it a safer place."
After the sea trials are complete, HMS Ark Royal will start a period of intensive sea training which culminates in her assuming the Navy's Landing Platform Helicopter role. After that, she will be ready to respond to world events at 24 hours notice as a joint defence asset.
The £19 million refit period has significantly enhanced the carrier’s versatility and will see her emerge in a Commando Carrier role whilst maintaining a Strike Capability. The project was on time and on budget, reflecting an effective approach to refitting the ship.
A number of upgrades have been added, including a Mizzen Mast for enhanced communications. An upgraded satellite communications system known as SCOT 5 has also been added which will ensure that the increasingly demanding information requirements for Strike Operations can be managed.
The current HMS Ark Royal is the fifth vessel to bear the distinguished name. It is normally the flagship of the fleet, but with the refit underway, that duty has been handed over to HMS Illustrious
HMS Ark Royal returns to sea
3 Oct 06
After a nine month refit period, the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal has returned to the North Sea to begin full sea trials.
On Friday 29 September 2006, as she slipped her moorings at Rosyth and glided out into the Firth of Forth, it was the first time in nearly two and half years that Ark Royal had sailed under her own steam.
Understandably, an air of expectation buzzed around the ship with a crowd of well wishers gathering to see her on her way, one step nearer to returning to service.
The event marks a significant milestone in the ship's return to operational service. She will now spend the next three weeks undertaking sea trials which will allow her to undertake initial tests of all her systems.
Ark Royal's company will also be put through their paces, carrying out a number of training exercises. The trials programme will include the testing and proving of major systems such as the propulsion, sensors and weapons.
Ark Royal's Commanding Officer, Captain Mike Mansergh, said:
"It will be my own first time at sea in Ark Royal. It will be an immensely proud and exciting time for all of us onboard.
"To have one ship that can undertake a number of roles gives the Royal Navy an extremely flexible option and one, of course, which can protect the UK’s interests all over the world and, hopefully, make it a safer place."
After the sea trials are complete, HMS Ark Royal will start a period of intensive sea training which culminates in her assuming the Navy's Landing Platform Helicopter role. After that, she will be ready to respond to world events at 24 hours notice as a joint defence asset.
The £19 million refit period has significantly enhanced the carrier’s versatility and will see her emerge in a Commando Carrier role whilst maintaining a Strike Capability. The project was on time and on budget, reflecting an effective approach to refitting the ship.
A number of upgrades have been added, including a Mizzen Mast for enhanced communications. An upgraded satellite communications system known as SCOT 5 has also been added which will ensure that the increasingly demanding information requirements for Strike Operations can be managed.
The current HMS Ark Royal is the fifth vessel to bear the distinguished name. It is normally the flagship of the fleet, but with the refit underway, that duty has been handed over to HMS Illustrious
Re: Take UK troops out of Iraq, senior military told ministers
Well the question was what do you want to see, and I'm not letting the Government off the hook that easily...
I've posted some Post-Refit photos of the Ark Royal in the British Military pic thread, clearly showing her new third mast.
Well the question was what do you want to see, and I'm not letting the Government off the hook that easily...
I've posted some Post-Refit photos of the Ark Royal in the British Military pic thread, clearly showing her new third mast.
D
Deleted member 675
Guest
Re: Take UK troops out of Iraq, senior military told ministers
So, an upbeat article on the carriers for once! Hopefully this means we will see main-gate by the end of the year, rather than putting it off until 2007. Of course nothing is certain, but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed....
:nana:
So, an upbeat article on the carriers for once! Hopefully this means we will see main-gate by the end of the year, rather than putting it off until 2007. Of course nothing is certain, but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed....
:nana:
D
Deleted member 675
Guest
Re: Take UK troops out of Iraq, senior military told ministers
More interesting developments.
The important bits:
I shall be keeping a look-out tomorrow for confirmed details.
More interesting developments.
The important bits:
- CVF (UK) main gate expected tomorrow
- French committed to the project
- Final agreement may come next year at a European summit
- Some aspects of the French design have been adapted for CVF, including:
1) Increased flight-deck size, to provide necessary space for catapults & associated machinery
2) The design now features 16 Sylver launchers for Aster 15 missiles
I shall be keeping a look-out tomorrow for confirmed details.