Dispersed naval bases

Markcheese

I know f-all about the navy... But was wondering would a dispersed naval force be more effective, cheaper able to take on more roles .... The navy are based in hawlboline, the customs are round the corner in kinsale, and that's about it... If the ships were based along the coast , and crews were posted to a base they could live off base(like most soldiers) and like a lot of fishermen, do 1 or two weeks on 1 or 2 weeks off... And possibly patrol a patch ....

goldie fish

No.
Logistically it is more sensible to have all your stores, staff, and training at one location.

If the army are reducing barracks what makes you think increasing naval bases would be considered a good idea?

Also, the main AO for both the naval service and customs is the south west coast. One week on a ship will barely see you reach your patrol destination, no matter where you are based. Keep in mind the ships normally cruise at 15kn and the area being patrolled is up to 200 -500 miles west.

So... If a naval vessel leaves Galway at 9am on Monday, when will it reach the limits of our territorial waters, 25degrees west of the Greenwich meridian travelling at an average speed of 10kn? (given that it has to stop, board and question numerous vessels en route)?? (hint, it's about 1000 miles)

Markcheese

Training and stores would be best centralised , sure ... You can get anything overnighted to anywhere in Ireland... By same token getting people to cork for training is no biggie ... By dispersed bases I was thinking an existing pier and couple of secure buildings.... Not much more ....
How long are current patrols ?? Time wise ... I suppose I was thinking if you want to be 500 miles north west of Galway in a hurry ,and your ship is in Galway it'd be a lot quicker than trying to steam up from cork .... Patrolling the north west from hawlboline seems a little daft .... Would a mix of smaller ships like the customs ships and current size patrol ships cover more ground, or be able to be at sea more...

discus

You've got this, goldie...

Markcheese

Yeah , alright, it was a crap idea, decentralise the navy, sure engineering for 1 ship could have been posted to athlone....

goldie fish

The Customs boats(and they are just boats) are only useful within the confines of the 12 mile limit. They are also only suitable for the work the customs do, mainly showing the flag at yacht clubs and maritime events and boarding yachts in summertime.
If you need to be anywhere in a hurry, you don't send a ship from Haulbowline(note correct spelling). The Navy is not the Fire brigade, parked up waiting for the alarm to ring. 3 ships(at least) are already at sea at all times, patrolling the east, Northwest and southwest coasts. You send the closest ship, then send the next closest. One of the remaining ships then leaves Haulbowline to continue patrolling where the last ship was.

Current patrols are of 3 week duration, on average.

Also, if you need to be 500 miles north west of Galway you are Looking for the Royal Navy.