Naval Service General Discussion - Fleet, Manpower, Policy

So after the UK actually did raid and seize a Russian tanker in the English Channel, I wonder how busy the West Coast route is going to get? Meanwhile of course the Russians have decided maybe to replay the Dodger bank incident and opened fire with warning shots against a civilian yacht off of the Isle of Wight… Just something to consider in terms of the NS:

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/reports-of-russian-warship-firing-at-british-vessel-near-uk/

First, how many jobs do they think is going to happen from it? Second please tell me they at least didn't call it a FOB this time, and lastly, why the hell would the navy pick it other than rather obvious vote buying BS?

Theres actually not many problems with drogheda with plenty of room and visits of the navy in the past. The one major problem is the port is Tidal.

I have to say i was very impressed with the Naval Service regen plan last week and espcially with the purchase of two Arrowheads.

i blame the air corps. When DEPR googled NH90 and seen the price they had heart failure and are still in shock at how much everything will cost.

before we get worked up on the location for an East coast FOB, are the reported issues with NZ ships which would presumably be operating from there, resolved?

Meh, honestly I'd focus the resources on the 60's to build up their crews given they will be the only thing that actually gets some useful capabilities. Whether or not the 70's have busted engines is relatively minor compared to the reality that the role they will play is minor anyway.

Not making sure our comms would work with the French? As for waiting lists, if you are willing to pay positions can be moved, and I'm fairly sure securing some of the largest diplomatic events in Europe would have made some of our EU partners willing to consider our needs, if we had bothered (see the late in the day CUAS for Baldonnel for how half arsed we've been), but instead like most things its "next year", when the major demands have passed.

At the very least I hope the French stick us for every cent having a FREMM on station costs, and make the SG and the Part Time Minister explain why that's the money well spent.

Don't need NATO standard comms sets, if you're not in NATO - Irish DOD logic

Most likely DOD didn't want to pay for comms kit with STANAG compatibility, and are using "military grade" COTS crypto.

edit: or a TETRA vs TETRAPOL use issue

Why? The usual gobshites normally trot out that its actually the UK's responsibility to cover our arses, if they have actually read about the French in the bay they would probably come out with some bullsh!t about how this proves neutrality works and that everyone else will cover us.

At least someone competent is in charge… even if they're not Irish.

I've always wondered, does the Irish Naval service go to much countries when out at sea or do you spend most of your time just in the water?

It's just a big draw for USA and UK navies for sailors to join since they get to travel a lot, and I wonder if it's the same thing.