RN in DERRY

[Sarsfield]

HMS Bangor normally based in Glasgow arrived at Derry Quay today as part of the Flight of the Earls 400TH anniversary. Open to the public all weekend. With the accidental discovery of a huge drugs shipment off the south coast it is evident that the Celtic Tiger still hasn't realised that the navy needs substantial investment and expansion. Its a pity that we didn't pick up the 3 Sandowns now practically gifted to a Baltic state. Just as the army sees itself contributing particular skills to the European task force, so the navy could contribrute MCM skills and at the same time greatly enhance our coastal patrols.

8 PATROL SHIPS ARE NOT ENOUGH!

[hptmurphy]

Preaching to the converted..at least we have eight now..there was a time when we had none.

[hedgehog]

I very rarely post on Naval Matters because I havent a clue about Naval matters

but even for an ignormaus like me

it is evident that there must be gazillions of drugs coming through us and killing kids here

and in Europe

we as a Nation have a duty not only to our own kids but also to Europe to vigorously

defend and patrol our terroritial waters to deter and detect drug smuggling

it is clear that 8 ships isnt enough- we need to enlarge the Navy, not only in ships but in

manpower as well

[golden rivet]

I very rarely post on Naval Matters because I havent a clue about Naval matters

but even for an ignormaus like me

it is evident that there must be gazillions of drugs coming through us and killing kids here

and in Europe

we as a Nation have a duty not only to our own kids but also to Europe to vigorously

defend and patrol our terroritial waters to deter and detect drug smuggling

it is clear that 8 ships isnt enough- we need to enlarge the Navy, not only in ships but in

manpower as well

If the ministers are serious enough they will but we have been through this before and it all died a death the only addition was a customs boat suitable for the shannon, our top naval officers should be pushing not for replacements but more ships but as we all know who gives out promotions and the golden handshake to these people:confused: red tape and yes men. so as far as i can see there will be no change only normal patrolling as the three main players gardai,navy,customs will always stay clear of each other and not work as a dedicated team fulltime to stamp out this smuggling that is going on constantly,,

[pmtts]

Its a pity that we didn't pick up the 3 Sandowns now practically gifted to a Baltic state.

Does the INS have a need for Mine Sweepers?

[Goldie fish]

The Sandowns minesweeping capability was as good as removed long ago.

[hptmurphy]

Buy rundown minesweepers as IPVs is a step backward. Would take us back thirty years.Would tie up three crews in vessels with very limited abilities.These vessels were designed as mine hunters and sweepers dependant on depot ships for prolonged patrols.

Crewing Facilities date back to the sixties..same as peacocks.These are minor specialist warships adapted for arole which even the RN has deemed them to be unsuitable for.

If we want returns for capital expenditure we have to buy vessels that are up to the task required of them.

Fine for minesweeping operations in the baltic where they are still cleaning up after the cold war.Not patrol vessels..anyway some of them are knocking on twenty years old and so would have a very limited life time in the conditions we would require of any vessel.

Nice thought but I think not.

[Goldie fish]

Aren't the sandowns known as the "tupperware navy" or was it another class of sweeper?

[hptmurphy]

Yup built from GRP..although it was HMS wilton that retains the honour for beingthe firts plastic ship..and she was a ton clas sweeper.

[Fouga]

And who is going to man these Vessels? Arent the NS already struggling Manpower wise?

[Goldie fish]

No.
No more so than the rest of the defence forces.