Sir Humphrey
@pinstripedline
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Primarily interested in Cold War lessons for 21st Century Problems. Former Civil Servant.
Joined February 2012
"We are not here to EXTERMINATE. We merely wish to visit the galactically renowned Salisbury Cathedral.
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382 jobs lost, 85yrs of history written off, and 8 million listeners abandoned to save just £28m - less than 0.5% of BBC licence fee, or less than 0.001% of HMG spending. It makes a mockery of 'global Britain' when we need World Service more than ever.
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Real leadership is about following the rules, no matter how personally painful they may be, in order to set an impeccable example for others to follow.
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In 1972, based on still TOP SECRET intelligence reporting by the JIC, the MOD assessed the conventional threat to the UK from the Soviet Union. It concluded the UK could not defend itself against the conventional Soviet Naval and Air threat. Long thread follows!./1
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From 1983 onwards the Royal Navy conducted a series of covert submarine intelligence and coastal surveillance patrols off Argentina, tracking warships and monitoring aircraft. This is the story of the secret RN operations conducted within sight of the Argentine coast. /1
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In 1973 Royal Marines from the SBS embarked onboard the QE2 for a secret mission. Posing as 'travel agents' and carrying an arsenal of weaponry, to keep her passengers safe from terrorism on a high risk cruise. This is the untold story of Op WILMOT.
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In 1973 the CIA published a memo to a highly controlled distribution list highlighting Soviet submarine commanders 1968 secret proposals to detect and destroy Polaris submarines in wartime. It had some 'interesting' ideas, and was seen as hugely sensitive HUMINT reporting. /1
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Not my work, seen elsewhere, but without doubt, pure genius.
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In 1986 the UK and France signed a secret agreement covering the defence use of the Channel Tunnel. Major plans were made to use, and defend it. This thread (and blog) explore the details of logistics, hospital trains and transition to war.
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By contrast, the UK has, to date, ordered only 48 F35, and has yet to receive them all, and there is no order in place for more. The result is Australia operates twice the number of F35s that the UK does, and is arguably now more credible, and capable than the RAF.
The last three F-35A ⚡ II aircraft have arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown. 👋🛬. Six years ago the first of our F-35A aircraft arrived with hundreds of people waiting airside to see the new fifth generation aircraft. #AusAirForce has now received all its 72 F-35A aircraft. <1/2>
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The MOD is retiring a number of capabilities to save money. In the biggest cuts to the RN in nearly 20 years, 5 warships, over 100k tonnes of shipping, are being scrapped along with 32 helicopters and dozens of drones. Long thread on why this isn't as bad as some may think. /1
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In August 1968, HMS OCELOT conducted the first ever RN mission in the Med to covertly sail under Soviet warships and collect intelligence on them. This previously unknown mission, conducted in close coordination with the RAF was known as OP SCOOP. /1.
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Between 1980 and 1994 the Royal Navy submarine service conducted over 130 highly classified missions to gather intelligence or covert operations. Even though the files are closed, it is still possible to draw some significant conclusions from the archives. /1
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A fantastic official image from the Ops Room of HMS DIAMOND closed up to tackle threat of Iranian-backed Houthi militias. The amazing women and men seen here at keeping all of us at home safe, drawing on their world class Royal Navy training to deliver for the nation.
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Only @British_Airways could have the sheer arrogance to destroy with no notice one of the best Frequent Flyer schemes out there, and expect customers to pay 4-5 times more than before to retain status and claim its about 'recognising loyalty'. Gobsmacking arrogance.
@craftymiss The changes we are making are so we can recognise loyalty and change with our customers' evolving travel habits. We understand that there is always a level of uncertainty that comes with change, but we do hope that you will find the changes to be beneficial in the long run. Tony.
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The right result. This was an entirely avoidable outcome had Chris Kaba complied with police instructions at any point. I hope the defendant gets the full support he needs to rebuild his life after this horrific experience.
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We place huge responsibility on young women and men who earn their dolphins and spend 6 months far from home, and unable to contact, email or see the world. They deserve every pound of Submarine pay, and then some. BZ you magnificent sundodgers!.
Latest news article:. Royal Navy Vanguard class submarine comes home from another very long patrol. Video: @SheilaLWeir
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This is a Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group at sea right now. There are thousands of UK and allied personnel, hundreds of missiles and several dozen aircraft all brought together in one spot to demonstrate British Maritime Power. A vision 20yrs in the making is now realised.
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In July 1984 the Royal Navy, RFA and RAF Nimrods conducted a TOP SECRET UK/US intelligence gathering mission in the Barents Sea. Its goal - to acquire intelligence on Soviet Navy operations, and obtain military hardware where possible. /1 .(Blog at
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Excellent news re Ukr&Cr2. Is this opportunity for UK to 'sunset'CR2 in its entirety, donate entire fleet to Ukraine, and reequip with M1/Leo2 in vastly better/cheaper/bigger deal than keeping CR3 going?. Should the UK give up MBT short term for much better long term outcome?
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Seen on social media - a powerful image depicting visually all the roughly 1400 Royal Navy ships lost in WW2, with over 50,000 personnel killed in action during the war (albeit not all at sea).
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If there is one thing the Prince of Wales coverage on social media has taught me, its just how many Pandemic experts took time out from their research on Ukraine to also learn and be qualified as marine engineers. Google University really is an amazing seat of learning.
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Seen on social media - a fantastic view of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH.
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Today I learned that in 1936, the British Army, firing a gun salute in Bermuda in memory of King George V ran out of blank rounds, substituted live ones and managed to accidentally start shelling a Columbian Navy destroyer.
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To take a carrier from 30 days notice for sea, to embarking a fast jet sqn and wider airwing in barely 8 days is a major achievement and one few navies can do. Well done the RN.
Yesterday 8 F-35 jets embarked on @HMSPWLS in the North Sea ahead of exercise #SteadfastDefender2024 in the High North. This is the first time HMS Prince of Wales has embarked an air group. 11 helicopters also deployed across the Carrier Strike Group.
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It is beyond tedious to watch retired senior officers try to blame the modern RN for decisions they avoided taking when they had the watch.
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In 1971 the Royal Navy genuinely believed it had lost a nuclear warhead at sea. The untold story of the THROSK, nuclear weapon convoys, the Royal Marines, MI5 and Soviet spies makes for a thrilling read in the latest Pinstripedline blog . Thread /1.
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Grim reading. Its hard to disagree with view that due to entirely self inflicted and easily avoided reasons, other than CASD and carriers, the RN is now a barely 2nd tier NATO navy in terms of numbers and increasingly quality. The decline feels terminal.
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Should the British Army donate all existing Challenger 2 hulls to Ukraine, scrap the CR3 plan and instead buy the Abrams or Leopard 2? . Pinstripedline blog on the challenges of sovereignty when it comes to armoured capability and the future of the Army.
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Two thoughts tonight. 1. HM The Queen was magnificent tonight. 2. I hope the PM makes a swift recovery, and have no time for those who would use this as an opportunity for personal attacks. Now is a time to rise above politics and remember our common humanity.
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While England fans are hurting tonight, we should be glad that France is not just a great footballing nation, but one of our closest allies, friend and military peer. The Anglo-French relationship makes a real difference to making the world a safer and better place.
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The Battleship Texas foundation posted this magnificent shot on social media of the Texas this week, hours before she was put back in the water. Over 100 years on, she still looks the part!
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The Australian Navy will grow to have 30% more surface ships than the Royal Navy (26 vs 19) - this is a serious expansion of defence capabilities to meet real threats.
The recommendations of the Independent Analysis of the surface combatant fleet announced today provides the blueprint for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the #AusNavy. 🎥 Hear from the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO
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A simple message of hope and love. A moving description of the loneliness so many of us feel, at this difficult time. I remain immensely proud to say that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second is our Head of State. Long may she reign over us. #QueensSpeech
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Astonishingly powerful - yes. Astonishingly misleading about the reality of the UK in WW1, and in particular the incredible work and innovation of the British Army at all ranks? Yes.
35 years ago, the last episode of #Blackadder Goes Forth was screened. 3 hours of unmatched hours of comedy to many of us. But there was a deeper message throughout encapsulated in this moving final scene. #lestweforget.Vid: BlackadderQtes.
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As a reminder, the Royal Navy is now 100% reliant on foreign support to do stores replenishment, due to the collapse of the RFA fleet, and selling/scrapping 3 of the 4 stores ships since 2010, and now putting RFA FORT VICTORIA into reserve due to insufficient crew in rhe RFA. .
SNMG1 flagship HNoMS Maud has joined the UK Carrier Strike Group, replenishing HMS Prince of Wales. She will perform both replenishments of oil and VERTREPs of solid stores during her time supporting Ex. Strike Warrior and CSG25. (Image: @COMUKCSG)
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8yrs since the greatest Royal Navy article of all time!
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My twitter feed today. A worryingly large amount of content from people who sound like until this morning they'd never heard of BIOT but are now OUTRAGED!
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The RAAF now has roughly double the number of F35 that the RN and RAF have in service, and at 72 ordered, has got 50% more on order than the UK (48 ordered). Australia increasingly seems to be taking defence more seriously than the UK when it comes to funding capabilities.
Royal Australian Air Force F-35.60 delivered out of 72 planned. ◦RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales.▪No. 2 OCU.▪No. 3 Squadron.▪No. 77 Squadron.◦RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory.▪No. 75 Squadron
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"Hello, I'd really like you to betray the trust and confidence placed in you by your nation, and reveal sensitive protected information to suit my nakedly partisan agenda that will help me stay in paid employment, while you put your own at risk. Thanks".
Are you civil servant/local govt/NHS involved in contingency planning? Are you a dr concerned about what you’re seeing? Do you have DOCUMENTS? What do you know that public doesn’t? Please DM me or other journalists. We need free & open access to info & for individuals to speak up.
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Who had 'attempted coup in Germany by an aspirational Emperor ' on their 2022 bingo card?.
#BREAKING German Prince Heinrich XIII Reuss of Greiz was arrested this morning suspected of planning a coup d'état in Germany with at least 24 other people . The plan was to attack the German parliament in Berlin and insert the Prince as new head of state, King/Emperor of 🇩🇪 .1/2
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Good for Turkey, but without doubt one of the most devastating self inflicted losses in the history of the RAF.
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Seen on social media - HMS SHEFFIELD and HMS COVENTRY steaming south in 1982, near Ascension Island. A powerful picture of two ships now on eternal patrol.
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As news breaks indicating defence cuts will force a 30% cut in RFA tanker numbers, Pinstripedline blog asks whether the Royal Navy is still a true 'blue water navy' and concludes that no, it is not.
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There is a lot of media coverage of the new Prime Minister and the need to write 'letters of last resort' for UK nuclear forces. The Pinstriped blog on the role of the PM in nuclear retaliation is here - A thread on the subject follows!
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The interesting fact here is that in 2022 the Ukrainians were able to recover 30,000 maxims from storage. Can you imagine if the MOD still had the Vickers in store?.
At the beginning of 2022, more than 30,000 Maxim machine guns were retrieved from storage – and the vintage water-cooled weapon proved to be highly efficient on the cutting edge of air defense against the "Shakhed" drones due to its ability to fire for several minutes in a row.
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A curious irony is that those who join the OTC are far more likely to be employable, develop life long skills and mates and be better off than those who join the yoghurt knitting society.
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I do wish coffee shops had 2 lines. One short quick one for those of us who just want a 'coffee'. One very long and slow one for people ordering stupidly complex drinks that sound like spells from Harry Potter. .
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Phenomenal photo, seen on social media, of the battleship USS TEXAS in drydock. The sight of a Dreadnought in this way in the 2020s is an incredibly powerful and stirring sight.
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From BBC news - since when have Royal Navy warships been 'the' HMS?. A minor thing but one that is intensely irritating 'The His Majesty's Ship' makes no sense!
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Phenomenally powerful footage of the respect shown to those brave soldiers returning home to risk everything to defend their homeland from the facist invaders.
British soldiers saluting Ukrainian soldiers who have completed their training and are going back to the frontlines.
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Great 1982 Ascension Island image from social media - I never thought it possible to imagine a Victor seem small compared to another aircraft!
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Is there a more stirring phrase in the Royal Navy lexicon than 'Battle Ensign'. It evokes images of centuries of sailors serving their nation in war; HMS RICHMOND and her crew are proud upholderd of this ancient tradition.
Goes to Red Sea at short notice, messes up Houthis with a new weapon system, comes home flying Battle Ensign. That's how you Navy. 🇬🇧 💪. 📷: @Tomleachphoto1
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The numbers of navies in the world capable of globally deploying a Task Group, refueling at sea whilst flying fast jets can be counted on fingers of one hand. The Royal Navy is one of this very select group.
Great sight - @HMSQNLZ and @HMSNORT re-fuelling with @RFATideforce while #F35 lands on. #WESTLAND19 #breathingfire
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So incredibly proud of all those who made today an historic event. BZ.
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Unpopular view. All military officers should be banned from using their former rank the day they leave the military. It is uncomfortable to see letters, or articles, intended to shape the public debate and Govt policy, signed using former rank titles by long retired staff.
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This 1977 photo of a single Task Group deployment features as many frigates as the Royal Navy has operationally available today. It also has roughly the same number of RFA tanker & store ships at sea as the entire RFA has available for sea today.
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Anyone else tracking the rising anger from UK Military families, many with babies and children, living in substandard service accom going days without heating/hot water?. These same families are likely to be impacted by Op 'Deny Christmas' as military cover strike hit services.
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Another masterclass from the worlds best military social media operators.
On the eve of the historic coronation, we'd like to thank our British friends for your friendship. We are grateful for your unwavering support and partnership, especially in the past year!
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In July 1957, the CIA briefed that a Soviet submarine with unknown propulsion system was operating off the East Coast of the US, manoeuvring at speed for considerable time. This predates their first known SSN's entering service. Anyone got any ideas what the submarine was?
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In 1984 onboard the Soviet submarine 'Red October', Captain Vasili Borodin was killed in an incident that Western Govts continue to deny ever happened. Today, while on holiday, I honoured his dying wish. Vasili, now you have 'seen Montana'. RIP.
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An astounding shot of two US Navy destroyers (McCain and Fitzgerald) being transporter for repairs.
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The Finns possess one of the most lethal and capable armed forces in NATO to respond to the modern threat. They are years ahead of the UK in many ways when it comes to national defence - we have much to learn from them.
On this day 85 years ago, the Soviets invaded Finland. The Finns responded with defence that remains an unsurpassed case study in determination, heroism and resilience. #WinterWar
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80yrs ago tonight the Allies began their campaign to liberate France. I think of my late grandfather, a Green Jacket from 1940, with 8th Army in Tobruk, Alamein and Italy. He landed on 8 Jun, saw action at Villers Bocage and beyond, ending the war in Germany. He was 24. /1
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The magnificent women & men of the Royal Navy are once again in harms way, defending international security from those who would do it harm. A busy night onboard HMS DIAMOND using missiles and guns to defeat their foe.
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The MOD has responded to an FOI query about social functions held on-board RAF Tornado jets since 2005. It stated "The Tornado is a two-seat combat aircraft and therefore unsuitable for social functions such as cocktail parties or gala dinners". …
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If Moskva survives, this ideal outcome. Repairing a badly battle damaged 40yr old hulk will drain resources and budgets, and reduce funds for other construction for a vanity project.
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A) She isn't a boat. B) She is in the Western Pacific, several weeks sailing away. C) Afghanistan is a landlocked country. D) Stupidity is almost as contagious as COVID and far more deadly in the long term.
Why isn’t the UK’s £3.2 billion HMS Queen Elizabeth helping evacuate Brits and Afghani support staff?. £3,200,000,000 on a boat which doesn’t even show up to help.
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HMS CHALLENGER - A long thread and longest ever PSL blog! . Publicly designed for 'research' the CHALLENGER was intended for a variety of highly secret Cold War roles and missions from protecting SSBNs, to supporting SOSUS to recovering nuclear weapons from the seabed. /1
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The Express is running a story claiming that the RN is going to be down to one carrier. This is both true and also a misrepresentation of what is actually happening - short thread to provide some context! /1
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Talk of forced conscription in the UK, in wartime, by a serving General is 'bold'. The question is surely, where do the weapons, equipment, vehicles and armour come from to equip these 'citizen soldiers' at the rush?.
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One of the greatest of all consorts, a decorated war hero and a man who embodied service, selflessness and duty. RIP.
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2024 Royal Navy fleet stats - A short thread. Warships ordered: 0 .Warships commissioned: 0 .Warships decommissioned: 9 (1 SSN, 1 MCMV, 2 LPDs, 2 tankers, 3 frigates). RN/RFA ships in Jan 2023 - 81 .RN/RFA ships in Dec 2024 - 72
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I wake to news of the fighting in Kyiv. The stories emerging of courage, heroism and leadership in these desperate hours is incredible. I am in awe of the bravery and courage of the people of Ukraine - they deserve our full support.
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A great photo from social media showing the size difference between the former HMS BROADSWORD (Type 22B1 frigate) and a Type 45 destroyer.
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Hyperbolic nonsense. All submarines look tired when returning from a long patrol. This is garbage reporting that forgets the security offered by Trident and the huge benefit to Scotland from jobs at Faslane and wider RN shipbuilding while in the UK.
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Tonight will mostly be spent thinking of the best way to explain to Lady Appleby that we need to unexpectedly move house. My defence is that I had no idea how big it was when I ordered it, and I need somewhere to display it properly - and the carrier berths in Pompey are full.
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I agree with Tom. I try to be positive about the RN, but I struggle to find anything to be positive on now.
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The intelligence update slide every DI analyst secretly dreams of producing.
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I can't help but wonder if the best way we as a nation could show our appreciation for the troops on Armed Forces Day would be to let them have the weekend off, rather making troops work over it, which is stopping them from spending time with their families and loved ones?
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HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH alongside in Mayport. Glorious weather but Lightning is forecast. (Seen on social media)
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Today the Royal Navy has two aircraft carriers deployed. HMS PRINCE OF WALES is in Gibraltar, visiting UK sovereign territory at the gateway to the Med. HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH is sailing through Suez, bound for the Pacific. British Maritime Power - timeless and priceless.
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No matter how much an optimist/realist one is on personnel issues, it is depressing to reflect that the RN is to be reduced to just 15 escort ships (9 Type 23, 6 Type 45) at a time when the threats we face seem ever more substantial.
.@Telegraph @SheridanDani reporting HMS Argyll as well as HMS Westminster to be scrapped due to RN personnel shortage. HMS Argyll began refit in the shed at Devonport in August 2022 and was supposed to rejoin the fleet in late 2023.
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70 Years ago tonight the reign of His Majesty King George VI drew to a close. A man who never expected to be King, he led his Nation, Dominions and Empire through tests and trials beyond comprehension and to glorious victory. Let us remember him, as a very British Monarch.
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A strong gesture from islands who know what it means to be invaded and the heavy price of liberty.
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Its been a long, brutal year. I have but one simple wish - I want to go to a pub, without pre-booking, without a facemask, and I want to stand at a bar, order a pint and then sit and talk to a friend without being forced to live in fear.
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The Telegraph is convinced the Royal Navy has 'battleships' (last one scrapped 64yrs ago) in the latest example of 'copy, paste, regurgitate' word for word journalism from an earlier MSN article. Some may deem it worthy of an IPSO complaint under Clause 1 of the Editors code.
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There is a Telegraph article today suggesting the RN is being humiliated because Norway is joining next years Carrier Strike Group deployment. This is not the case - it is EXCELLENT news. Thread / Blog on why this article is utterly ridiculous. /1
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This perfectly captures my view on whatever this current football competition is!
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On a train today. Woman starts playing her audible book on loud speakers. I politely ask if she can put her headphone in. "I can't find them - you've got a whole train, why can't you just move"?. They walk among us.
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A difficult read - there is a depressingly strong case made that we are at one of the lowest points in the history of the Royal Navy.
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In 1993 the UK Government chose to scrap the Strategic Food stockpile, intended to feed the 40 million survivors of a nuclear attack for 60 days, in order to save £10m per year of public spending. This stockpile has never been replaced.
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An utterly damning article. The total collapse of the RFA in recent years was completely avoidable, but has instead left the RN as a 2nd tier navy, reliant on foreign navies for logistics support on operations. A desperate state of affairs.
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