http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/ News about the Royal Fleet Auxilairy and the Royal Navy or any thing that could be of interest. If you have anything to say about the RFA or anything else, drop us a line. Podcast Generator 0.94 - podcastgen.sourceforge.net Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:35:32 -0500 EN Copyright TOOTP News about the Royal Fleet Auxilairy and the Royal Navy or any thing that could be of interest. If you have anything to say about the RFA or anything else, drop us a line. OIC TOOTP OIC TOOTP webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no The RFA have launched 'The Royal Fleet Auxiliary‘s Community Website' rfacom.mod.uk is for RFA personnel, their families and friends and offers a wide range of information on RFA and family matters. Royal Fleet Auxiliary Community Support site launched. The RFA have launched "The Royal Fleet Auxiliary‘s Community Website", rfacom.mod.uk is for RFA personnel, their families and friends and offers a wide range of information on RFA and family matters.Designed to Connect and support the RFA community worldwide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the internet based Community Support Facility has been designed for everyone in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary community. If you are a serving member of the RFA, a family member or friend this site can link you with the RFA world.This service supplements the Deployment News that units currently publish on their official pages of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary website rfa.mod.uk, which is aimed at a much wider audience, including the general public, potential recruits and journalists. The member's area is only open to serving personnel and their families who have registered to use this facility. Needless to say the member's area forums are only for information of an unclassified nature. You can register for an account today and log in to explore the facilities available. The RFA have launched 'The Royal Fleet Auxiliary‘s Community Website' rfacom.mod.uk is for RFA personnel, their families and friends and offers a wide range of information on RFA and family matters. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2008-04-07_rfacom.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2008-04-07_rfacom.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:30:55 -0500 Captain Bill Walworth OBE is due to succeed RFA Commodore Bob Thornton in September of 2008. Captain Bill Walworth OBE is due to succeed RFA Commodore Bob Thornton in September of 2008. Captain Bill Walworth was born in 1951, and brought up in Somerset and rural Wiltshire. He was educated at a local prep school and Shaftesbury Grammar School, before joining the BP Tanker Company as a Navigating Cadet in 1968. Joining the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1978, he has served in a variety of seagoing and shore appointments. In 1994 he was promoted to Captain and took command of RFA Sir Galahad (soon to depart for it's new life in Brazil). His period in command of RFA Sir Galahad included a United Nations peacekeeping deployment to Angola, for which he was later awarded an OBE in the 1996 Operational Honours. Captain Bill Walworth OBE is due to succeed RFA Commodore Bob Thornton in September of 2008. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2008-04-07_newsalert.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2008-04-07_newsalert.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:15:10 -0500 HMS Illustrious one of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers has been unable to leave port for a second time. Illustrious was on its way to sea for a diplomatic tour of the Indian Ocean area, but has been unable to leave port for a second time HMS Illustrious one of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers has been unable to leave port for a second time. Illustrious was on its way to sea for a diplomatic tour of the Indian Ocean area, but has been unable to leave port for a second time due to mechanical failures. HMS Illustrious returned to Portland, Dorset, after it's oily water separator, a system that stops oil being discharged from the ship when bilges need to be pumped overboard became faulty. The ship originally left Portsmouth on the 21st of January to carry out exercises in the Channel before it was due to leave on its four-month deployment, but faulty refrigeration units meant that it was forced to return to Portsmouth for repairs, finally leaving on the 25th of January. At the end of 2004 HMS Illustrious returned into service after a refit costing over£110 million pounds, the two-year refit was designed to extend the working life of the aircraft carrier by up to 10 years. HMS Illustrious one of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers has been unable to leave port for a second time. Illustrious was on its way to sea for a diplomatic tour of the Indian Ocean area, but has been unable to leave port for a second time http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2008-02-09_hms_illustrious_ras.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2008-02-09_hms_illustrious_ras.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:04:26 -0600 Des Browne the Defence Secretary announced today that the Government has accepted the recommendations of the independent Armed Forces' Pay Review Body and will implement them in full from 1 April 2008. Pay rise for everyone in the Armed Forces. Des Browne the Defence Secretary announced today that the Government has accepted the recommendations of the independent Armed Forces' Pay Review Body and will implement them in full from 1 April 2008. It's a shame that the RFA are not covered by the independent Armed Forces' Pay Review Body as we work so closely with the Royal Navy. All Servicemen and women will see their basic pay go up by 2.6%. There is also an increase in X-Factor, which is an adjustment to military pay in recognition of the conditions of service experienced by members of the Armed Forces compared to those in the civilian sector, from 13% to 14%. The amount of X-Factor paid to officers at the equivalent of Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and Brigadier ranks has also been restructured for the first time since 1974. This reflects that officers of these ranks now experience conditions and frequency of tours similar to more junior officers. Derek Twigg, Under Secretary of State for Defence, said: "I am delighted to be able to announce this pay rise for our Armed Forces, which is thoroughly deserved. This pay award recognises the tremendous contribution all our Service personnel continue to make at home and overseas." Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of Defence Staff, said: "This pay increase is good news for the Armed Forces at a time when their dedication, determination and courage continue to be tested. It reflects the outstanding contributions our people and their families are making to the defence of our nation. It is also a tangible demonstration of the high regard in which our people are held by the Government and the nation." The Longer Separation Allowance will increase by 2.6% - giving troops deployed overseas at least £1,100 over a six month tour. The rates of Specialist Pay (including Flying Pay, Submarine Pay, Diving Pay and Hydrographic Pay) will also increase by 2.6 per cent. A new category of specialist pay is also being introduced for Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel. In total, as a result of the increases announced today, a Private soldier deploying on their first operation will now receive: * basic pay between £16,227 - £25,182 * £2,320 tax free Operational Allowance over a 6 month tour * at least £1,100 in Longer Separation Allowance over a six month tour Des Browne the Defence Secretary announced today that the Government has accepted the recommendations of the independent Armed Forces' Pay Review Body and will implement them in full from 1 April 2008. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2008-02-09_des_browne.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2008-02-09_des_browne.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 09 Feb 2008 14:09:34 -0600 Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Commodore in Chief's equerry sacked! The RFA and Para's are in the news again, last week it was about the Para's and Bar room brawls, this week it's another sensational story. Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Commodore in Chief's equerry sacked! The RFA and Para's are in the news again, last week it was about the Para's and Bar room brawls, this week it's another sensational story. It has been reported in the Sun that Prince Edward's RFA equerry has gotten into a little trouble with a Para during an official visit to the Falklands. A security alert at Government House was prompted after they tip-toed out of her room around dawn. The Sun reported that a military source was quoted as saying "It wasn't the cleverest thing to do as Government House was surrounded by police and guards." Read the full article here. Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Commodore in Chief's equerry sacked! The RFA and Para's are in the news again, last week it was about the Para's and Bar room brawls, this week it's another sensational story. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-07-14_prince-edward1.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-07-14_prince-edward1.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 14 Jul 2007 06:21:47 -0500 Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Lyme Bay, the fourth and final ship in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's new class of landing ship, has been delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence more than two months ahead of schedule. RFA Lyme Bay delivered two months ahead of schedule Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Lyme Bay, the fourth and final ship in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's new class of landing ship, has been delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence more than two months ahead of schedule. The vessel recently completed stage one contractor sea trials off the of Scotland and later delivered to Falmouth. She will undergo further tests prior to the official handover ceremony in Portland on 2nd of August. RFA Lyme Bay was built and launched at Swan Hunter on Tyneside before being brought to the Clyde in 2006 for completion. Andy Hewitt LSD(A) team leader said: "RFA Lyme Bay has been successfully delivered by BAE Systems to a very high standard. The vessel will now undertake an additional work package in support of full system acceptance prior to handover in Portland.” Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Lyme Bay, the fourth and final ship in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's new class of landing ship, has been delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence more than two months ahead of schedule. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-07-07_lyme_bay.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-07-07_lyme_bay.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 07 Jul 2007 12:23:53 -0500 Blogging quotes "the snivelling little git officially holds the honourary rank of Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Well I've been drinking with the RFA in a past life. They are, in general, completely barking. Over the last couple of weeks people on the web have been running stories about Prince Edward and his attendence at the ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War. The stories have not been very polite about Prince Edward, or the mental state of people in the RFA. Quote "I'm told that the snivelling little git officially holds the honourary rank of Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Well I've been drinking with the RFA in a past life. They are, in general, completely barking. Even the Paras are wary of taking them on in a bar-room brawl. Appointing the wimp of the family as their top man confirms once and for all that Her Maj (God bless her) has a devilish sense of humour."end quote Quote "why on earth did they let him near the dressing up box as well? I suppose they're his mother's armed forces, so he can wear whatever uniform he wants, but turning up dressed as a Ruritanian rear admiral". I may not be barking just slightly mad to work away from my family for months at a time. But it's a life I enjoy and my wife enjoys the peace! Blogging quotes "the snivelling little git officially holds the honourary rank of Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Well I've been drinking with the RFA in a past life. They are, in general, completely barking. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-07-07_prince-edward.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-07-07_prince-edward.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 07 Jul 2007 10:02:03 -0500 Now they languish in Portsmouth Naval Base basin slowly rusting away, awaiting ethical disposal by the Ministry of Defence. Once they supported the Royal Navy with fuel and supplies all over the world, from the Falklands to the Gulf. Now they languish in Portsmouth Naval Base basin slowly rusting away, awaiting ethical disposal by the Ministry of Defence. These sad looking ships are RFA Sir Galahad (replacement for RFA Sir Galahad lost in the Falklands conflict), RFA Oakleaf, RFA Brambleleaf, and RFA Grey Rover. Why? Single Hulled Tanker legislation, ever since the Exxon Valdese and the awful oil spill in Alaska, these ships days have been numbered. Replacements for these ships have been in the planning stage for years, but with all the defence cuts will the RFA ever receive them? Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) The MARS Integrated Project Team was established at the Ministry of Defence's Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) in July 2002 to conduct studies into the required capability for the MARS ships. Planned to procure about 11 replacement ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, at an estimated program cost of £2.5 billion. The Main Gate for the project is expected to be September 2008, and the target date for the first ships to join the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service is 2011. We will have to wait and see. Now they languish in Portsmouth Naval Base basin slowly rusting away, awaiting ethical disposal by the Ministry of Defence. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-07-07_grey_rover.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-07-07_grey_rover.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 07 Jul 2007 08:59:01 -0500 According to "The Herald" The Ministry of Defence is planning to mothball HMS Albion by placing her at extended readiness. HMS Albion is one of the Royal Navy's two amphibious assault ships, entering service less than four years ago she cost £359M. According to "The Herald" The Ministry of Defence is planning to mothball HMS Albion by placing her at extended readiness. HMS Albion is one of the Royal Navy's two amphibious assault ships, she entered service less than four years ago after a cost of £359m. This comes just over a week since the Prime Minister stated in his E-Petition reply that "The Government has no plans to reduce the size of the Royal Navy, to withdraw warships from operational service earlier than scheduled, or to place warships in 'mothballs'". "The Herald" also reported that a senior naval source stated that: "The RN had 98 ships in service in 1997. A decade on, we have 75. Only 25 of those are escort vessels and many of the others are supply and support ships, inshore and offshore patrol craft and survey vessels. "The carrier Invincible is already effectively out of the picture at low readiness', although she remains on strength. It would take a minimum 18 months to make her seaworthy. Five other ships are at extended readiness'. It would take more than 180 days to make them operational. "Mothballing HMS Albion would increase the number of warships at reduced or extended readiness to 14." Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, the First Sea Lord, called in January for an extra £1bn to pay for fuel, accommodation and a wage boost for his sailors. He warned that cuts threatened "to turn the Royal Navy into the Belgian Navy". A MoD spokeswoman stated that: "No decisions have been taken to withdraw any of the Navy's warships, although we regularly monitor and adjust readiness levels to meet requirements. The Royal Navy continues to deploy worldwide." According to "The Herald" The Ministry of Defence is planning to mothball HMS Albion by placing her at extended readiness. HMS Albion is one of the Royal Navy's two amphibious assault ships, entering service less than four years ago she cost £359M. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-05-08_first_sea_lord_admiral_sir__jonathan__band.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-05-08_first_sea_lord_admiral_sir__jonathan__band.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Tue, 08 May 2007 02:04:01 -0500 The Government has no plans to reduce the size of the Royal Navy, to withdraw warships from operational service earlier than scheduled, or to place warships in 'mothballs'. A quote from Number 10 " The Government has no plans to reduce the size of the Royal Navy, to withdraw warships from operational service earlier than scheduled, or to place warships in 'mothballs'. Far from making cuts, the Government is investing heavily in the construction of new warships for the Royal Navy. We are introducing the new and highly capable Type 45 Destroyers, the first two of which have already been launched. We are building the advanced and powerful Astute class nuclear attack submarines, of which three are now on order. Above all, we are buying two new aircraft carriers which will be the largest ships ever built for the Royal Navy and which will provide the UK with the most powerful carrier force outside the USA. The Navy has also recently taken delivery of new amphibious assault and support ships which are vastly more capable than the ships they replaced. It is wrong to imply that the costs of operations in Iraq and elsewhere are being met at the expense of the Navy. The additional costs of these operations do not fall to the defence budget, but are met from the Treasury reserve. Only one Royal Navy ship, HMS Invincible, is being held in a state of readiness from which it would require up to eighteen months to return to operational service. She is being held in this state of readiness prior to her final withdrawal from service, as scheduled, in 2010, by which time she will be over 30 years old. The Navy has no plans to place any other ships in such a state of readiness." We will have to watch and seen what happens! The Government has no plans to reduce the size of the Royal Navy, to withdraw warships from operational service earlier than scheduled, or to place warships in 'mothballs'. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-04-26_number10.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-04-26_number10.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:05:49 -0500 Des Browne, Defence Secretary, announced today that the Government has accepted in full the recommendations of the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and will implement them without delay. This increase, which is the highest in the public sector. Armed Forces get highest pay rise in public sector. LOWEST PAID GET 9.2% - OVER £100 EXTRA PER MONTH Des Browne, Defence Secretary, announced today that the Government has accepted in full the recommendations of the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and will implement them without delay. The 13,000 lowest paid servicemen and women will see their pay go up by 9.2% - over £100 per month. This is the biggest pay rise for four years. A further 6,000 individuals on the next-lowest pay level will get 6.2%. There is good news too for all other ranks and officers, regulars and reserves, who will receive a minimum 3.3% increase. This increase, which is the highest in the public sector, will take effect from 1 April 2007. This is while the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are still awaiting the 2006 pay rise! Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said: "I am delighted to be able to announce this significant pay rise for our Armed Forces, which is thoroughly deserved after what has been a challenging year. It reflects my ongoing commitment to make sure they get the support and recognition they deserve for the tremendous work they do. This decision comes on top of the new 2,240 tax free bonus introduced in October - which gave special recognition to those on operations. Today's decision recognises the superb work done by all our Armed Forces, wherever they serve. I am particularly pleased to confirm that our most junior servicemen and women will now get an extra £100 per month." Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of Defence Staff, said: "This pay increase is very good news for the Armed Forces. It recognises the key contribution our people and their families make to the nation, as well as the particularly onerous operational challenges they are having to face at the moment. "It reflects how highly - rightly - they are valued by the Government and the country as a whole." Senior officers will receive a 2% increase, as recommended by the independent review body, which is in line with overall increases in public sector pay. Today's decision comes on top of the new tax free operational bonus introduced in October - which gave special recognition to those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Balkans, and which has so far been paid to around 31,000 people, totalling some £35 million. In total, around £350 million more per year will be going into pay and allowances: £280m more in pay and £67m more for the operational bonus each year. Today's announcement also covered further enhancements for personnel on operations. The Longer Separation Allowance will also increase by 3.3%, and the 100 day initial qualifying period is being removed, meaning troops will be entitled to the additional daily rate after just ten days of separated service. In total, as a result of the increases announced today and in the autumn, a Private soldier deploying on their first operation will now receive: * basic pay between £15,677 - £26,664 * £2,240 tax free Operational Allowance over a 6 month tour * at least a further £1,000 in separation allowance over a six month tour Recruitment into the Armed forces has improved since last year, but there are specific challenges in retaining our experienced people. In response we are introducing new Financial Retention Incentives payable to Royal Marines, Infantry and Aircrew, providing an estimated extra £17million to approximately 2,300 experienced personnel. Des Browne, Defence Secretary, announced today that the Government has accepted in full the recommendations of the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body, and will implement them without delay. This increase, which is the highest in the public sector. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-03-04_des_browne.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-03-04_des_browne.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sun, 04 Mar 2007 04:41:31 -0600 The Disposal Sales Agency has expanded its existing website to include an on-line auction. Potential buyers can bid and pay for ex-Government items online. They even have the anchor for RFA Sir Percival for sale! Online auction site launched to dispose of surplus Government equipment. An online auction website, which allows the public to bid for surplus Government equipment, From Green Goddess fire-trucks, to the anchor for RFA Sir Percival has been launched. The Disposal Sales Agency has expanded its existing website to include an on-line auction. Potential buyers can bid and pay for ex-Government items online. They can also bid through the website for items put up for sale by Government contractors. The Disposal Sales Agency, which is part of the Ministry of Defence, works to dispose of surplus equipment on behalf of a number of government departments. The first items listed on the auction website range from "his and her" military uniforms, to sleeping bags, tents, vintage vehicles and other memorabilia. This approach maximises the amount of money returned to the taxpayer by reducing the cost of disposal, removing the need for a 'middle-man' contractor, and ensuring the best possible price is received. As an additional feature, the auction website will allow the public to buy equipment directly from contractors who supply the Government. Withams, a contractor responsible for the sale of surplus vehicles has commented that: "We are optimistic that the auction site will be a success, as it is a very low cost route to accessing a totally new marketplace." The Disposal Sales Agency spokesman Les Taylor, who has played a key role in establishing the new facility, commented that: "The DSA recognises that with more and more transactions being carried out online, we must adapt our approach in order to maximise the return to the Ministry of Defence and to the taxpayer." To access the online auction site visit the Disposal Sales Agency main website on http://www.edisposals.com and click on the "auctions" link. The Disposal Sales Agency has expanded its existing website to include an on-line auction. Potential buyers can bid and pay for ex-Government items online. They even have the anchor for RFA Sir Percival for sale! http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-26_newsalertsmall.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-26_newsalertsmall.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Mon, 26 Feb 2007 06:40:59 -0600 Pyeroy have won the contract worth million's to paint the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Lyme Bay. Painting the RFA Lyme Bay. Pyeroy have won the contract worth million's to paint the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Lyme Bay. The painting will take place over the next five months as part of the completion works being undertaken by BAE Systems, at its shipyard in Govan, Glasgow. The Lyme Bay was being built by Swan Hunter at its Wallsend shipyard, but the Ministry of Defence pulled out of the contract last summer due to lengthy delays and huge cost overruns. In July, the 16,160-tonne vessel was towed away from the Tyne to be completed by BAE Systems. The painting is expected to continue through to the summer, when the Lyme Bay is scheduled to be ready for final inspection before leaving the Clyde. That's if we can count on the weather in scotland, but with global warming it may be the place to go for painting ships in the next few years! Pyeroy have won the contract worth million's to paint the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Lyme Bay. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-23_rfalymebay.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-23_rfalymebay.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:23:30 -0600 Admiral Sir Jonathan Band, the First Sea Lord, yesterday went public with his warning to the government amid growing fears for the navy. Mr Brown must give the Royal Navy another £1 billion or Britain's naval power will end up no greater than that of Belgium, a naval chief warned yesterday. Admiral Sir Jonathan Band, the First Sea Lord, yesterday went public with his warning to the government amid growing fears for the navy. Several warships are effectively mothballed and navy insiders are increasingly worried that a shrinking defence budget might reduce capabilities still further. Admiral Band added that, without the carriers and the extra spending, "we become Belgium". The Belgian navy has only 14 ships, including six minehunters named after flowers. Julian Lewis, the shadow defence minister, said the admiral's comments were a damning indictment of Labour's support for the military. "The fact that the First Sea Lord feels it necessary to speak out in this forthright way, confirms everything we have said about the destruction of the frontline strength of the fleet," Dr Lewis said. "The armed forces are overstretched as never before. Whilst Tony Blair increases commitments, Gordon Brown again refuses to provide the resources necessary." Admiral Sir Jonathan Band, the First Sea Lord, yesterday went public with his warning to the government amid growing fears for the navy. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-17_first_sea_lord_admiral_sir__jonathan__band.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-17_first_sea_lord_admiral_sir__jonathan__band.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:30:16 -0600 The former Royal Navy assault ship HMS Intrepid, a key part of the fleet that led the campaign to retake the Falkland Islands 25 years ago, is expected to be recycled at a British facility, the Ministry of Defence announced today. The former Royal Navy assault ship HMS Intrepid, a key part of the fleet that led the campaign to retake the Falkland Islands 25 years ago, is expected to be recycled at a British facility, the Ministry of Defence announced today. The 12,000 tonne vessel, which has been moored in Portsmouth harbour since she left service in 1999, has been replaced in service by the much larger, more capable and better equipped assault ship HMS Albion. Leavesley International has been selected as preferred bidder for the task of recycling HMS Intrepid and will now apply for the necessary licences and approvals. When the company has secured these permissions MoD expects to be in a position to place a contract for the task. The preferred bidder status has been awarded by the MOD's Disposal Services Agency (DSA), following an open competition with strict requirements regarding environmentally friendly dismantling. Leavesley's recycling plan includes re-use of engineered components, reuse of materials, predominantly steel, and a limited sale of 'souvenir' elements. Commodore David Steel, Portsmouth Naval Base Commander, said "All Royal Navy ships eventually reach the end of their working lives. HMS Intrepid played a key role in the Falkland Islands 25 years ago. Following her post-tour leave in Portsmouth she can head gracefully into recycled retirement knowing that her replacement, HMS Albion, will continue her good work around the world." Defence Minister Lord Drayson said: "The MoD is determined to act responsibly when it comes to the disposal of ex Royal Navy vessels. Tender documentation for this task was specifically designed to ensure that only responsible companies that will act within all UK and EU laws and environmental regulations would be considered. "Any future competition for the recycling of a former Royal Navy vessel will be run in the same way, to prevent uncontrolled and unregulated recycling of Royal Navy vessels in other parts of the world." The former Royal Navy assault ship HMS Intrepid, a key part of the fleet that led the campaign to retake the Falkland Islands 25 years ago, is expected to be recycled at a British facility, the Ministry of Defence announced today. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-12_adam_ingram.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-12_adam_ingram.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Mon, 12 Feb 2007 16:07:12 -0600 RFA Wave Knight help Brixham Coastguard in the rescue of four crew from the life raft of a capsized yacht and the search for a missing crew member. BRIXHAM COASTGUARD COORDINATE RESCUE FOR YACHT AND SEARCH FOR MISSING CREW MEMBER: Press release Brixham Coastguard is coordinating the rescue of four crew from the life raft of a capsized yacht and the search for a missing crew member. At 4am Brixham Coastguard received a report from a merchant vessel of red flares sighted at sea about 7 miles South of Start Point and the position was given to the Coastguard. A broadcast was made to vessels in the area and a nearby vessel reported seeing a capsized yacht and a life raft in the water. MV LAAR located the life raft and recovered 4 crew. The crew advised that 1 man was still missing. RAF helicopter R169, Royal Navy helicopter 193, Salcombe & Torbay RNLI lifeboats are on scene and searching, with merchant vessels GERD SIBUM, HAPPY LADY, and warships WAVE KNIGHT and PORTLAND. The Solent registered yacht had 5 people on board and is reported to have lost its keel and capsized. Weather conditions are Easterly winds force 5 with 1 metre swell and good visibility. RFA Wave Knight help Brixham Coastguard in the rescue of four crew from the life raft of a capsized yacht and the search for a missing crew member. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-03_rfawaveknight.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-02-03_rfawaveknight.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 03 Feb 2007 03:42:37 -0600 The Royal Navy recruitment website has been updated with Web 2.0 features in an attempt to capture the attention of the 16- to 24-year-old age group. New look for Royal Navy careers website. The Royal Navy recruitment website has been updated with Web 2.0 features in an attempt to capture the attention of the 16- to 24-year-old age group. Using real-life video diaries, picture galleries, mobile downloads, e-cards, e-bulletins and other "next generation" technologies in an attempt to drive up recruitment. Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary will be pleased to know that we are listed on the site. (The reserves page could do with a bit of tweeking as Grey Rover looks like she's burning a lot of oil in her engines!) You can see the revamped web site at http://www.careers.royal-navy.mod.uk/ The Royal Navy recruitment website has been updated with Web 2.0 features in an attempt to capture the attention of the 16- to 24-year-old age group. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-31_new_navy_site.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-31_new_navy_site.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Wed, 31 Jan 2007 10:02:25 -0600 Change of address for military posties: BFPO moves from Mill Hill. CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR MILITARY POSTIES The best military post office in the world is about to get even better says British Forces Post Office (BFPO) Chief Executive Brigadier Peter Maggs. Approval has now been given to move the BFPO from Mill Hill in North London to new facilities at RAF Northolt. As part of the move, essential equipment to sort the thousands of letters, packets and parcels that flow through the system each day will be purchased or improved. "Once the move is complete we will be able to offer a better service to MOD personnel around the world at better value for money for taxpayers," said Brigadier Maggs. MOD has now appointed Bovis Lend Lease as the Preferred Bidder to construct new buildings and equip it with the latest mail handling equipment. Subject to ongoing planning approval, work will begin to construct dedicated new buildings later this year, with completion due mid-2007. The BFPO will then test the system fully before transferring operations later that year. Change of address for military posties: BFPO moves from Mill Hill. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-30_bfpo_moves.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-30_bfpo_moves.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Tue, 30 Jan 2007 05:32:25 -0600 The Royal Navy's newest warship, the Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dauntless, was launched on the Clyde on the Tuesday 23 January 2007 by Lady Burnell-Nugent, wife of the Commander In Chief of theFleet. Royal Navy's latest warship makes waves. The Royal Navy's newest warship, the Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dauntless, was launched on the Clyde on the Tuesday 23 January 2007 by Lady Burnell-Nugent, wife of the Commander In Chief of theFleet. HMS Dauntless is the second of the new Type 45 class of Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers. The Type 45s are some of the most powerful destroyers ever built for the Royal Navy - they can sail over 600 miles a day and operate around the globe, and will be able to support global offensive and peacekeeping operations, combat drug smugglers and deliver humanitarian aid. Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram said: "We are currently investing in the biggest naval shipbuilding programme in decades, and the launch today of HMS Dauntless shows the world class ships we are proud to be delivering for the Royal Navy. This is an important milestone in the multi-billion pound Type 45 Destroyer programme, a project which will give the Royal Navy a class of one of the most advanced destroyers anywhere in the world. "HMS Dauntless is a world class piece of engineering, designed and built in Britain. The programme currently provides 3,000 shipbuilding jobs on the Clyde, 600 shipbuilding jobs in Portsmouth and many more jobs at sub-contractors around the country. The workforce involved in building the ship should be proud of their achievement." HMS Dauntless is fitted with a potent new air defence system able to track and destroy salvos of advanced supersonic missiles, keeping the fleet safe from air attack. Her air defence system is so advanced it can hit a target the size of a cricket ball travelling three times the speed of sound. For the crew life has added comforts, including i-pod charging points, computer access, 5-Channel recreational audio, and larger berths. The ship also has her own hospital facilities. The Royal Navy's newest warship, the Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dauntless, was launched on the Clyde on the Tuesday 23 January 2007 by Lady Burnell-Nugent, wife of the Commander In Chief of theFleet. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-29_adam_ingram.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-29_adam_ingram.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:24:59 -0600 QinetiQ has been awarded a four-year MOD contract to design, construct and carry out test and evaluation trials on a technology demonstrator vessel, which will be a contender for the next generation of fast landing craft. (For use with the Bay Boats?). QinetiQ has been awarded a four-year MOD contract to design, construct and carry out test and evaluation trials on a technology demonstrator vessel, which will be a contender for the next generation of fast landing craft. The build of the technology demonstrator will be subcontracted to the marine industry through competitive tender. If selected, the high speed Partial Air Cushion Supported CATamaran vessel (PACSCAT) will be used to support future amphibious operations.The new generation of fast landing craft will play an integral part in the primary role of the Royal Navy's new Landing Platform Dock (LPD) vessels, HMS ALBION and HMS BULWARK, to support Royal Marine Commandos during amphibious operations. The LPDs will be used to transport, deploy and recover troops and their equipment. The concept of PACSCAT vessels was developed by John Lewthwaite of Independent Maritime Assessment Associates (IMAA) Ltd. The technology demonstrator will be built to the same dimensions as the Landing Craft Utility Mk10 currently in use with the UK's Royal Marines and trials are expected to begin with 11 Amphibious Trials and Training Squadron based at Instow, North Devon in 2008.The PACSCAT craft will be capable of a variety of roles where high speed and high payload capacity are required and its low and variable draught will give it exceptional beaching qualities. Trials already conducted with a 1/3 scale manned model have proved it to be capable of beaching on a 1:120 gradient beach in scaled operational conditions. The increased speed and payload balance of the PACSCAT will make 'over-the-horizon' amphibious operations feasible for task force commanders. They will be able to stay offshore at a safe distance and return at high speed to recover troops when required. QinetiQ has been awarded a four-year MOD contract to design, construct and carry out test and evaluation trials on a technology demonstrator vessel, which will be a contender for the next generation of fast landing craft. (For use with the Bay Boats?). http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-27_QinetiQ.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-27_QinetiQ.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 27 Jan 2007 10:25:58 -0600 The Royal Navy today unveiled her latest amphibious landing ship, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Largs Bay, which is undergoing sea trails off the south coast prior to entering service later this year. Royal Navy Unveils New Amphibious Landing Ship The Royal Navy today unveiled her latest amphibious landing ship, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Largs Bay, which is undergoing sea trails off the south coast prior to entering service later this year. This state-of-the-art 16,000 tonne landing ship is more than twice the size of her predecessors. At 177 meters long, she can carry two Chinook helicopters as deck cargo whilst operating a third from her flight deck. Specially designed to deliver vehicles, troops and equipment ashore - even when there are no harbours available - she can travel up to 8,000 miles at 15 knots and can accelerate to speeds around 17 Knots. Her vast storage decks, almost the size of a football pitch, are able to carry 32 Challenger II Main Battle Tanks as well as over 350 fully armed troops, landing craft and supporting stores. The head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathan Band said: "The introduction into service of the Bay Class ships marks the completion of the programme to replace the UK's amphibious shipping. These ships represent a major uplift in the Royal Navy's war fighting capability. RFA Largs Bay will allow us to deploy more people and equipment more quickly to trouble spots around the world. This Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) Programme has seen an important capability introduced into the Royal Navy against a challenging timeline. I look forward to following their progress on operations." The Royal Navy today unveiled her latest amphibious landing ship, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Largs Bay, which is undergoing sea trails off the south coast prior to entering service later this year. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-27_RFA_Largs_Bay.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-27_RFA_Largs_Bay.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 27 Jan 2007 05:07:57 -0600 25th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict : The commemorations nexy year will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the events of 25 years ago. We will take time to remember those who gave their lives to defend the freedom of the Falkland Islands. Monday 13 November 2006 09:28 Ministry Of Defence (National)25th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict The 25th anniversary of the Falklands Campaign will be commemorated across 8,000 miles and four time zones, in London, Pangbourne and the Falkland Islands from 14 to 17 June 2007, Veterans' Minister Derek Twigg announced today. Speaking at the launch of the commemorations on HMS Illustrious, Mr Twigg said: "The Falklands campaign was one of the most memorable events in post-war British history. The liberation of the Islands was a huge achievement by our Forces, operating in harsh conditions 8,000 miles away from home. "The commemorations nexy year will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the events of 25 years ago. We will take time to remember those who gave their lives to defend the freedom of the Falkland Islands. "As well as the principal events in London, Pangbourne and Stanley, we anticipate that local communities and veterans groups around the country will organize smaller scale events." The Falklands story is not just an historic one. Over the past 25 years a great many of our current generation of Service men and women have seen Service in the Falklands and have been moved by the memorials to the fallen they maintain around the Islands; the Armed Forces connection with the Falklands is therefore personal and current. Commemorations will look too at what the Islanders themselves have achieved in the 25 years since the conflict, building a robust and thriving community worthy of the sacrifices made. Official events begin on Liberation Day Thursday 14 June at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel in the grounds of Pangbourne 'nautical' College, Berkshire. This service of Commemoration and Remembrance is held annually on behalf of the Falklands Families Association, but will have special significance in 2007 when it will be attended by senior members of the Royal family, and carried live on BBC. Later that day (UK time) attention will turn to the Falkland Islands and the first of a series of ambitious live link ups with the Islands. A service at Christchurch Cathedral, Stanley will be followed by an Act of Commemoration at the Falklands War Memorial, and British Forces currently based on the Islands will parade through Stanley exercising the Freedom of the City that was bestowed on them by the Falkland Islands Government in 2002. The showpiece event of these commemorations will be on Sunday 17 June. This will consist of a high impact visual event on Horse Guards Parade followed by a march past of veterans and their modern day service counterparts up The Mall to Buckingham Palace to witness a fly past of aircraft from the Falklands era as well as some of those flown by the same squadrons today. Central to the event will be the personal recollections of veterans and Islanders as they tell their stories in their own words. 25th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict : The commemorations nexy year will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the events of 25 years ago. We will take time to remember those who gave their lives to defend the freedom of the Falkland Islands. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-27_Falklands_Conflict.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-27_Falklands_Conflict.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 27 Jan 2007 01:45:55 -0600 RFA Diligence the Naval repair ship receives new lease of life. Monday 11 December 2006 11:49 Ministry Of Defence (North West)Naval repair ship receives new lease of life A NAVAL repair ship that first saw service in the Falklands conflict is to get a new lease of life under a refit contract announced by the MoD today. The 10,000 tonne Royal Fleet Auxiliary RFA Diligence is to undergo a year-long £16m overhaul which will be carried out by Northwestern Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Limited (NSSL) at Birkenhead on Merseyside. The work should equip the ship for service through to the middle of the next decade. The ship, which first saw naval service on charter to the MoD as a battle damage repair ship in the 1982 conflict in the south Atlantic, is to have her accommodation, galley and propulsion areas renewed and upgraded. Defence Procurement Minister Lord Drayson said: "RFA Diligence plays an invaluable role supporting both the Royal Navy and the forces of our allies on operations. This overhaul will equip her for many years further service with the MoD." Award of the contract follows a competition involving other UK shipyards. The proposal produced by NSSL was judged the best by MoD and is expected to sustain over 100 jobs during the life of the contract. RFA Diligence has served all over the world, including extensive service off the Falkland Islands and in support of operations in the Gulf in 1991 and 2003, and, most recently, duties in support of the Iraqi Navy and off West Africa. GNN ref 141820P RFA Diligence the Naval repair ship receives new lease of life. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-27_RFA_Diligence.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-27_RFA_Diligence.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Sat, 27 Jan 2007 01:41:11 -0600 Falklands Anniversary: A commemorative event is planned to take place at Horse Guards Parade on 17 June 2007. Falklands anniversary Calling all RFA and Merchant Navy and Royal Navy Falklands war veterans: applications to attend this summer's 25th anniversary commemorations will be closing at the end of February. If you were involved in the Falklands conflict and would like to attend the commemorative event on Horse Guards Parade on 17 June 2007, an application form can be found at www.veteransagency.mod.uk. The Veterans Agency can also be contacted on 0800 169 2277. And remember: all applications must be returned by the end of February. Falklands Anniversary: A commemorative event is planned to take place at Horse Guards Parade on 17 June 2007. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-26_Falklands_anniversary.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-26_Falklands_anniversary.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Fri, 26 Jan 2007 12:45:42 -0600 RFA CARDIGAN BAY - DEDICATION : There will be a service of dedication on board RFA CARDIGAN BAY at Portland on Tuesday 6th March at 1100. RFA CARDIGAN BAY - DEDICATION There will be a service of dedication on board RFA CARDIGAN BAY at Portland on Tuesday 6th March at 1100. The Commanding Officer, Captain Nigel Jones, has kindly invited up to 40 RFA Association Members/partners/guests to attend this important event, and our national standard will be paraded. If you would like to attend, please register interest with Brian Waters of the Solent Branch of the RFA Association is the point of contact. RFA CARDIGAN BAY - DEDICATION : There will be a service of dedication on board RFA CARDIGAN BAY at Portland on Tuesday 6th March at 1100. http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-26_cardigan_bay.jpg http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-26_cardigan_bay.jpg webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Fri, 26 Jan 2007 12:19:15 -0600 Infomation on the petition to save the Royal Navy. Every so often we, the people, have to let the government know that there is a point beyond which we will not let them pass. In 1908 it was Save the Royal Navy and the RFA! Every so often we, the people, have to let the government know that there is a point beyond which we will not let them pass. In 1908 it was "We want eight and will not wait" - a plea to build more dreadnoughts to counter the threat from Germany - just as well and just in time, too! Last year the Government sold 8 more destroyers and frigates off to Chile, Romania and other foreign governments. Some of them are just over 10 years old. What is going on, you may ask? Who knows, but it is not well publicised and the Navy is in grave danger of being less able to cover it's commitments since the 1930's. Believe it or not there has been a petition set up, through the Prime Minister's Office, to gauge the public concern on what is going on. If few people respond, then the Government will be able to say the public are not worried.I would ask you to click on this link, or copy and paste it in to your address box at the top of the page and proceed to the web page to register your concern (Petition closes on the 5th April 2007). http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/savethenavy/ You will need to provide your name, email address and postal address and then confirm through an email they will send to you. (Heaven forbid that people might vote twice - it's not a postal vote in a General Election, after all). Infomation on the petition to save the Royal Navy. Every so often we, the people, have to let the government know that there is a point beyond which we will not let them pass. In 1908 it was http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-26_save_the_royal_navy_and_the_rfa.pdf http://www.toysoutofthepram.com/rss/p.php?file=2007-01-26_save_the_royal_navy_and_the_rfa.pdf webmaster@toysoutofthepram.com no Fri, 26 Jan 2007 07:32:12 -0600