What's the navy for?

Twister_Ken

Twister_Ken

Well-Known Member
Joined
31 May 2001
Messages
27,584
Location
'ang on a mo, I'll just take some bearings
Visit site
Given the disgruntalisation about the role of the Andrew re Indian Ocean Piracy, why not get it from the salt horse's mouth at the Cruising Association?

The Royal Navy – what did they ever do for us? by Gordon Warren.

Whilst defence of the nation is still the Navy’s major role, today they have more and more involvement in things close to yachtsmen’s interests: anti-piracy, international maritime survey work, first response for coastal and maritime disaster and mine clearance from waterways – as well as fishery protection, peace keeping, evacuation training and patrolling against drug smuggling, slavery and people trafficking. All this with fewer personnel than the Met Police. Honorary Chaplain, Gordon Warren promises humour, adventure, tragedy and drama in his talk.

9th December
http://www.cruising.org.uk/courses/lectures.shtml
 
I always understood the Navy was to show the flag, protect the trade routes and provide husbands for female members of the Royal family. (Although possibly in this more permissive age husbands for some of the male members too).
 
rivonia said:
Please do not discredit the Royal Navy. Remember the Falklands War. We do have a magnificent naval task force.

Peter
Click to expand...

We didnt then & we do have now and have not had at anytime in between.

The problem with the Navy is that it believes the MOD propaganda.
 
Sandyman said:
The problem with the Navy is that it believes the MOD propaganda.
Click to expand...

The problem with the navy is that over the last 10-15 years it's 'corporate culture' has changed beyond all recognition.

These days it's 'people & management skills', 'equal opportunities' and even 'health and bloody safety'.
Promotion is impossible if you haven't done at least one 'fluffy bunny' course.

The new type 45 destroyers: the missile guidance system does not work (and won't for at least another year), but not to worry - there's an iPod dock in every cabin (I'm assuming that works).
You might recall the sailor that was captured by the Iranians admitting that he cried when those nasty men took his iPod away. WTF was he doing with an iPod when he was supposed to be on patrol?
And why did that patrol boat allow itself to be captured in the first place? Not done the proper course to defend themselves?

There was a time when you did as you were told and when in command you acted like you were. These days, those in command are hesitant to exercise it fore fear whatever they decide might displease the politicians and - heaven forbid - cost them a promotion.
When I was in command, I was just that. And yes, it did cost me (several) promotions. But, when I look in the mirror, I see nothing to be ashamed of. I've been called a dinosaur (and worse), and I'm proud of it.

To prove my point: Admiral - now Lord (and something or other minister) - West. The damage that man has inflicted is still to be measured.
Today's top brass were castrated when they were appointed.
 
Guapa said:
The problem with the navy is that over the last 10-15 years it's 'corporate culture' has changed beyond all recognition.

These days it's 'people & management skills', 'equal opportunities' and even 'health and bloody safety'.
Promotion is impossible if you haven't done at least one 'fluffy bunny' course.

The new type 45 destroyers: the missile guidance system does not work (and won't for at least another year), but not to worry - there's an iPod dock in every cabin (I'm assuming that works).
You might recall the sailor that was captured by the Iranians admitting that he cried when those nasty men took his iPod away. WTF was he doing with an iPod when he was supposed to be on patrol?
And why did that patrol boat allow itself to be captured in the first place? Not done the proper course to defend themselves?

There was a time when you did as you were told and when in command you acted like you were. These days, those in command are hesitant to exercise it fore fear whatever they decide might displease the politicians and - heaven forbid - cost them a promotion.
When I was in command, I was just that. And yes, it did cost me (several) promotions. But, when I look in the mirror, I see nothing to be ashamed of. I've been called a dinosaur (and worse), and I'm proud of it.

To prove my point: Admiral - now Lord (and something or other minister) - West. The damage that man has inflicted is still to be measured.
Today's top brass were castrated when they were appointed.
Click to expand...

Excellent dit. Been there, got the T shirt, etc etc.
 
Guapa said:
And why did that patrol boat allow itself to be captured in the first place? Not done the proper course to defend themselves?
Click to expand...

If they were in Iranian waters then shooting themselves out of it would have been illegal and quite possibly an act of war. Far more sensible to hand themselves in and let the politicians sort it out.
 
Guapa said:
When I was in command, I was just that. And yes, it did cost me (several) promotions.
Click to expand...


Since you've brought it up, can you give an example of a decision you took that you think contributed to costing you a promotion?


Re the Falklands: The Navy could barely mount the Falklands Campaign in 1982. (They had to take 2 landing craft out of the scrappy for a start)

Does today’s RN have sufficient assets to fight the Falklands again? I can't imagine it could, but I'd be interested to know.
 
orbister said:
If they were in Iranian waters then shooting themselves out of it would have been illegal and quite possibly an act of war. Far more sensible to hand themselves in and let the politicians sort it out.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I read a lot about Iran's claim to that water at the time and it seemed pretty sound to me. They were right, it was theirs. We were wrong.
 
toad_oftoadhall said:
Since you've brought it up, can you give an example of a decision you took that you think contributed to costing you a promotion?
Click to expand...

I don't think - I know.

1. Vessel still in work-up (training). We found a live, unexploded WWII mine. Sent signal to shore and said we were going to destroy it. Signal back, as we were still 'training' I should leave it to another vessel. What better training opportunity than to destroy a live mine? So, I went ahead and blew it up anyway. 'Sorry, sir - your signal arrived to late'. Didn't quite manage to keep a straight face.

2. A 'difference of opinion' - HRH Randy Andy did not quite see it my way.
 
Last edited:
Guapa said:
Have you ever considered a career in the 'modern armed forces of the 21st century'?
You should rise to the top in no time :p
Click to expand...

Going to someone else's country and shooting people based on flimsy excuses seems to be *exactly* what the modern UK forces are all about.

I'd say Orbister's values are more in line with 20thC services which valued honour and doing the right thing.
 
orbister said:
If they were in Iranian waters then shooting themselves out of it would have been illegal and quite possibly an act of war. Far more sensible to hand themselves in and let the politicians sort it out.
Click to expand...


Is that the line the navy took in 1940 when it rescued the Altmark prisoners in Norwegian territorial waters?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top