Page 21 of 50

Posted: 2008-04-30 09:56am
by PeZook
I.S.C.A. director announces no profit for SHS construction

The following statement was released to the press today:

"The ISCA would like to announce that we shall not charge any profits for construction of hospital ships at yards we manage. We feel that construction of these ships should be encouraged, and it would be unethical to profit from them. Therefore, should any country order Standard Hospital Ships or Light Hospital Ships from the I.S.C.A., they will be built at-cost."

Posted: 2008-04-30 10:12am
by Mr Bean
BBC Reports
File Photo:UKB Task force off Zalbania
Image

"In National News the HMS Sentinel has departed the docks of Sigil today and has formly been named the flagship of Task force Zoro, an anti-Pirate task force formed by order of Parliament. Pirates have so far strayed from hitting UKB shipping as it is standard Pratice for dispatch overwhelming force once the Pirate group in question has been identified. When a Pirate force based off Syndromia attacked a UKB container ship headed to Zoria, the UKB responded by sending the entirety of the Southern Fleet after the Pirates. Since then only two other Pirate attacks have been reported by UKB ships, both times UKB ships were able to get distress calls out and fleet units were close enough to stop the attack. Since then Pirates are leery of attacking UKB flagged ships

Now however after repeated Progressive calls for us to do our part in removing Piracy on our world in a rare agreement with the Crown Loyalists the Progressives and Conservaties have all signed on to a join measure authorising the deployment of Task Force Zoro, to be tasked with the hunting and destruction of all Pirate forces in and around the Centeral Sea.

The Fleet is made up of 21 ships in total. 13 Warships and 8 replenishment ships steamed out of Sigil this afternoon bound for the Central sea. The Flagship is of course the HMS Sentinel commanded by Rear Admiral William Adama. Along with him are four destroyers detached from home fleet and eight frigates detached from north fleet.

This cruise as well as Piracy suppression will serve as a official test to conduct long-term independent Operations. The Task force is expected to spend the next four months in the Centeral sea before moving on to the seas west of Terra Libertia."

BBC Reports

Posted: 2008-04-30 11:37am
by Vohu Manah
News in brief from the Qudlivun Free State

Grand Duke grants consent for Alliance
Rumors that the Prime Minister would seek His Grace's permission to join one of the international alliances was true, his office announced. In addition His Grace will not object to membership other than to point out that our nation is equipped to provide little until the Qudlivun Free State's home grown frigate is completed in two years time.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs is already believed to be in discussions with the Fungal Union of Nations for the purpose of seeking admittance.

Qudlivun supports international anti-piracy efforts
Parliament, while still debating His Grace's defensive measures, has passed a bill in support of a recent anti-piracy initiative conducted by numerous countries. The Qudlivun Free State will agree to play host to any forces operating in the southern central sea waters for the purpose of anti-pirate operations. Strike aircraft will be permitted to use the nation's three airports and warships will be permitted access to our ports for servicing.

One member of Parliament representing the Chumong prefecture was quoted as saying, "We have been fortunate that our small country has been spared the wraith of piracy, but we cannot be complacent nor can we simply standby without providing some measure of support to suppress these villains."

While Qudlivun can provide little in the way of military hardware the bill calls for the government to make every reasonable effort to assist the international force engaged in piracy suppression. The bill also stipulates that the Qudlivun Free State will absorb all reasonable expenses for this purpose.

Posted: 2008-04-30 12:14pm
by Fingolfin_Noldor
Constantinople Times

News Headlines

Imperial Byzantine Navy warships raid nearby islands to destroy pirates

The Imperial Byzantine Navy attacked neighbouring islands, assaulting them with naval marines that landed from the frigate IBNS Intrepid. Some pirates were taken and interrogated as to the nature of their organisation.

"We will not reveal the contents of the interrogation, but it will said that the Pirates are a part of some larger organisation, possibly foreign funded. If we find out who did this, we will consider it a possible declaration of war." says the Prime Minister.

Posted: 2008-04-30 12:24pm
by General Deathdealer
Baal Daily News

Baal Navy to Increase in Size

It was announced to day that the Ministry of Defense intends to increase the size of the Baal Navy.

"We want to increase the navy to better assist in the war on Piracy. Since we send several escorts out with our convoys, we are rarely hit by the pirates, but we need to look to the future and start taking the fight to the pirates instead of waiting for them to come to us."

The planned increase will add 6 Legend Class and 8 Hamilton Class Cutters to the Navy. They are all anticipated to be commissioned in about 1 year.

Posted: 2008-04-30 12:28pm
by Coyote
CANISSIAN ROYAL NAVY'S 2nd SQUADRON TO JOIN ANTI-PIRATE FORCES
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The Canissian Royal Navy's 2nd Patrol Hydrofoil Squadron, based out of Gottland, will be joining international anti-piracy forces in the Central Sea.

Authorized via phone by the King, who is at the MESS summit in San Antonio, the Defense Minister put his signature on the order this morning and within moments the 2nd Squadron roared out of Gottland to deal with the pirate threat.

The Pegasus-class patrol hydrofoils will provide a fast-intercept flexibility to the international patrol, while larger, heavier vessles provided by such nations as the Blackadder Kingdom will provide for heavy hitting power that should be able to defeat any pirate or anarcho-terrorist vessel that should be encountered.

Posted: 2008-04-30 12:44pm
by Shroom Man 777
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
FAST FUN

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(Qudlivun) Freestate Freestyle!

- The Fungal Union of Nations has accepted the Qudlivun Free State into the FUN with much fanfare and merriment, an occasion inaugurated by a friendly volleyball game between several multinational FUN teams - sponsored by BodyOil!

- The FUN has also extended an invitation to Byzantium, though analysts expect that Byzantium's alliance with the OMSK Pact may preclude it from FUN, much like how the Incorporated Republic of Tonkin's alliance with the MESS prevented it from having FUN.

[OOC: I am confused, have we invited Byzantium already?]

- Trade relationships with the Incorporated Republic of Tonkin are also improving greatly. While affordable FUN products, from exercise machines to fridges, make their way to Tonkin's markets, Shroomania is discussing the possibility of purchasing IRT ABM systems to supplement the Shepnukistani Blackbeard defense system.

- The Shroomanian Airforce has also expressed interest in the TASDF's F-114s and if the upgrade package could be purchased for SAF/Navy F-14Ds as well.

- Parliament has approved to commit $300 million for Shroomania's annual ICSA commitments while ordering 25 more FCS ships and 15 ACVs. 3 Hospital Ships, 1 large and 2 small, are also being ordered.

- The Fungal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has began investigations into alleged pirate havens in Blastification. The Glorious People's Republican Democracy of Blastification is a major oil exporter and Shroomania is a major buyer, more so with its recent commitments to patrolling the seas with 40 frigates. It would be ironic if Blastification did indeed harbor pirates.

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Mercenary Aces in patrol.

- Former-SAF Mercenary Aces have been contracted by the FUN to aid international efforts in anti-piracy patrols. Based in Zablania, these maverick renegades are disciplined and professional. Under orders to engage only when approved by FUN authorities, they will nonetheless be vital in surveillance operations and observation.

Posted: 2008-04-30 12:59pm
by RogueIce
Shinra Frigates Join Pirate Hunt

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The SRS Shinra Shield enroute to the Central Sea

The Shinra Republic Navy today announced that four Gorgon-class frigates would be joining the international anti-piracy mission. While normally the frigates have been used to escort merchant convoys, today marks a more proactive role in using these ships for the first time.

Posted: 2008-04-30 01:19pm
by Vohu Manah
News in brief from the Qudlivun Free State

I.S.C.A., Local Industry Deliver
The seventeen ships ordered by the Qudlivun Free State as part of the FY2009 budget have been delivered by the International Sea Commerce Agency and are undergoing the process of outfitting. The 10 Automated Commerce Vessels have been designated as part of our nation's merchant marine and will be put to work immediately. Although designed to operate in an autonomous fashion the ships will be crewed by Maritime Self-Defense Force trained personnel and will carry small arms for defense. Some heavier munitions will be provided in light of recent pirate threats.

A Fast Commerce Vessel outfitted as a mobile fishery, the Tinirau, will begin immediate operations. The ship, also a part of our new merchant marine, will not be permitted to operate outside our nation's exclusive economic zone. Just like the other ships the crew will be trained by the MSDF and armed with small arms for defense. Due to their operating proximity to our shores helicopters and patrol boats should be able to quickly respond to threats against the vessel.

Five Fast Commerce Vessels ordered by the military will begin work shortly operating in support of anti-pirate operations in the Central Sea. The ships which serve as both a platform for a pair of MH-60R helicopters and as a mobile fleet tender. The MSDF will have crews assigned shortly. Local industry has already fulfilled the requisite helicopter orders and all 5 ships will be launched fully loaded.

One last Fast Commerce Vessel, the Astarte, will begin its mission of mapping the seabed of our EEZ. Outfitted as a science vessel this first mission, expected to last at least a year, will allow the proper deployment of navigational aides in the waters surrounding our country.

Qudlivun officially joins FUN
With the Fungal Union of Nations acceptance of our application for membership, the Prime Minister and Grand Duke of the Qudlivun Free State signed the now ratified treaty officially joining the group.

Posted: 2008-04-30 02:09pm
by phongn
Tonkin Aerospace Group (TAG) Announces New Tomcats

SAIGON - TAG is pleased to announce the launch of their newest Tomcat variants, built and designed due to the greatly increased worldwide demand for high-performance interceptor aircraft. While development continues on the advanced F-114G, many nations cannot afford to procure the Strike Tomcat design and have many older Super Tomcat fighters now requiring updates to counter the threat of advanced enemy weapons systems.

Thus, TAG announces the F-114H Super Tomcat, an advanced interceptor designed based on the older F-114D airframe. With advanced, low-maintenance derivatives of the avionics, sensors and powerplant of the Strike Tomcat, this new interceptor design promises to serve their nations proudly. Furthermore, if worldwide demand is strong enough amongst qualified IRT customers, TAG will pursue an option for the F-114J, which will mate the advanced systems of the F-114G with the classic Super Tomcat airframe.

New-build aircraft as well as upgrade and reconstruction contracts are available ...

Posted: 2008-04-30 02:27pm
by RogueIce
Message from Chief of Naval Procurement, Shinra Republic Navy, to the Tonkin Aerospace Group:

We would be interested in discussing the acquisition of new Tomcat designs to replace our existing F-14D fleet. We request that you send us design specifications and cost projections so that we may begin study at the soonest possible time.

We would also be interested in any upgrades to electronics or capabilities you may have for the following airframes:
F/A-18E
F-35C
A-6E
EA-6B
E-2C
C-2A
MH-60R
MH-60S
And any trainer aircraft you may have available

VADM Brooke Williams, SRN
Chief of Naval Procurement (CNP)

((OOC: Could you PM me details? I hate having to go dig through the threads for stuff.))

==========================

F-35C Goes Operational

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An F-35C takes off at the Junon Naval Airfield

The first F-35C squadron has been delivered to the Shinra Republic Navy. Intended as a supplement to the F/A-18E squadrons, the first operational squadron will be assigned to VFA-113, replacing the unit's original F/A-18E fighters. Ten of the F/A-18Es will be decommissioned and either sold to a foreign buyer or scrapped, with the remaining two being assigned to other duties.

===========================

Announcement to all interested parties: 10 F/A-18Es for sale

Please contact the Shinra Republic Navy's Office of Foreign Sales for details.

Posted: 2008-04-30 02:48pm
by Master_Baerne
Baernish MinState + Baernish MinWar
File BMSBMW 1

We announce the deployment of two of our frigates (Halifax class) to the antipiracy mission.

Posted: 2008-04-30 03:03pm
by Coyote
"SHOTS FIRED"
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Canissian hydrafoils were barely turned loose to hunt in the Central Sea when they were best by distress calls from a yachtsman trapped in the dangerous waters.

"Danger like dagger now, come quick!" was the final call from the privately-owned sailboat Occassional Lucidity, shortly before all contact wa slost. Canissian Navy Pegasus-class hydrafoils responded, triangulating the position and approaching at high speed to an astonishing scene.

Already drawing close to the sailboat was a frigate of unknown registry; assumed to be another member of the international pirate patrol the boats from 2nd Squadron eased their throttles to draw up as well and assist in rescue efforts. But to the surprise of the hydrafoil crews the frigate immediately withdrew from the scene at flank speed.

A poorly-placed shot from the frigate showered both hydrafoils in a spray of seawater, and the ship failed to respond to hails. As the Canissian ships began putting out general calls, it became evident that there were no other allied ships in the area, the nearest one being a Blackadder cruiser some 26 miles away.

After ignoring repeated demands to heave to, the frigate was warned to come to full or stop or be fired upon. When the suspect vessel responded with another hasty shot, the captain of RMS Typhon responded with a missile.
"Shots fired, say again, shots fired," came the call over the general network.

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The suspect ship was struck violently amidships and caught fire immediately, and while the strike was above the waterline the vessel burned profusely and sank within minutes.

The Canissian patrol boats rendered assistance to the survivors of the sailboat, who confirmed that it was the frigate that had attacked them.

ImageThe Occassional Lucidity, shortly before being scuttled.

The sailboat's crew, three couples on vacation, were attacked by the frigate at long range. The captain, an experienced civilian seaman, was certain that they were yelling orders in Libertian as they hove to.

The frigate was abandoned by the crew, with a pair of motor-launches seen running from the scene of the sinking. No other lifeboats or survivors were found, although a half-dozen bodies were recovered from the water. It is believed the ship was running with a seriously under-strength crew, which would explain the lack of adequate damage control measures that allowed the vessel to succumb to damage so quickly and completely.

Identification of the bodies will be attempted, as soon as the patrol boats return to Gottland for examination.

Posted: 2008-04-30 03:05pm
by Shroom Man 777
The Mushroom Military Messenger
TOP GUN TOMCAT

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The Navy's F-14D Super Tomcats, on board the SSS Flattop.

The Mushroom Military is inquiring as to the cost required to upgrade the Navy's squad of 24 F-14D Super Tomcats.

FUNGAL FIGHTERS

The MacMillan Mushroom Multinational corporation would like any interested parties to know that its F-18F FUNGAL Fighters are also available for purchase. The F-18F is a modified airframe that is extremely cost-effective and efficient, with longer-than-normal lifespan, increased reliability, and the ability to carry wide varieties of ordnances and take on a diverse array of roles. By reducing components without compromising capability, the F-18F is at least 15% more affordable than any other existing fighter plane.

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In other news...

The fledgling defense corporation, Schrom Corp is looking for partners to challenge MacMillan's monopoly in Shroomania's local defense industry.

Schrom Corp's first project is an ambitious upgrade of the F-15E (and other Eagle variants), utilizing Short Takeoff and Landing/Maneuver Technology and Intelligent Flight Control Systems to create a competitive 4.5th generation all-purpose air superiority fighter.

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Schrom Corp's proposed F-15 of the future. The upgrades include advanced avionics, canard foreplanes, and 3-dimensional thrust-vectoring.

Schrom Corp is hoping to interest foreign investors keen on developing radical new fighter technologies.


TONKIN TRIAL

The Mushroom Military has entered negotiations with the Incorporated Republic of Tonkin to purchase a SM-2ER system for trial and evaluation. Should the trails prove successful, the SM-2ER's capability to intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles will prove useful in the future - especially with the new threat of nuclear war.



[Can someone tell me if Shep's BLACKBEARD project has resulted in a SAM variant? I forgot...]

Posted: 2008-04-30 03:07pm
by Crossroads Inc.
News From Crossroadia!!!

Crossroadian Airship Convention enters 3rd Day
With dignitaries still arriving from nations across the NewWorld, the Convention enter at the foot of the CCC Tower has been packed daily with businessmen looking to get a foot in the rumoured new Mega Airlines. Representatives from several nations are in attendance as preparations are made for the primary conference slated to be held on the 4th day of events.
"Were looking forward to getting to the main Conferance" spoke one represenative. "Theres a lot of money to be made here and we all want a part of it.
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Thousands cheer news of “Legalization” of Gay Marriage
At a formal event at the capital of Bishotropolis, the long awaited legalization of Gay Marriage was announced for all of Crossroadia by decree of the Lord High CEO.
“It was never really outlawed before, and plenty of people already had “Partner Benefits” but we’re glad to finally have it in writing that we can Marry” spoke Ema and Lousie after becoming the first members that morning to official get hitched. At Courthouses and Churches of the Flying Spaghetti Monster across Crossroadia, thousands waited for news of the Law passing before finally getting formal marriages.
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Nation tunes in as SDNPR goes on the Air!
At an event in the City of Obsen this week, Karla Castletin cut the ribbon one the first of a total of Twenty new Radio stations already under construction. The Radio stations are being built for the SD-National Public Radio, moddled of a similar station from the Old World, SD-NPR Promises to have thoughtful, intelligent news as well as broadcasting a wide range of music and arts.
“We’ve got a Jazz aphilate going up in Bishotropolis as well as a Classical Music station, Off course there’s many other stations as well, Rhythm and Blues, along with Blue Grass and Creo music.’” Ms. Castletin spoke to the Audience.
The Radio stations, funded by the government, promise to uphold al lthat is to be expected from Public Radio as they represent their motto of Smooth and Smarmy
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Posted: 2008-04-30 03:16pm
by Shroom Man 777
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
FUN

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The Prime Minister enjoys himself at the Crossroads Conference!

"Wheeeeeee!" the Prime Minister said.

He is expected to advertise the virtues of the Fungal Union of Nations while establishing rapport with world leaders during the Crossroads Conference. But that does not preclude him from enjoying himself.

Posted: 2008-04-30 03:52pm
by Coyote
San Antonio, Lonestar Republic

"So... what are we in agreement with, then?" Arik asked. "We've talked about nuclear and chemical limits, test limits, and with the pirate thing going on, we should consider a multi-national patrol fleet that has inter-jurisdictional authority..."

"Other things to consider, maybe, are where we want to go, as a united goal, with the space program..." RogueIce said...

Posted: 2008-04-30 04:02pm
by Vanas
Vanaheim News Service

With mickey-taking no longer being taken from Pirates, the Vanaheim Navy is extending it's southern field of operations against the menace. Ships and boats are now combing the area around the destroyed nation of Zalbania and the southern tip of Syndromia for these uncouth reprobates.

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Vanaheim patrol ship VNSVersatile cruises the straits.

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After refuelling in a friendly Syndromian port, the Viscount heads to sea once more.

In other news, the VAF is seeking new aeroplanes to fill it's ranks. Believing it's present fleet is too small and inflexible, the VAF is seeking attack/trainer aircraft similar to the BAE Hawk, and requests information from aircraft manufacturers of their present stock.

In trade matters, the merchant marine is looking into the FCS, with the matter to be put to a vote.

Posted: 2008-04-30 04:31pm
by TimothyC
Vanas wrote:Vanaheim News Service

In other news, the VAF is seeking new aeroplanes to fill it's ranks. Believing it's present fleet is too small and inflexible, the VAF is seeking attack/trainer aircraft similar to the BAE Hawk, and requests information from aircraft manufacturers of their present stock.
While it won't be available for a while, the NP-Aeronautics/Langley Tejas fighter would be an excellent long-term purchase

Posted: 2008-04-30 04:37pm
by Beowulf
San Antonio, Lonestar Republic

"Other things to consider, maybe, are where we want to go, as a united goal, with the space program..." RogueIce said.

"So far, I've just been directing that we get the minimum capabilities. An independent GPS system, missile launch detectors, weather satellites, and *ahem* high resolution photo-mapping satellites, " responded Beowulf. "I haven't really looked at doing extra-orbital, or for that matter, manned missions. I think Lonestar's half is working on that, in part."

------

Forbidden City Times

Douglas Announces Bid on Vanaheim AF contract

Douglas has put forth it's AT-45D Strike Goshawk as a possible attack/trainer for the Vanaheim Air Force. Capable of supersonic speeds, it's projected to be the winner of the TXAF's advanced jet trainer competition. Douglas has quoted a unit cost of $15 million

Northray Announces Bid on Vanaheim AF contract

Northray has put for it's T-6B Texan II turbo-prop trainer as a possible attack/trainer for the Vanaheim Air Force. It's definitely a subsonic plane, but it significantly cheaper than most of it's competitors, which can mostly only reach supersonic in a dive. The greatest component of its cost is actually the zero-zero ejection seat it is fitted with.

F-35C starts Low Rate Initial Production

The first recipients of the F-35C are the Shinra Navy. The next recipients are to be the Tian Xia Navy, which will embark them on the Vindictive's carrier air wing.

As a result of it reaching Initial Operating Capability, LockMart has stepped up development of the F-35B VTOL variant. That variant is projected to be in production on the unified line in a year.

Posted: 2008-04-30 04:46pm
by Fingolfin_Noldor
Constantinople Times

News Headlines

Shroomia and Byzantium agree to FTA between FUN and Byzantium

After much talks, Shroomia and Byzantium agreed to an FTA to boost bilateral relations that would lead to increased trade. Byzantium and Shroomia would each establish an embassy in each other's soil. The Emperor will arrive later to Shroomia for a visit and to sign the treaty.


Byzantium is expressing interest in AEW platforms, to be installed on a Il-96 aircraft. It is interested in knowing what platforms are available.

Posted: 2008-04-30 05:29pm
by Lonestar
The Battalion

L.R.S. Dallas County, Collegestation depart on mission to support coalition Maritime interdiction operations
SECDEF Eric DiBacco saw off the Dry Cargo Vessel Dallas County as it departed on it's first deployment, to support the MESS MIO mission in the central sea. The DDG Collegestation will be escorting it on the mission.

"I am proud of the foresight the Lone Star Navy had in ordering these fine vessels, our navy is the sole navy on the planet to possess dedicated underway replenishment ships." said SECDEF DiBacco.

When asked about the recent UKB naval deployment, SECDEF DiBacco said:

"Blackadder has constructed no logistics vessels since he got here, nor was his Kingdom granted them upon arrival at New Terra. I can only speculate that he charted some container and oiler ships, which might also explain why the disparity with combatant and supply ships is so huge. He must have a really ghetto set up."

Despite his praise of the LSRN, the navy was only granted the money for procurement of a single ship this fiscal year, another
Davey Crockett LHD, as well as re-coring of two SSNs, routine yardwork on other vessels, and R&D money for a new CGN class.

Posted: 2008-04-30 06:03pm
by Raj Ahten
So far the maratime patrols had seemed to have had the desired effect; pirate attacks were down, especialy in the central sea region. Several bands had also been completely anihilated. However, some of the most dangerous groups still appeared to be around, ProTec's analysts just think they had gone to ground.

The Investigaters working in several nation's ports had made progress. They had uncovered a ring of crooked employees in Shroomania and Pezookia who apparantly sold ship timetables and route information to pirates. They were found by going through company communication logs, "interviews," and analyzing the men's spending. all attampts were made to honor local laws during the investigations, and all evidence was passed over to the proper authorities. A total of 8 men were implicated. 5 in Shroomania, and 3 in Pezookia.

The data logs had shown that the information had been sent to parties unknown in Libertopia.

The Government of Indhopal also announced that they wished to purchase a pair of frigates and several jet interceptors over the next few years, given the general increase in instability.

Posted: 2008-05-01 12:45am
by Shinn Langley Soryu
Fenette Air Force Base was renamed as such in honor of Shirley Fenette, a close friend and lover of Lelouch Lamperouge who had fought alongside him in the rebellion that led to him claiming rulership of the Duchy. In the time since then, Ms. Fenette had been elevated to a lofty position in Duke Lelouch's cabinet as Secretary of State; this was her first time since the end of the rebellion that she visited the airfield that Lelouch had renamed after her.

Duke Lelouch and Secretary of State Fenette arrived at the base in an armored Lincoln Continental limo, flanked by four Royal Guard Humvees with mounted Mk 19 grenade launchers and Rheinmetall MG3s. When they exited the limo, they were greeted by three Air Force officers: Colonel Bartley Asprius, Major Lloyd Asplund, and 1st Lieutenant Cecile Croomy.

"Welcome, Duke Lelouch and Secretary Fenette," Bartley said as he, Lloyd, and Cecile simultaneously saluted the two. "I assume you're here to inspect the planes we ordered from the Red Technocracy, yes?"

"Yes, Colonel," Lelouch replied. "Now, if you'd be so kind as to lead me and Secretary Fenette to these planes?"

"Of course, Your Highness," Bartley said.

Lelouch, Shirley, and their retinue were led to the hangar where the Yak-130s were kept. "These are the trainers we ordered," Cecile said in her usual demure, matter-of-fact manner as she gestured towards the Yakovlevs, all tastefully painted in a dark blue color scheme with the Langley Air Force roundel displayed prominently on the wings and fuselage.

"They kinda remind me of the old L-39s we used to have before the revolution," Lelouch said somewhat wistfully. "I actually kept the only one that survived the end of the war for my own use. I fly it out from Ashford International every now and then. But I digress."

"I'm probably guessing you want to meet the pilots we're training," Cecile said to Lelouch. "Well, here they are."

Cecile gestured towards five men and one woman assembled directly behind her. "These are several of the pilots of our 1st Training Squadron," she said. "Go on, lady and gentlemen, introduce yourselves to your Great Leader."

The senior pilot, a woman with short purple hair, stood forward and saluted. "Major Lunamaria Hawke reporting for duty."

A blue-haired man who could best be described as "a real-life bishounen" was next. "Captain Athrun Zala."

A blond Mexican: "1st Lieutenant Dearka Elsman." A silver-haired Anglo: "1st Lieutenant Yzak Joule." A green-haired Italian: "2nd Lieutenant Nicol Amalfi." A redheaded Irishman: "2nd Lieutenant Rusty McKenzie."

"So, you're going to be the backbone of our future fighter corps," Lelouch proclaimed. "I hope you do well in your training, then. You don't look too bad yourself, Major Hawke..."

Shirley loudly cleared her throat. "Lelouch, please. We're here to inspect the planes, not the women."

"Yeah, whatever, Shirley," Lelouch shot back nonchalantly.

"Just wait until you see what the gunship crew painted on their An-22P," Bartley muttered to himself. "They're all a bunch of nutjobs. I just hope they didn't offend you, Great Leader..."

====================

PICTURE TIEM

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Major Hawke, wearing a prototype flight suit (the production model is offered in either black, khaki, or two-tone green instead of red and white)

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Clockwise from top left: 2nd Lieutenant McKenzie, 1st Lieutenant Elsman, 1st Lieutenant Joule, Captain Zala, 2nd Lieutenant Amalfi (note the cosplay ZAFT uniforms; picture was taken at an anime convention, where they were cosplaying as the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED characters they just so happen to share their names with)

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Official emblem of the Langley Air Force 1st Training Squadron

- pic hyperlinked because it's too fucking HUEG -
Portion of nose art on Langley Air Force An-22P gunship "Euphinator"

Posted: 2008-05-01 12:57am
by K. A. Pital
OMSK Security Council communique comments on Lone Star SECDEF public slander of the UKB Navy

While the Lone Star Republic should have dedicated replenishment ships, since it's situated far away from the Central Sea, the UKB is operating in the central sea quite near it's own borders.

The idea that UKB's taskforce can't freely operate with some two weeks of autonomy-capable ships in the nearby Central Sea is ridiculous.