MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
US/UK helicopters to support Falklands UK defense ministry operations
United States helicopter operator, AAR Airlift and partner British International Helicopters (BIH) have grabbed a £180 million ($275 million) helicopter deal to support U.K. defense ministry operations in the Falkland Islands. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesWith the advent of Nisman's murder, and CFK's growing desperation and finger-pointing, HMS Dragon is now sailing for the Falklands from the waters of our good allies and friends, the Chileans.
Jan 20th, 2015 - 06:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0The Dragon will bolster the air defence capabilities of The Falklands.
But, but, but...I thought that the USA supported Argentina unreservedley!
Jan 20th, 2015 - 08:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0Oh that's right, the USA doesn't, more lies of desperation from Argentina.
In the meantime the Falkland Islands go from strength to strength.
Troy
Jan 20th, 2015 - 10:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0HMS Dragon has been with us for several weeks already.
LEPRecon
I guess the executives of AAR have arrest warrants against their names in the Argentine border control's computer system now.
This all adds some variety to the helicopter fleet down here. If things go to plan by the end of the year there'll be at least 6 different types operating here. Cue Paulie: “6 types and you poor isletters think that is a helicopter fleet? You don't even have enough container hotels to house them all in your rotten islets.”
3 Jo Bloggs
Jan 20th, 2015 - 04:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Ah, there you are!!! How are things “Down South”? I saw the weather report on Forces TV for the Falklands. I would have used the word “Bracing” to describe it but the presenter said “Quite warm for the time of year”
I haven't yet had the chance any of the T45's “In the flesh” but I am guessing that they are a VERY impressive sight to behold.
We can always tell when things are going well for the islanders, cos the moaning and whining and gashing of teeth in argentina increasing so, as they say, “As long as the Rg's are moaning, all is well”
Regards to the Bloggs' household
@4
Jan 20th, 2015 - 04:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0So does your barometer say Argentina, instead of deep depression and stormy :-)
3 Joe Bloggs
Jan 20th, 2015 - 05:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thx Joe,
I was quoting an Economist article I read online yesterday.
Obviously that information was out of date.
Appreciate you keeping us up to date and giving us a glimpse of how things are really going, on the Islands.
Troy
@4. I've been aboard Dauntless. It is a lovely vessel. I don't understand how it plans to fight off an enemy approaching from astern.
Jan 20th, 2015 - 05:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Tripped over a hawser on the foredeck behind the gun. But I was fast enough to move my foot. Even at my age. It's amazing. All the sailors, ratings and officers, seem so friendly and ordinary. And yet they are all so courageous. Just think. They set sail on a little bit of Britain 500 foot long and 70 foot wide. Willing to take on any opposition. They could only 'withdraw' at 35mph. Compare that to the RAF at 910-1,550mph. No disrespect to the RAF. Circumstances are different. But, at sea, wouldn't you want to withdraw, if necessary, at 70mph. It seems to me that it just goes to show the courage of British service personnel. I don't know why I've mentioned withdrawing. British forces go FORWARD. Proved that in '82.
God bless our Navy (including Royal Marines), Army and Air Force. The Yanks have money and equipment. Britain has MEN. The best of the best.
Agreed,
Jan 20th, 2015 - 07:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Notice the argie bloggers are either missing or very quiet on this one.
4 too old
Jan 20th, 2015 - 09:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Hello my friend. All is fine but the weather is a bit rough. Certainly colder and wetter than we would expect but you can never be sure what to expect I suppose. I was lucky enough to be invited on board HMS Dragon. Those Dauntless class ships are something else all right but not as capable as they could've been due to budget cuts.
Alway good to read your posts and pass my regards to the family. Thanks for all your support.
6 Troy
No problem at all. I enjoy reading your posts and keep it up. If there's ever anything I can fill you in on just ask and if I am on MP I'll do what I can.
Nothing to add in particular, just to say I enjoy reading the posts of Jo Bloggs. Thanks Joe! (and Mr. toooldtodieyoung !!)
Jan 21st, 2015 - 01:24 am - Link - Report abuse 0Troy- sorry for lack of contact, had trouble with internet access in Vzla, especially mail.com. Am back in London now. Situation truly awful in Vnzla, will write soon.
Private defence contractors....Grrrr.....Bloody Islands are costing me money....
Jan 21st, 2015 - 02:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0...and that's buried the old chestnut that's trundled out on a regular basis of how manpower and equipment would just be used elsewhere....
Let me know if there's anything else you need...apparently here in the UK we all have deep pockets at your disposal...
Gives me a warm feeling knowing that I financially support people I will never meet and are not aware that I exist....
At minus three and a couple of inches of snow out there tonight the warm feeling is welcome...
11 Voice
Jan 21st, 2015 - 03:58 am - Link - Report abuse 0“At minus three and a couple of inches of snow out there tonight the warm feeling is welcome... ”
Oh, jeez... misery misery misery... you sorry buggar.
ilsen,
Just good to hear you made it home.
Interested to hear your tales.
Hi Troy,
Jan 21st, 2015 - 04:50 am - Link - Report abuse 0thanks for your concern. Safely ensconced in North London, ( Zone 2, no less!) lovely apartment, famous Park very close and easy access to downtown! Missing family and the mountains of Vnzla though...
Life is very tough in Vnzla, and extended family (those that can) are looking at Colombia and/or Europe as escape routes.
I will email you soon.
~ilsen
9 Joe Bloggs
Jan 21st, 2015 - 06:26 am - Link - Report abuse 0Thank you, Joe.
I look forward to talking with you again.
11
Jan 21st, 2015 - 08:01 am - Link - Report abuse 0If you think that chestnut has been buried by your post it's just as well you're a rat rather than a squirrel.
Contractors increasingly provide all sorts of support services the world over at MoD bases including in the UK itself. SAR is being privatised in the UK; the contracts have all been awarded. Long gone are the days when troops in boots did all the cooking, cleaning, maintenance, admin, guard duty, security patrolling, transportation... The list goes on. The SAR service that AAR/ Brintell will be providing is to cover the operational range of the fast jets; just like the RAF Sea Kings provide now.
I guess things were different in your day were they Commander Think.
Chuckle chuckle.
Your Comment@11 Voice
Jan 21st, 2015 - 10:16 am - Link - Report abuse 0Since you don't pay tax in the UK I doubt your money is being used to fund this project.
But as Jo Bloggs says @15 private contractors are used all the time in the UK for ALL government projects. These include Prisons, Schools, Hospitals, MoD projects etc...
In the long term, in most cases, it is cheaper to have private contractors, because part of the contract will be to provide all the servicing and repairs for the helicoptors, as well as providing the crew.
So think of all the money that would be saved by the MOD not having to fly spares or new airframes out to the islands (as that will be included in the contract), the MOD won't have to pay the wages of the crew, ground crew etc..., as that will be included in the contract too. All in all cheaper for the taxpayer.
This then frees the RAF and Navy up to protect the UK and her interests (including the Falkland Islands) around the world leaving the SAR to their civilian counterparts.
So don't lose sleep over it. I, as a UK taxpayer certainly won't.
And if we stop giving aid money to Argentina imagine how much money the taxpayer will be saving. And if Argentina paid us all the money they owe the UK, think about how much that could save the taxpayer.
Argentina - PAY YOUR DEBTS...DEADBEATS
Continue warfare. Continue invading. More Iraks, Afghanistans and Middle Easts in your bloody history. Imperalists, decaying imperialists. Then don't complain if terrorists go for you. Crazy as they are, you are still provoking them and the whole world. Freedom? That's an excuse you can't even support at home. God save the British Clown
Jan 21st, 2015 - 10:51 am - Link - Report abuse 0God save the British Crown [ thank you ]
Jan 21st, 2015 - 01:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0number seventeen....
oh by the way,
its a bit rich for you complain abt us, when it is you [ today] wants to invade the Falkland's,
does that not make you today, what we used to be yesterday..
You should look back before these “invasions” to realize who provoked who.
Jan 21st, 2015 - 03:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Original poem; This version is taken from The Works of James Thomson by James Thomson, Published 1763, Vol II, p. 191, which includes the entire original text of Alfred.
Jan 22nd, 2015 - 02:08 am - Link - Report abuse 01
When Britain first, at Heaven's command
Arose from out the azure main;
This was the charter of the land,
And guardian angels sang this strain:
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
”Britons never will be slaves.“
2
The nations, not so blest as thee,
Must, in their turns, to tyrants fall;
While thou shalt flourish great and free,
The dread and envy of them all.
”Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
3
Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful, from each foreign stroke;
As the loud blast that tears the skies,
Serves but to root thy native oak.
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
”Britons never will be slaves.“
4
Thee haughty tyrants ne'er shall tame:
All their attempts to bend thee down,
Will but arouse thy generous flame;
But work their woe, and thy renown.
”Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
5
To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine:
All thine shall be the subject main,
And every shore it circles thine.
“Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
”Britons never will be slaves.“
6
The Muses, still with freedom found,
Shall to thy happy coast repair;
Blest Isle! With matchless beauty crown'd,
And manly hearts to guard the fair.
”Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
“Britons never will be slaves.”
Thought you might enjoy that, I did.
Wonderful !!
Jan 22nd, 2015 - 04:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0@17“Continue warfare. Continue invading”
Jan 24th, 2015 - 10:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Why are all Argentines scared of unarmed helicopters?
Does it make a difference that members of the Royal family aren't flying them? Or are they still a threat to Argentina without weapons?
Are you frightened that they are going to attack Argentina with the winches?
Like you are scared of missiles with a 4 mile range hitting your country 300 plus miles away? Do the maths, 300-4 =?
These helicopters aren't armed amigo, and if you were running the Falklands, would you be using Pamperos, (Diaperos), the rest of your ancient helicopters that fall to bits, or hot air balloons?
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