The RFA needs your help, online petition

[NutLoose]

I have copied this over from another site I frequent.



As some of you know, I'm an engineering officer with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. We recently received the news that the service will be the subject of a "Treasury Review" early next year. The signs aren't particularly good, with commercial shipping companies lobbying harder than ever to take over our tasks supporting the Royal Navy. Once again we are fighting for our survival, and given the current economic climate, pressures on the defence budget and fact that our public profile is very low the signs don't look good.

If you've got five minutes, please put your name down on this petition on the Downing Street website:

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/save-the-RFA/ (http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/save-the-RFA/)

Please make your voice heard and help us save a service that has quietly done it's absolutely vital job in EVERY CONFLICT since 1905, far from the public eye and never getting the recognition it deserves.

For anyone who hasn't heard of the RFA you can read more about us and our history here:

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and...ry/basic-facts/ (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/royal-fleet-auxiliary/basic-facts/)

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and...iliary/history/ (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/royal-fleet-auxiliary/history/)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Fleet_Auxiliary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Fleet_Auxiliary)

http://www.historicalrfa.org/ (http://www.historicalrfa.org/)



Thanks,

Nick

[alisoncc]

Not wishing to digress from Nutloose's thread, but how long before we see a similar petition to keep the RAF going? 5 years, 10 years perhaps.

Alison

[Widger]

Signed with pleasure

[green granite]

Done. ................... :ok:

[Chielman]

Done. The RFA guys were lifesavers in 1982.

[stackedup]

Glad to sign that! Had a great night on an RFA in Malta 1969. Courage best bitter and a bar without a till ! Then they brought my car home from Cyprus 1986. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/smile.gif When everything like this disappears it will be a sad old worldhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/boohoo.gif

[polyglory]

Duly signed

Sometimes you wonder where their brains are, they just never learn.

[6Z3]

Honoured to support.

And let's not forget that most RFA's have flightdecks. Indeed I fondly remember participating in 4 x ac (ASW Sea Kings) extended detachment trials in RFA Fort Grange (now RFA Rosalie), which of course has 2 flight decks (RLP on the hangar roof):


http://www.marmacservices.com/images/sector_marine_rosalie.jpg
Ah, happy memories - that Group 8 deployment to the far east in '79 on RFA Fort Grange, from which our two Sea Kings were detached as we passed Diego Garcia (don't ever go there) to be dropped off at Hong Kong to help with II's and Vietnamese boat people. There for nearly four months with 28 Sqn and 660 Sqn at RAF Sek Kong before being picked up by the 'Grange for our return home to Cornwall for christmas. Ah good days. The bar in Fort Grange was like the Coach and Horses, anywhere - all oak beams and chintzy furniture. And those five course dinners (all eaten in half an hour please).

Now where was I.....Ah yes, No, honoured to sign!:\

[ormeside]

With 205 Shacks 1958 to 61. Often operated with RFA and RN (of course ) My uncle was doctor on Fort Charlotte, so much mutual entertainment and hospitality was enjoyed. He was "Uncle Norman" to the squadron and attended parties and dining in nights. An essential part of the R.N. so happy to sign.:ok:

[Squirrel 41]

Cheers, done.

S41

[NutLoose]

I have been asked to pass on Nicks thanks to all of you that have responded, so take a large pat on the back.

:ok::D

[Alpha Whiskey]

Cheerfully signed. It is incredible though how little understandning this Govt and their mandarins have of Defence. Everything is about the cost to the taxpayer and not the best way to do business. In this instance, it has clearly escaped the MOD and Govt attention that risk was taken against DD/FF numbers by employing RFAs on some of our standing constabulary tasks. Are we really going to sub-contract that work further??? What next - Blackwater Maritime Division??? :mad:

[TyroPicard]

Will it help if the petition spells "AUXILLIARY" correctly?

[trap one]

Done. If we don't stand up for ourselves the MP's sure as eggs wont.

[Occasional Aviator]

With you on this one. Can't believe we're even considering it!

[NutLoose]

TyroPicardWill it help if the petition spells "AUXILLIARY" correctly?

Somehow I think that one would go straight over Gordon Browns head, he probably struggles with spelling No 10 :mad:

[chippy63]

Done, Nick.