RAF AT to the Philippines?

[Cows getting bigger]

A very small snippet on BBC this morning says that Dave C is dispatching RAF AT to the region. Sky News says a C17 is earmarked.

[ZH875]

Well it won't be a C130K.

[Wander00]

To do what exactly>

[Scottie66]

I read the title as RAFAT and couldn't for the life of me see what use The Red Arrows would be....

Time for glasses methinks.

[lj101]

From the BBC website

The UK will send a Royal Navy warship to help deal with the storm disaster in the Philippines, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced. He said HMS Daring would travel "at full speed" from Singapore and an RAF C-17 transporter plane will be sent. Mr Cameron, addressing business leaders in the City of London, added that UK aid following Typhoon Haiyan would be increased from £6m to £10m. Up to 10,000 people are feared to have been killed.

Meanwhile, millions of survivors of the typhoon, which struck the Philippines on Friday, are waiting for aid with food shortages increasing.
A huge international relief effort is under way but rescue workers have struggled to reach areas cut off since the storm. 'Powerful help'
During his speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet, in which he outlined the coalition's foreign policy commitments, Mr Cameron said: "We continue to help around the world - as we are today in the Philippines, where Typhoon Haiyan has wrought such appalling devastation.

"Britain is contributing £10m and HMS Daring, currently deployed near Singapore, will shortly be heading at full speed towards the disaster zone with further support from an RAF C-17 which will be a powerful help to the relief operation."

[Lightning Mate]

Just what help will an air defence destroyer be able to give ?

[Blue Bottle]

HMS Daring and her crew will provide humanitarian assistance, helicopter lift from one on-board Lynx and engineering and first-aid expertise. The Type 45 destroyer also carries equipment to make drinking water from seawater.

[Wander00]

Aah -not the Reds then!

[GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU]

What they've always done: provide trained and well drilled bodies to make, move and mend stuff and help with food and fresh water supplies.

That's the problem with sending a Rolls Royce and not a Ford Escort; nobody believes that it can contribute anything.

[airborne_artist]

LM - have a read:

Humanitarian Assistance | Royal Navy (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/About-the-Royal-Navy/What-the-Navy-Does/Humanitarian-assistance)

[ShotOne]

Without wanting to sound negative, what does it cost to send a warship? Serious question and not to denigrate the training and flexibility of the good people on board but surely that's an expensive way of deploying a single helicopter. How many Antonovs could we charter for the same money?

[bcgallacher]

The people of the Philippines need all the help they can get - only someone who has experienced a typhoon can visualise the death and destruction that has been caused. It is a beautiful country with some of the friendliest and hard working people you could wish to meet.Although I am Scottish I have long connections with the Philippines and have a house there which fortunately was outside the typhoon area. Can I urge those of us more fortunate to be generous when requests for financial help are made.

[airborne_artist]

Shotone - the question is what is the marginal cost. Some fuel, basically. Almost everything else is a fixed cost.

[Q-RTF-X]

Without wanting to sound negative, what does it cost to send a warship? Serious question and not to denigrate the training and flexibility of the good people on board but surely that's an expensive way of deploying a single helicopter. How many Antonovs could we charter for the same money? A point frequently missed in situations such as this is things are frequently viewed on a total cost basis whereas the majority of cost is front money for an already budgeted cost center; i.e. the actual cost of a humanitarian operation may be a little more (depending on what was originally scheduled for an asset) but far from the total cost. Most of the cost is effectively dead money anyhow, irrespective of whether the asset does something really useful or simply goes out on exercise. Good collateral is the first class hands on training, experience and of course goodwill (to name but a few). It is unlikely, in the big scheme of things, to cost a great deal. Quite a good payback is a possibility.


PS I live in the Philippines and am fortunate not to have been in the path of that havoc. A warship may have more uses, over and above those already mentioned, than first meets the eye proving a self-contained sophisticated command and coordination infrastructure where all land based facilities have been simply wiped out; obliterated. While by background and inclination I’m Air Force through and through, I believe Jack Tar has much to bring to the table on this one.

[thowman]

I am surprised they are not sending Illustrious, which has only just left Karachi

[airborne_artist]

Illustrious is committed to Cougar 13 | Royal Navy (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Operations/Current-Operations/Operational-Deployments/Ex-Cougar-13), and taking her out would leave a huge hole in the plan.

[thowman]

Hmm, sounds like the perfect group of ships and units to send to help with a humanitarian disaster?

[TorqueOfTheDevil]

How many Antonovs could we charter for the same money?


How many runways in/near the disaster area are both capable of handling an Antonov and currently serviceable?

[OmegaV6]

Send troops by air and you also have to send accommodation, food, bedding, water, medical support, communications, C&C, etc, etc, etc.

Send a boat and you provide all the support services needed in a complete package, as well as modern facilities for the injured - should they be needed.

Makes total sense to me TBH

[airborne_artist]

How many runways in/near the disaster area are both capable of handling an Antonov and currently serviceable?

And it's no good flying in hundreds of tons of food and kit if you then can't distribute it from the airhead. They need medium/large SH just as much as heavy lift AT.

[ShotOne]

I agree with your point, QRTF about marginal cost...but we're talking marginal benefit too. The issue isn't the skills or willingness to help of the crew, simply one of scale. 500,000 homes have been destroyed. They need thousands of tons of food, construction materials and equipment. No doubt there will be some nice recruitment pictures, and yes, she has a watermaker but how much aid can Daring carry?

[500N]

Aid can be helo'd in, as can water but easier to have water made on sight.

[500N]

I just heard on the news that the Marines are bringing in lights and Radar to make
one of the airports a safe 24 operation where they can bring in large aid aircraft.

[ACW418]

Where are the C130K's? Can they not be deployed . Surely there are still current crews and engineers. This seems a huge disaster and the UK ought to be deploying as much as it can.

Why not cancel the naval exercise mentioned on an earlier post and send all the warships to the Philippines. The combination of a number of C130's and a decent task force at sea would surely make a huge difference.

ACW

[cokecan]

i would have thought that the benefits of deploying the worlds biggest Air Traffic Control radar to a country that has had most of its airports knocked out would have been blindingly obvious...

that it can also provide power, food, drinking water, C3, ISR, med support, fuel and run its own heliport might also prove marginally useful .

[Fire 'n' Forget]

Cokecan

I presume you are talking about the USS George Washington and not a tiddly T45 :ooh:

[GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU]

how much aid can Daring carry?


Significantly more than bugger all. We had a Jockanese teacher at my school who set great store by the maxim, many a mickle makes a muckle.

[Frostchamber]

Originally Posted by ShotOne:
how much aid can Daring carry?

Here you go: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-warship-heads-to-philippines (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-warship-heads-to-philippines)

Hope the URL doesn't b*gger up the formatting of the thread. Given that Daring was relatively close at hand, strikes me as a very worthwhile use for the asset. Criminal if we didn't.

[500N]

Can 20,000 litres of water in 24 hours.
That's not bad at all.

[TomJoad]

The people of the Philippines need all the help they can get - only someone who has experienced a typhoon can visualise the death and destruction that has been caused. It is a beautiful country with some of the friendliest and hard working people you could wish to meet.Although I am Scottish I have long connections with the Philippines and have a house there which fortunately was outside the typhoon area. Can I urge those of us more fortunate to be generous when requests for financial help are made.


bc,

Share your sentiments. Take heart, I'm very confident we will respond generously - we have already started fundraising at school and I believe the DEC and the various church and charity requests have gone out. Listened to the radio interview yesterday where a medic was desperately imploring the world to respond and to do it quickly - truly heart breaking. God speed the Navy I can only imagine the boost to spirits never mind the material effect of seeing help like that arrive.

[smujsmith]

Its nice to see that "Albert" is still alive and doing its job in this catastrophe (As evidenced on the news tonight), Whatever livery it wears the aircraft is synonymous with emergency relief and rescue. This one is bad, but I'm sure all who become embroiled will do their best. Good luck to Royal Air Force personnel involved.

Smudge

[Always a Sapper]

Shame, but if we still had them the 'Round Table Class LSL' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round_Table_class_landing_ship_logistics)would have been perfect for the task

Able to carry and land vehicles, stores etc straight onto a beach. Take off people directly from beaches. Can be rigged as a temp hospital/aid ship and had two helicopter decks.

Add the ability to carry out replen at sea they would have been perfect for the job.

What, if anything did the RFA replace them with?

HMS Daring could do the inshore command and control bit and provide additional crew for the RFA. The George Washington can stand off shore overseeing the whole shooting match and providing a base for the helo's etc.

[Gulfstreamaviator]

get them in there as soon as possible.

glf

[gr4techie]

Mr Cameron, addressing business leaders in the City of London, added that UK aid following Typhoon Haiyan would be increased from £6m to £10m.

I'd love to know where the £10m is coming from? When we at home are subject to cutbacks, pay freezes, redundancies, scrapping of equipment, because there isn't enough £'s.

I wonder if Dick Cheney gives one of his own companies the reconstruction contract, again?

[bcgallacher]

In my time in the Philippines I have experienced Typhoons,earthquakes,volcanic eruptions and military coup attempts,the Filipinos are the most resilient people on earth - they live under the perpetual threat of natural disaster.Given a little help they will fight their way back from this.

[rolandpull]

Did the C17 take much into the affected area when it deployed? they certainly appear to be camera shy at the moment. Seen coverage of an EK charter jet 'flying' the flag for the UK.

I remember arriving in Mexico City on a 'K' back in 85 post mega earth quake, with a shed load of RE's. The door went up, the ramp went down. Stood all expectantly was the BBC's own Brian Baron and camera man. "stop" shouted Brian, as the initial view of the British aid effort was the beer/NAAFI stack on the ramp - for the 'engineers obviously!

Got dissed by the Argentinians when the crew bus driver slowed down as it rolled up in front of their 707 on a very busy ramp - no shocks and they would never have been let on anyway.

Got moaned at by the Holiday Inn management when team GB used the swimming pool as a bath, there being no mains water running, but plenty of shower gel to hand.

An interesting 24 hours that was. I still have the certificate of thanks from El Presidente of Mexico on my wall….

[FODPlod]

Without wanting to sound negative, what does it cost to send a warship? Serious question and not to denigrate the training and flexibility of the good people on board but surely that's an expensive way of deploying a single helicopter. How many Antonovs could we charter for the same money?

I expect the MoD will claim back any marginal extra costs for DARING from DFID. As has been pointed out already, DARING can provide a damn sight more than a helo and every bit counts. See https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-warship-heads-to-philippines

I'd love to know where the £10m is coming from? When we at home are subject to cutbacks, pay freezes, redundancies, scrapping of equipment, because there isn't enough £'s...

See House of Commons - Department for International Development's Annual Report and Accounts 2011-12 - International Development Committee (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmintdev/751/75105.htm)...DFID's budget in 2013-14 will be £10.765 million....

That's nearly £10.8 billion!

[Union Jack]

Just what help will an air defence destroyer be able to give ?

Judging by the number of awards of the Wilkinson (now Firmin) Sword of Peace to HM Ships and RFAs involved in disaster relief over nearly the past 40 years, the answer is that they can take on just about anything they are asked to do.:ok:

Jack

[gr4techie]

Just what help will an air defence destroyer be able to give ?

A good publicity photograph.

All you need is the token Wren holding a rescued baby in the foreground.

[TomJoad]

Wow the cynics on here are real rays of sunshine. Love them to be on my side in a state of adversity - NOT.:ugh:

[gr4techie]

Tomjoad,

I'm just telling it, as it is.

Welcome to the real world.

[TomJoad]

Funny, me too. Guess we see things differently fella.:ok:

[gr4techie]

True. The only thing I learned from 2 years of A Level history is there is no right answer and two sides to every story.
Then there's the conspiracy theorist in me that thinks the govt never does some
thing for a simple reason and there must be another political motive lurking in the background.

[500N]

gr4

Shall we take bets on how long before such photo appears ?

I say 2 - 3 weeks.

[FODPlod]

A good publicity photograph.

All you need is the token Wren holding a rescued baby in the foreground.Bloody treacherous of the RN to go around the world rescuing babies and performing similar good deeds. Could even ruin the UK's hard-won reputation as baby-murderers. :ooh:

[melmothtw]

David Cameron‏@David_Cameron56m (https://twitter.com/David_Cameron/status/400936481755521025)
I can announce Britain is sending the carrier HMS Illustrious to help with #TyphoonHaiyan (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TyphoonHaiyan&src=hash) - Government aid also now £20m+.

Retweeted by Ministry of Defence (https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ)

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[Blue Bottle]

The Big Grey Boat is going now


https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extra-british-military-support-for-philippines-aid-effort

[Uncle Ginsters]

Did the C17 take much into the affected area when it deployed? they certainly appear to be camera shy at the moment. Seen coverage of an EK charter jet 'flying' the flag for the UK.

They're off...
BBC Story (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24954604)

[glojo]

Just what help will an air defence destroyer be able to give ?

Before any warship deploys it has to pass through the tender hands of Flag Officer Sea Training where the captain and crew are stretched to breaking point to be prepared for just about any event these 'evil' people can think of.

One such part of that training is to deal with a civil disaster that can be just about anything but the idea is where these sailors will have to go into a village that has been the victim of a significant natural disaster.

When this type 45 arrives, clearly its aircraft will do what aircraft do, but the sailors will go ashore and start to sort out whatever they can in that very specific area.

This is just an example of some of the things this air defence destroyer will be able to give

1. Sanitation... They will organise some type of mass toilet facilities

2. Water.. The ship will be making fresh water and as much of it as possible. We are talking in the tons per day.

3. The chefs will go ashore and set up huge canteens where they will start cooking food for as many people as they can.

4. Shipwrights will try to repair essential buildings

5. mechanics\artificers will try to sort out power to get the electricity working.

6. Mechanics and sailors will try to get water flowing through damaged pipework

7. The doctor and his staff will set up a hospital to carry out whatever aid is required and if the ship carries a fully qualified doctor (which this ship does) they will also no doubt be able to carry out emergency surgery.

8. This ship I believe carries a dentist so any major dental work can be carried out..

9. Schooling for the children if deemed appropriate or more likely some of the married personnel will set up play camps for these traumatised children and get them playing and no doubt laughing.

10. Mechanics\artificers will try to repair broken,essential machinery.

11. Electricians will try to get the power distributed once the engineers have sorted out the generators....

That is just a few of the things that ship will be doing and it will not be for only 120 hours a month that they will be required to work. The essential work will start when they arrive and will stop when they leave. It will be hot, extremely dirty, hazardous, exhausting, but all in a day's work for the senior service. I find it sad that this type of work does not get the publicity it deserves but I guess because it has always been a regular requirement, we simply treat it as just another duty!!

I say that because ever since I can remember our warships deploy with the required equipment to deal with these sadly regular events (definitely not as bad as this one)

When our carrier arrives then that ship has the exact same capabilities but more so, plus she has much better equipped workshops where the artificers can repair or manufacture bigger and better parts.

What will your C130 do? :ok: Cheeky banter and every little will help this devastated country

[Ken Scott]

What will your C130 do?

Just fly in relief supplies - food, clothing, blankets, shelter materials etc.

But not much dentistry or schooling I expect......

In all seriousness I'm just glad that everyone is finally starting to react, a bit late but better late than never. This shouldn't be the time for some kind of w*lly-waving 'my relief effort's better than yours', the people need help now (or better still, last week).

[glojo]

Totally agree and this post was in response to a number of queries which hopefully have now been answered with a smile on the face. I should imagine the Daring would have had its pedal to the metal the instant it was told to proceed with 'Full Despatch' .

[ZH875]

Just what help will an air defence destroyer be able to give ?

A larger number of free ex navy i-Pods than a rubber dinghy.

[glojo]

A larger number of free ex navy i-Pods than a rubber dinghy. :ok:Ouch.. That was below the belt ;)

Whilst I am waggling my willy I had to think back to what other major things I might have missed out and instantly thought about the installing or trying to maintain law and order. The ship will also have to supply patrols to stop looting or any other serious disorder.

There have been countless posts about the cost of an aircraft carrier and we all accept these things are not cheap but once again this is a perfect example of just how flexible these vessels can be. That American carrier has made a substantial difference to that countries lift capability. Has it trebled the number of helicopters that are being used at this disaster?

It would be nice if Illustrious has embarked some military support to help Jolly Jack in this awful, horrible natural disaster.

[smujsmith]

I see on Sky news mention that a C130 is to be deployed for "distribution" of aid in theatre. This looks like what Albert was designed to do. In and out of small island airports with useful, break down loads from international arrivals. Somebody seems to be using their heads, and their aircraft for their capabilities. Good luck lads, I'm sure you will do a great job.

Smudge :ok:

[500N]

Caribou's would have been useful although the quantity not that high
they always seemed to be operated on rough and ready strips and
short landings.

[gr4techie]

Glojo.

I don't know if you are deliberately misleading us because you are Navy and want your relief effort to wave more willys than ours. But I think you are over estimating what is possible with the resources of your little boat. You may be able to look after a 100 people and light up a 12x12 tent, but being able to make a difference to 100,000's and rebuild an nation would realistically require a lot more.

1. Sanitation... They will organise some type of mass toilet facilities

Does the ship carry 1000's of portaloos? Or are you talking about digging a hole in the ground?

2. Water.. The ship will be making fresh water and as much of it as possible. We are talking in the tons per day.

Where are you going to store all this water once you have made it all? Do you have 10,000 green bottles?

3. The chefs will go ashore and set up huge canteens where they will start cooking food for as many people as they can.

How many cooks do you have? Do they have an entire field kitchen to feed an army and how much food have you got?

4. Shipwrights will try to repair essential buildings
What with?

5. mechanics\artificers will try to sort out power to get the electricity working.
If you are going to do more than light up the insides of a tent. How are you going to generate sufficient electrical power that can replace the lines from a power station? You will need quite a few pretty big diesel generators.

6. Mechanics and sailors will try to get water flowing through damaged pipework
Underground pipework that requires heavy plant machinery?

7. The doctor and his staff will set up a hospital to carry out whatever aid is required and if the ship carries a fully qualified doctor (which this ship does) they will also no doubt be able to carry out emergency surgery.
Is that one Dr with only enough medication for the ships company?


8. This ship I believe carries a dentist so any major dental work can be carried out..
As above.

9. Schooling for the children if deemed appropriate or more likely some of the married personnel will set up play camps for these traumatised children and get them playing and no doubt laughing.
Do you carry on your little boat, all the books and learning resources used by a school. Any qualified teachers?

10. Mechanics\artificers will try to repair broken,essential machinery. If they have the right tools and parts to hand.

11. Electricians will try to get the power distributed once the engineers have sorted out the generators....
I imagine the cabling used on the national grid maybe of a thicker and more industrial grade than the cable used to repair the instrumentation of your boat.

What will your C130 do?
Bring in what is really needed for all my points raised above.

[500N]

You want light, bring in small portable solar lights, cheap and they work.

Bottles - looking at the number of those Office Water Cooler type bottles
that were lined up amazed me.

[Phileas Fogg]

Just to fill some of you in:

Whilst much of the rest of the world is spending bucket loads of taxpayers money sending or paying aid to Philippines here on Siargao Island, last evening, 100 Mayors had rented out a resort with grub and disco etc. to p1ss up and dance the night away at taxpayers expense.

Surely the party would have been planned and organised before the typhoon struck Leyte, which is next door to us here on Mindanao, but the party could very easily have been cancelled and the proceeds donated to the relief fund.

So whilst the rest of you are out collecting and/or sending money and aid please don't mind that here in the Philippines the politicians remain drinking and dancing their nights away.

[3 bladed beast]

Phileas....

That sort of information gets me angry - but it's the same the world over. The people in power are so far removed from the 'ordinary man', not matter what his circumstance. You are spot on in saying it should have been cancelled BUT we should not let this take away from getting help to the poor, innocent people who have been affected.

But 100 mayors? I'm sure they are worth their pay, their expenses, gold plated pensions etc - just like our UK politicians....

Good luck to all out in the Philippines doing aid relief.

[BEagle]

With such a huge disaster having only recently occurred, I was surprised that the BBC's annual Children in Need luvvy-fest wasn't changed so that all proceeds would go to the Philippines.

On second thoughts, we're talking about the BBC......:rolleyes:

[FODPlod]

gr4techie - This is precisely the sort of emergency for which deployed RN warships are trained, equipped and stored (including Emergency Relief Packs containing extra medical stores). Apart from her professional medical staff, 50% of the ship's company are trained First Aiders.HMS Richmond's sailors take on disaster relief exercise (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2012/December/14/121214-Richmond-distex)
Your sneeringly contrived put-downs do you no credit at all and simply expose your ignorance by every definition. I'd refute each one in turn but I doubt I could alter your bitter and twisted viewpoint one jot so I won't waste my breath. GLOJO has summarised DARING's capabilities comprehensively.

Good luck to all our service personnel trying their damndest to help these beleaguered people in their desperate plight.

[Tankertrashnav]

With such a huge disaster having only recently occurred, I was surprised that the BBC's annual Children in Need luvvy-fest wasn't changed so that all proceeds would go to the Philippines.

On second thoughts, we're talking about the BBC......:rolleyes:


Sorry Beagle but I have to disagree with you there. Actually I dislike the "luvvy fest" as well and don't watch any of it, but the fact is millions watch and enjoy it and it does raise huge amounts of money for very worthy children's charities.

Your argument is similar to those be berate people for giving to animal charities, saying that people are more important, when in fact many people give to both.

The fact is people seem to be a charitable mood at the moment and the total collected for Children in Need is a record, that on top of the vast sums collected for the Phillipines appeal - in many cases I suspect the money is coming out of the same pockets.

[Wander00]

I am with TTN on this - and there are differences between the two appeals - disasters emergency straight from wallet to charity. CiN involves people individually and in groups, including many children. Just spent most of 24 hours with a bunch of kids who might be seen as "privileged" sailing on a salt water lake for 24 hours. They have raised well over £100k over 15 years and this year look to be going to raise close to £15k. As Beags said, neither seems to have reduced the amount raised by the other, Both should be applauded, IMHO

[Hangarshuffle]

Has a comparatively large flight deck and hangar which links through to two decent sized compartments for the fast boats on either-well thought through. Will be useful on a small scale I would imagine.
Best wishes to the Captain and Ships Company from me on that.
Everyone seems to expect instant world response and instant impact these days - this is just plain unreasonable. Perhaps in future countries likely to be destroyed by natural causes will be required to bury beforehand large amounts of stores and provisions.
ie shelters, water etc already stored and prepositioned?
Situation is only going to go on like this.
Could happen in Britain. I fact I bet you it one day will.
Would we be any better prepared than the pinos? No.

[FODPlod]

A few years ago, my wife and I visited Kefalonia (scene of Captain Corelli's Mandolin) in the Ionian Sea and stayed in a hotel in Sami. I couldn't help but notice a photo of the previous HMS DARING on the counter in reception. On enquiring, I found out that she had been the first on the scene after an earthquake flattened all but one village on the island in 1953. Argostoli, the island's capital, even has a street named after her.

When a ship's company reunion was held in Sami in 2003, I was told by the hotel manager that a local man had tears in his eyes as he recounted how the sailors had pulled his pregnant mother out of the ruins of her home. But for this rescue, he would not have been around to tell the tale. As can be seen from the video below, the RAF was heavily involved as well but even after 50 years, this single act had achieved more lasting good for the UK's reputation than any flurry of foreign aid money.1953 kefalonia eartquake

[Phileas Fogg]

Well don't think for one minute that the Filipinos are going to be holding remembrance services or indeed giving one hoot for any rescuers in weeks, months or years from now.

Just Goggle for the lootings of Gaisano and/or Robinsons in Tacloban, many have probably perished whilst their relatives and friends have pre-occupied themselves stealing from shops.

There are numerous collections going on hereabouts, some may make it to the stricken whilst others will make it as far as someones back pocket, I was only discussing with my Filipina partner yesterday that had we been stricken by the typhoon, and indeed we had a narrow escape, would these people be doing anything for me and we agreed that the answer would be "no" purely based on my (white) skin colour.

Racism survives and prospers well here in the Philippines and if D.C. thinks that in the future he might receive a similar welcome to the he received in Libya then he's got another thing coming!!!

[gr4techie]

gr4techie - This is precisely the sort of emergency for which deployed RN warships are trained, equipped and stored (including Emergency Relief Packs containing extra medical stores). Apart from her professional medical staff, 50% of the ship's company are trained First Aiders.
HMS Richmond's sailors take on disaster relief exercise
Your sneeringly contrived put-downs do you no credit at all and simply expose your ignorance by every definition. I'd refute each one in turn but I doubt I could alter your bitter and twisted viewpoint one jot so I won't waste my breath. GLOJO has summarised DARING's capabilities comprehensively.

Good luck to all our service personnel trying their damndest to help these beleaguered people in their desperate plight.

My comments were not said in a sneeringly contrived put-down way and I'm not bitter and twisted, why would I be? I just take the Glojo's post with a pinch of salt. Since I have never having been in the Navy, maybe I am ignorant of it's capabilities. However I never brag and seek credit.

[TomJoad]

True. The only thing I learned from 2 years of A Level history is there is no right answer and two sides to every story.
Then there's the conspiracy theorist in me that thinks the govt never does some
thing for a simple reason and there must be another political motive lurking in the background.

GR4 thing is a lot of folk out in the Philippines don't have the luxury of naval gazing or engaging in your conspiracy theories. They are kinda focused on whether they or their families will survive the next 24hrs. I doubt they give a hoot about what kind of vessel comes to their aid, or what the senders intention may be. I kinda think I would be thinking exactly the same if I were in their position. You know, there are times when the right course of action is simply to act - this is one of them. You can indulge your intellectual vanity concerning conspiracy theories, petty inter service point scoring and government motives after lives have been saved. Thank God we live in a country where we are still willing to help those in peril with all the wealth resources and human endeavour that we can muster.

[Ken Scott]

With such a huge disaster having only recently occurred, I was surprised that the BBC's annual Children in Need luvvy-fest wasn't changed so that all proceeds would go to the Philippines.


You're simply wrong, Beagle. The expression here is, 'charity begins at home'. £31 million was raised by CinN for deserving causes around the UK, whilst charities raising funds for the Philippine's disaster also raised a similar amount in the first 3 days after it was launched. There are clearly enough people in the UK who care about both causes for the BBC not to have to make the gesture you seem to expect of them.

[India Four Two]

here on Siargao Island, last evening, 100 Mayors had rented out a resort with grub and disco etc. to p1ss up and dance the night away at taxpayers expense.

PF,
Unfortunately that does not surprise me at all! Have the Manila media picked up on this story?

[Blue Bottle]

The C17 made it, a good route by the look of it and lots of support crew on board as well

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-delivers-much-needed-jcbs-to-the-philippines

[Eclectic]

The helicopter has been hard at work: Typhoon Haiyan: Royal Navy warship HMS Daring arrives in disaster zone - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/10455255/Typhoon-Haiyan-Royal-Navy-warship-HMS-Daring-arrives-in-disaster-zone.html)

It has spent the last three days carrying out reconnaissance work in and around the Philippines, using a helicopter to survey the areas which have not yet been reached by international relief teams.
The Lynx helicopter will now be used to fly shelter kits, food and medical supplies to those remote areas.
Members of the 12-strong medical team from the UK, which arrived in the Philippines earlier this week, will also be flown to different areas to treat injured victims of the typhoon.

[TomJoad]

Well don't think for one minute that the Filipinos are going to be holding remembrance services or indeed giving one hoot for any rescuers in weeks, months or years from now.

Just Goggle for the lootings of Gaisano and/or Robinsons in Tacloban, many have probably perished whilst their relatives and friends have pre-occupied themselves stealing from shops.

There are numerous collections going on hereabouts, some may make it to the stricken whilst others will make it as far as someones back pocket, I was only discussing with my Filipina partner yesterday that had we been stricken by the typhoon, and indeed we had a narrow escape, would these people be doing anything for me and we agreed that the answer would be "no" purely based on my (white) skin colour.

Racism survives and prospers well here in the Philippines and if D.C. thinks that in the future he might receive a similar welcome to the he received in Libya then he's got another thing coming!!!

So your response to a humanitarian disaster is:

1. Will they hold rememberance day services for HM Forces.

2. Would they help me.

Thankfully the majority of folk in the UK, including those that govern and ultimately decide how deploy our wealth and resources to help fellow humans in need, live by a different credo than you.

[Phileas Fogg]

Thankfully the majority of folk in the UK, including those that govern and ultimately decide how deploy our wealth and resources to help fellow humans in need, live by a different credo than you.

Tomjoad,

There's no call to be so offensive whilst jumping to the wrong conclusions!!!

FODPlod made a point that Kefalonia "remembers" and I made a point that these Filipinos won't remember, they'll take and take and take and consider it to be their right. I was at our local Filipino pizza restaurant last evening, there they have a large box for relief donations of clothing, bedding etc. guess what, it remains empty, not even the Filipinos will give to their own people in need, they're all too pre-occupied looking after No.1, it is what they do best!

No, they wouldn't help me and apparently it is me that lives by some different credo? I'll have to go and figure that one out Tomjoad, that these people won't help me, not because of my skin colour but because I live by a different credo!!!

[lmgaylard]

I had the privilege of attending the media assignment at RAF Brize Norton in the early hours of Friday morning.

Now some of you reading this may be surprised to hear my comments as I have been accused by some as being a 'naval worshiper'.....but;

I must say that it was a real eye opener to see so many RAF personnel helping out, having given up their free time! Many on 99 squadron had volunteered to help with various stages of planning and with the loading of equipment and supplies onto C-17 ZZ177.

It was also very warming to, sneakily, overhear various phone conversations that went roughly; ''so the navy will be doing that, great, tell them we are bringing.....'' and ''ask them (navy) if they can do this as it will help....''

I really got a genuine sense that both forces were pulling together for the greater good and any kind of inter-service rivalry was certainly not at work. :D

I am now, however, saddened that some of the previous comments on this thread has resorted back to type.....:ugh:

[teeteringhead]

And the C-17s have delivered a number of "rough terrain JCBs" (whatever they are :confused:) for reconstruction work.

No, Daring or Lusty (ETA about Sunday I think) couldn't do that, but then the RAF couldn't do what the Grey Funnel Line can.

So can't we STFU the inter-Service willy waving, and let each Service get on with doing what they do best .......

Including some banter of course ........ :ok:

[glojo]

My comments were not said in a sneeringly contrived put-down way and I'm not bitter and twisted, why would I be? I just take the Glojo's post with a pinch of salt. Since I have never having been in the Navy, maybe I am ignorant of it's capabilities. However I never brag and seek credit.


I'm sorry you disbelieved my factual post regarding what those sailors WILL DO..

It was definitely NOT bragging, it was simply documenting just a few of the tasks these sailors are expected and yes, they are expected to perform. I totally, 100% accept there are only approximately 200 personnel on that ship but having been on a ship of a similar size and having performed similar tasks, I was simply giving an account of the tasks we had to perform.

Yes there are only a limited number of sailors but I can assure you they will be working around the clock, non stop, performing miracles. Yes that term might be a slight exaggeration but when others look back at what they have achieved in such a short time they will indeed be humbled.

Unfortunately the Navy does most definitely sell itself short regarding what it does and rather than me repeat myself I am going to post cuttings describing just a few of their deeds along hopefully with some pictures to back up my previous post.

This is not me waggling my willy, this is me responding to a post that did not do the author any favours.

Feel free to take your salt and do with it what you will, but I personally congratulate those hard working souls as fund raising is obviously helpful but what they are doing is possibly going that extra mile??

Eyes down...

After spotting the island’s distress call, where the word ‘HELP’ was spelt out on a playground, HMS Daring brought a medical team from save the Children to set up clinics around the main villages.

We are very glad to see the medical teams and the ship because we were running out of bandages and bandage tape and a few other medical supplies and I wasn’t sure if I could get any more very quickly.

https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/18789/s300_MF130168060g.jpg


A team of sailors also set to work to repair the local school’s roof which had been completely stripped of its corrugated iron sheets, and cleared the inside of debris and stagnant water.
The children have not been able to go to school for more than a week, but classes should begin again tomorrow.


http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/glojoh/Daring_zpsd8c7915f.jpg


Members of HMS Daring's crew with life-saving humanitarian aid at Cebu [Picture: Able Seaman (Warfare Specialist) Chris *****


As well as repairing the buildings, the sailors cleared fallen trees, and electrical teams assessed the extent of damage to one of the 2 generators for the village’s power supply.
One generator is fully serviceable,” explained Deputy Marine Engineering Officer Lieutenant Wendy ****.

The other has some minor defects as the wind moved it away from its stand, but they have enough fuel to run them both so they are not short of that supply.

The issue is that the power lines are down and we have spoken to the department of International Development representatives on board who will report the issue to the authorities to get it fixed for them.


http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii527/glojoh/Daring1_zps30b97921.jpg

The ship’s crew handed out 137 shelter packs which each contain 4 shelters. Just one can cover a house, sheltering large families of between 5 and 10 people at a time.

The local water well was also checked, and although there was some initial concern about possible contamination, there have been very few incidents of sickness.

All villagers use tablets to purify their drinking water which are passed to them by the island nurse.

Other areas of the island also suffered extensive damage, including the villages of Bitoon, Pasiil and Langob and their suburbs, where shelter was deemed the highest priority by the local people.



A Portsmouth-based air defence warship, HMS Daring is two thirds of the way through a nine-month deployment and was taking part in an exercise with Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia as part of the Five Powers Defence Arrangement when she was re-tasked to the Philippines to deliver aid after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines on 7 November 2013.

The aid collected by the Department for International Development (DfID) for HMS Daring to distribute consists of: 500 food baskets which can feed a family of four for a week; 500 family shelter kits; 500 hygiene kits; 1,500 four-litre water carriers; and 400 five litre water carriers. The ship will also embark a team of 14 medics from the UK.

HMS Daring herself can also provide 700 ration packs, 550 litres of bottled water and can provide 100,000 litres of potable water within 24 hours, generators, firefighting equipment, thermal imaging cameras and an emergency relief pack containing essentials such as generators, floodlighting and rescue equipment.

On board she has electrical and mechanical engineers, a doctor and medical team, first aiders, dentist, priest, heavy equipment specialists, air crews and boat crews. All 200 personnel on board are also trained in humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
I have highlighted the numbers as it is more than impressive to see just how few sailors are doing all this work and still keeping the ship at an operational state (you cannot shut the thing down!)

http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/a02389cc1192415dbc436164bf9a266b-576x0.jpg


Surgeon Lieutenant (D) ******* **** Aged **. Dental Officer attached to Commando Logistic Regiment, Barnstaple. Lives in ****** *****.

Team of three - Surg Lt (D) *****, Dental Hygienist CPO Heather ******* and Dental Nurse Debbie *****.

"We joined HMS Daring on October 28 and the original plan was to be on board until November 17, so a short stint of a couple of weeks. We are here to provide the ships company with dental treatment, including hygiene work, and to ensure they are all up to date with their dental inspections.

"When we were told of the re-tasking of HMS Daring my first priority was to find out if we could be of assistance, and the answer came back as yes. We don't know any more than that at the moment but, of course, we are keen to help in any way we can.

"There are several ways we could be called upon once we arrive in the Philippines. Using our primary roles we may be tasked with providing emergency dental care for patients with uncontrollable bleeding, swelling and trauma and I have all the equipment I would need for that as we bought it all on board to treat the ship's company.

Occasionally, Dentists can help with forensic identification and Heather and Debbie are both trained first aiders. Obviously we don't know what to expect so we may be required to assist as extra manpower.

"This is the first time I have been involved in a humanitarian disaster and we are helping to prepare in any way we can. We have had to return the surgery on board back to being a sick bay as we have a lot of dental equipment which takes up valuable medical team space.

We have also put together an emergency dental valise filled with dental instruments and supplies that we could take ashore if we were tasked to do so. Otherwise we may remain onboard to continue to treat the ships company and would await to be called forward if required.

I am keen to be able to use any of our skills in any way that we can to provide humanitarian care to the people of the Philippines it is unusual to have a deployed dental team so we are also keen to show what we have to offer."

I sincerely and genuinely apologise to everyone apart from the individual that demanded I put my money where my mouth is... I could very easily supply double the ammount of both pictures and stories of these sailors carrying out the different tasks and YES..
The first thing we tend to do is get some sort of sanitition system organised for a village, it is not nice, it is not pleasant but without proper sanitation, coughs and sneezes!! :sad: very quickly run riot throughout the population. The other awful work is sadly dealing with those that did not survive that storm.

[Toadstool]

Well done to the Royal Navy and the RAF who have been fantastic.

[glojo]

I will however take offensive if folks think I am trying to put down our 'Junior Service'

I am a great believer of inter service rivalry as long asd it is done in the spirit it is meant.

My earlier remark was military banter and long may that continue...

Note the funny ipod put down.. Great come-back

Now let's all concentrate on helping out those poor souls who NEED our help.

We all know we cannot produce ships or aircraft out of a hat and we are at, where we are at... We are doing our best.

[GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU]

glojo, fair point; banter is good. It fails if the observers don't grasp it, though. The Navy and the Air Force can (and does) contribute to this very efectively. The Army can't without silly-loads of supporting logs in place. That's not a criticism of the Army; it's horses for courses.

The Navy has trained, been equiped and applied this for years in the Caribbean. An integral part of the supporting stores pack has always been riot control kit. People always seem to riot and more likely loot when bad stuff happens.

[Cows getting bigger]

As others have hinted, flag waving is far better than ensign waving?

[FODPlod]

As lmgaylard has confirmed, there has been much valuable inter-service cooperation. PJHQ is represented on the ground and a second C-17 has flown in. Daring's Lynx has also shown her worth: UK’s response is easing the suffering in Philippines says team leading military effort (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/November/19/131119-UK-Philippines)
Ahead of HMS Daring sailing in and RAF C17 transporters flying out, a specialist team from the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters arrived to co-ordinate Britain’s military relief effort, ensuring the right aid goes to the right place...

Cdre Clive Walker, the Royal Navy logistician in charge of the tri-Service disaster relief task force, says the UK response is already making a difference on the ground – and has been extremely well received both by the people affected and by the islands’ leaders. The destroyer HMS Daring has been focusing her efforts around Guintacan Island, about 80 miles west of the badly-affected city of Tacloban, while the aid brought in by the RAF’s giant C17 transporters has been directed towards the latter city and environs.

“The two RAF C17s have been really well received – particularly the first one which flew in with the heavy engineering plant: tractors, dump trucks and a crane,” said Cdre Walker. “They’ve been needed close to the city of Tacloban which was badly affected, opening up the roads so aid can be brought in. “It’s a simple mantra: more roads means more aid which means less suffering.”

As for Daring, which broke off exercises in the South China Sea and dashed east, her Lynx helicopter proved key in the first stages of her response. “We’ve been very lucky to be joined by Daring – and her Lynx especially, carrying out surveys of the more remote areas,” said Cdre Walker...

As this photo on the MOD website (link (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-daring-delivers-aid-to-typhoon-hit-island)) shows, it has been a case of 'all hands to the pumps' in more ways than one:


https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/18795/MF130167043g.jpg
A work party from HMS Daring loads humanitarian stores onto a barge in Cebu
[Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Paul A'Barrow, Crown copyright]

[Cows getting bigger]

Good article. Now, would you ever see an Army major in that photo?

In typical light-blue fashion I'll get my own coat, thank you. :ooh:

[airborne_artist]

Good article. Now, would you ever see an Army major in that photo?

Only if they were from a Corps. Teeth arm - not a hope ;)

[nimbev]

Good to see both the RN and RAF working together and providing assistance. Not much mention of the US on this thread though. I see US Pacific Command has been directed to give air and naval assistance. I would imagine that as they have only recently (2012) been allowed access back into the Phillipines (after being thrown out in 92) they will be putting a tremendous effort into improving their image. Not sure whether they have rebuilt their presence in Bataan (Subic Bay and Cubi Point) but that area was missed by the Typhoon and would have provided an excellent base for relief operations. This is, after all, the Pacific Fleet's back yard.

[FODPlod]

nimbev - Guam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Base_Guam) became the US Navy's regional base after Subic Bay closed in 1992 and was transformed into a freeport zone.

[glojo]

Going off topic very slightly...

In the early 1970's I was in Eritrea (Ethiopia) during the period of that really awful famine that effected a significant number of the population.

I watched customs officials sail out to approaching ships carrying large cargoes of Red Cross aid, they would then take 'possession' of the cargo and when the ship docked, they would then sell this cargo to the senior army officials who were waiting at the dock-side.

The cargo was unloaded, stored in warehouses over night and during that time I could hear gun-fire which I believe was coming from zealous guards 'deterring' those that dared to get near these Red cross supplies.

The next day there appeared to be some type of auction where this donated cargo was sold to the local black market, or in modern speak.. The local war lords.

Within hours some of this so called 'aid' could be seen on sale at the local markets. This aid was freely given by the likes of you and I, but how much gets to those in need? What was not sold locally, was loaded into lorries and taken to anywhere, where folks could afford to buy it, none was handed over to the rightful, lawful owners, who simply wanted to GIVE? it away to the starving masses.

I had a word with a very nice lady from the British Embassy and was politely told this is what happens. Palms are oiled and every so often a ship will get through and off load its cargo (usually when delegates, or official observers are scheduled to visit)

On a trip to the capital I went overland and saw trucks carrying the empty sacks that Red Cross grain had been in, these sacks were transported out to the bush where it was swapped for whatever these starving, desperate people possessed. This was usually brush or very dried out branches, twigs. This sacking was then used by these folk to make either clothing or tents. No doubt thy would first try to extract whatever grain was stuck within the material of that sacking.

I hate admitting this, but from that day, I have refused to give one penny to these well wishing charities. I totally accept some of our donations get through, but my experience is that a significant majority is making some very obnoxious people very, very rich. I am not for one milli-second alledging what I saw is endemic, but it certainly effected me and my opinion on aid donations.

Our military, be that any service will at least try to get it to those that need it and hopefully when the RAF are offloading their cargo at this latest area, it is not going anywhere near local officialdom!!!

This is not me repeating some Chinese whisper, I was at Massawa (a port that has undergone much modernisation since I was there) and I travelled over the mountains to Asmara. I saw what I saw and as a side issue I was also 'detained' up in the mountains by the National Army, but that is another story.

We all joke about what a white elephant our carriers will be but imagine what they would achieve if they were out at this location? During my time afloat, I never saw any piece of machinery that could not be repaired by the ship's artificers\mechanicians. These folks are amazing bodgers and if hardened chewing gum was able to fix something, chewing gum it would be.. In a crisis like this, where machinery is broken, I would be amazed if it stayed that way for any length of time. ''Can't be repaired sir' is not something anyone wants to hear if a ship is dead in the water. The workshops that these carriers will no doubt have, will allow these bodgers to actually replicate the damaged parts as opposed to 'bodge' something. These bigger ships will always have more support, bigger generators, more sailors, but we are where we are and every service is doing its very best.

Hopefully when Daring leaves the area, they will go off somewhere for a well earned rest??

When I prepared that first list, I wonder how many ex Royal Navy personnel read it and instantly went into flash back mode and reminisced about their time at Portland?? :sad::uhoh:

[TorqueOfTheDevil]

Perhaps in future countries likely to be destroyed by natural causes will be required to bury beforehand large amounts of stores and provisions.


Might not work so well for an earthquake;)


GR4 thing is a lot of folk out in the Philippines don't have the luxury of naval gazing


Priceless!

[t43562]

@glojo I think you're right to not want to hand out money. For one thing, most of these governments are responsible for their own messes and even when your aid is completely responsibly and honestly handled, the fact that it is there means that the government of the day feels free to spend money on the army/secret police/whatever which they should have spent on preventing the famine in the first place.

Buying produce from country X, offering scholarships, setting up British Council libraries, investing in non-exploitative projects (if you can do it without having to buy off politicians). All those seem better to me.

It's also worth considering if there are ways to offer citizens of corrupt country X access to uncorrupt services from outside. The BBC World Service is one example but I do wonder with the advent of mobile phones if it wouldn't be possible to offer banking and finance or even a currency like bitcoin.

The elite will always try to jump on anything that threatens their status but there might be things they can't stop.

[Cows getting bigger]

Glojo, I could cut-and-paste your Eritrea '72 with an Albania '99. :(

[Union Jack]

Yes there are only a limited number of sailors but I can assure you they will be working around the clock, non stop, performing miracles. Yes that term might be a slight exaggeration but when others look back at what they have achieved in such a short time they will indeed be humbled. - Glojo

No exaggeration whatsoever - I recall having to lock the three-stripe XO in his cabin after several days of virtual non-stop dawn to dusk hurricane relief work in the Windies to avoid him becoming completely exhausted. In addition, the super-human efforts of the rest of the ship's company resulted in an OBE for the said XO, MBEs for a Surgeon Lieutenant and the Lieutenant who worked wonders on treating patients and re-establishing the local hospital respectively, and several other awards for other sailors, including the one who, ahem, decked the local airport manager for obstructing his team's efforts at runway clearance to enable the Alberts to arrive - which they very speedily and commendably did !

I never saw any piece of machinery that could not be repaired by the ship's artificers\mechanicians. - Glojo

Oh so true, as indeed is so much of what Glojo has said in his illuminating posts! On a lighter note, a team of my sailors were clearing the jungle road from the "capital" to the airport by the simple but effective means of a chainsaw on either side of the road, and "sailor power" to shift the resultant logs. They came round a corner to find a bulldozer sitting idle by the roadside. Obvious question, why don't we use that, only to be told by our local guide that it wasn't working. Next question, "Any one of you lads know anything about bulldozers?" and up steps Jack, who succeeds in firing it up after about half an hour's work and the addition of some dieso. Local guide's response, "Man, that's just amazing - that bulldozer hasn't worked for four years!":D

And one for the Loggies, it was the only time I ever had to authorise a "Flash" stores demand, the end result of which Albert duly dropped at sea the next day.

Certainly no shortage of inter-Service co-operation there, thank you.:ok::ok:

Jack

[OafOrfUxAche]

Since I have never having been in the Navy


Nor in school either, apparently.

[Blue Bottle]

The Herc has arrived..

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/arrival-of-c-130-aircraft-to-get-aid-to-cut-off-areas

[Lyneham Lad]

I hate admitting this, but from that day, I have refused to give one penny to these well wishing charities.

Years ago I too had a concern about just how much of a donation actually arrived where needed, or was spent on essential items. Addressing that concern led me to Medecins Sans Frontieres (http://www.msf.org.uk/?gclid=CN_RzLWH9LoCFasfwwod91sAFA) (MSF) - at the time a lot smaller organisation than they are now. I heartily commend them as an organisation that achieves very impressive results in lots of very dangerous places (and does not get bogged down in bureaucracy).

[500N]

Lyneham

Agree, I found MSF a few years ago. Apart from the Salvos, they are one of the few I would give to :ok:

[FODPlod]

Latest RN update: HMS Daring provides shelter kits for families in need
(http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/November/20/131120-Daring-shelter-kits)
http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/22b9bef729d74ceaaca048be102d741a-189x130.jpg (http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/22b9bef729d74ceaaca048be102d741a-576x0.jpg)http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/6454be8c26c34c3bb68aba0ddb74f0f8-189x130.jpg (http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/6454be8c26c34c3bb68aba0ddb74f0f8-576x0.jpg)


451 and its crew have been clocking up the hours, too.

http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/dfa3045830af46dd81169efad5957160-189x130.jpg (http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/dfa3045830af46dd81169efad5957160-576x0.jpg)

[FODPlod]

Latest updates with some good piccies:Daring team restores water supply and fishing boats on storm-hit isle (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/November/21/131121-Daring-Restores-Water-Supply)
http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/91acf90606db4f26a7471a7a3aeb3538-417x313.jpgHMS Illustrious departs Singapore for the Philippines (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/November/22/1311220HMS-Illustrious-departs-Singapore)

http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/9bf308379f4f426faa612c699a00198f-417x313.jpg

[Blue Bottle]

Great team effort going on down there, well done all involved

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-military-continues-to-deliver-aid-to-philippines--4

[FODPlod]

Thanks BB. I'd have missed that one otherwise. As you say, a great team effort by ALCON.

[Hangarshuffle]

HMS Illustrious packed to the rafters for Philippines relief mission | Royal Navy (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/November/21/131121-Illustrious-Singapore)


HMS Illustrious packed to the rafters for Philippines relief mission | Royal Navy (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/November/21/131121-Illustrious-Singapore)

Ah, same link. Some good photos and latest news about RN and everyone elses effort here.
Hangars now a large store for food and aid. Guess they will be in for the long haul for this, looking at a few weeks I imagine. Hard on the Ships Company what with Xmas around the months corner of course. But thats life in a blue one as we used to say.
Best ships for this role are the RFA Bay Class I always think, but I guess they are thousands of miles away.
Well if Illustrious saves but one life or helps one person it will be for the greater good. God bless 'em.






http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/7d41b70d6c6440daa61a67f72a400d4d-576x0.jpg


Looking at the photos, they've taken only green Lynx, no sign of the Merlin or Sea King? Unless theyre out of phots.
Must be a good slick team on there, look very organised to me.


http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/e0da0c7cad984067967efaec72a12402-576x0.jpg

[WE Branch Fanatic]

But surely the main point is having a large flight deck and multiple helicopters?

[glojo]

The RFA's carry a large amount of equipment, but the most important cargo any nation could take out there is .... Expertise\manpower.

The Royal Marines will obviously help in reconstruction but in my experience they will also take over the role of security and helping to maintain law and order. Lusty has embarked military personnel to help and these folks have a great wealth of expertise regarding all things mechanical but I will tactfully point out that jolly jack trains for these exact situations. I have absolutely no idea what type of training other services offer before their units forward deploy.

It is possible that Illustrious might relieve the destroyer as sadly one ship can only be in one place and does the Navy have the luxury of fulfilling all their commitments whilst that ship is not where it should be?

We talk about where an RFA is best suited but the very sad reality is that these amazing ships and their civilian crews are already carry out roles that historically have been the domain of a warship! I am thinking of the anti-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia and the West Indies Guard ship. These are commitments for warships and not one for an RFA even though they embark a number of sailors and Royal Marines.

Can I suggest the Royal Navy has not just been slimmed down to the bone... and this skeleton might now be having bones removed!! No good saying enough is enough as it looks like our government is determined to inflict even more cutbacks.

Hopefully the RAF will ensure the aid they take out, will get to those most deserving??

Three cheers for all our personnel involved in helping out with this disaster and apologies for the rant :) Oh and I heard the commanding officer of Illustrious talk about using seven helicopters??

She would usually carry Sea King Mk4, Merlin HM1 and Lynx Mk7

[TomJoad]

Three cheers for all our personnel involved in helping out with this disaster

Second that glojo, the UK's response at both national and private level has been truly heartening. Despite the cynicism from the usual angry mob the UK's response to these natural disasters confirms that there is much in our country to proud of.:D:D:D

[glojo]

I fear this thread is becoming a 'Promote the Navy' piece of propaganda and that is definitely NOT the case. If the other services were doing this, I would like to think we would treat this issue with the exact same degree of pride?

I was not going to post anymore information regarding this incident but when we hear news of sometrhing like 'miner being found after days spent trapped underground!'

I feel we just need to share that type of news?

Royal Navy sailors have reached starving, homeless villagers still untouched by aid efforts two weeks after a "super" typhoon tore through the Philippines.


Sailors aboard HMS Daring found desperate people living without fresh water under rubbish heaps and sheltering in caves.


Manilla's confirmed death toll for Typhoon Haiyan on Saturday rose to 5,235, with another 1,613 people still missing after the storm flattened whole towns across a stretch of islands.


Haiyan now rivals a 1976 tsunami as the deadliest recorded natural disaster to befall the nation.


Crew from the Portsmouth-based destroyer had to wade ashore onto remote islands off Panay to deliver nearly a tonne of drinking water and shelter kits.

On Calagnaan they found one village untouched by relief efforts where the inhabitants were starving because winds nearing 150mph had destroyed all their crops and fishing boats.

Lt Cdr Telio ******-***** said: "These people survived the typhoon by hiding in a cave further up the hill.

"When we landed, which was particularly hazardous as there was an extensive area of coral so we had to wade ashore, a woman came running up to me crying and pulling on my sleeves.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02743/daring_2743947c.jpg


"She was saying they hadn't eaten for two days and they had run out of all their supplies."

Lt Cdr Steven *** said residents on several islands had been living in terrible conditions.

He said: "People on Tulunanaun island for example have been living underneath piles of rubbish to try and escape the elements so there were particularly in need of shelter."

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02743/hms-darling-chain_2743940b.jpg

Aid has also been ferried ashore by HMS Daring's Lynx helicopter. The destroyer will early this week be relieved by HMS Illustrious, which is en route from Singapore carrying 500 tonnes of supplies and seven helicopters.

Justine ********, the International Development Secretary, has been travelling with HMS Daring for part of its trip.

"The whole crew have done an amazing job, they have been taking essential supplies, repairing schools, and transporting medical equipment.

"A week ago 800,000 people were receiving food aid: that number has now reached three million – and that is thanks to efforts of teams like the Navy who are reaching remote, outlying communities."

As has been stated in this post Daring is being relieved by the Illustrious and will probably leave the area.

[bcgallacher]

Tom Joad - My wife of 27 years is a Filipina,we keep homes in Scotland and the Philippines and maintain a close connection with the country. My wife decided to try to raise funds for the victims of the typhoon and as you say the response has been incredible. The people of Fife have given more than generously. we planned on raising a few hundred but we estimate we will raise over a thousand in a matter of days. This is just a one woman effort - not a massive effort in the grand scheme of things but every little will help (as long as it does not get into the hands of the thieving Filipino politicians). It proves again the humanity of the British people.

[Hangarshuffle]

Yes agree there Glojo I actually felt pride looking at those photos.

[TomJoad]

I fear this thread is becoming a 'Promote the Navy' piece of propaganda



Glojo, I don't see it that way in any manner whatsoever. I doubt any right thinking person would either. HM Forces of whatever branch belong to us and we have every right to feel proud and support what is being done in our name and with our funding in the Philippines. Please keep the updates coming, the Navy lads and lasses are doing excellent work and making a real difference to peoples lives.:D:D:D:D

[FODPlod]

Lusty has arrived in the Philippines; video features her helos.BBC News: Typhoon Haiyan: HMS Illustrious brings aid to Philippines (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25083802)
Justine Greening, Secretary of State for International Development, was briefed on board HMS Daring at sea on 23 Nov.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/11011024756_d922e9b240_n.jpg

The operation is called PATWIN:Daily Mirror: Philippines devastation (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/philippines-devastation-roofs-ripped-off-2845177)

Navy News: Daring team restores water supply and fishing boats on storm-hit isle (https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/9465)

RAF website: RAF delivers further humanitarian aid to the Philippine Islands after Typhoon Haiyan (http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/op-patwin-23112013)

[FODPlod]

This DFID-produced graphic (click to enlarge) summarises UK aid to date but it's rather unfortunate that the Royal Navy ships are symbolised by a Russian Kuznetsov (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_aircraft_carrier_Admiral_Kuznetsov) class carrier and a Steregushchy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steregushchy-class_corvette) class corvette:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/10977159024_be457754b5_n.jpg (http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/10977159024_be457754b5_b.jpg)

[500N]

They could have used better graphics for the C-17 as well.

[Hangarshuffle]

I see that FODPlod, bit embarrassing for a Govt. web site. Can not one of you spooks that monitor this website have a quiet word.....?

[Blue Bottle]

Another C17 load arrived

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-delivers-more-supplies-to-the-philippines

[glojo]

Here we go and hopefully I have removed all surnames


An RAF C-130 Hercules crew delivering aid in the Philippines have helped save 2 helicopter pilots who crashed into the sea off Manila.
Having already completed 2 humanitarian aid flights on Sunday, the Hercules crew from RAF Brize Norton were on their approach to Manila Airport to collect more aid equipment when they heard a Mayday distress call from the civilian pilots.



The RAF C-130 Hercules captain, Flight Lieutenant Jamie ****, immediately broke off his landing and went to search for the helicopter in distress.
The aircraft’s other pilot, Flight Lieutenant Tom ******, said:
It was an instinctive response. When we heard that Mayday we knew we had to do something.
The downed helicopter had reportedly crashed into Manila Bay waters off Bulacan after delivering humanitarian relief goods to Typhoon Haiyan survivors in the Visayas. Its pilots were able to give the RAF Hercules their last known position over the radio, and the C-130 crew headed to that location to begin their search.

Almost as soon as the Hercules reached the crash site, an excited voice on the radio said ‘we can see you’, and the helicopter aircrew directed the search aircraft until the RAF crew spotted the life vests of the 2 helicopter crew members.
https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/19326/_MG_0455_2500px.jpg
The crew of the RAF C-130 Hercules pose by their aircraft in the Philippines

The RAF Hercules took on scene command of the rescue efforts, marking the location and flying above the crash scene. Flight Lieutenant ****** then requested further assistance from Manila air traffic control and the Philippine Coast Guard, whilst reassuring his fellow pilots.

Eventually, a United States Marine Corps (USMC) C-130 Hercules arrived on the scene to assist and was able to drop a life raft for the downed pilots to scramble into.

Flight Lieutenant ****** could hear over the radio that the aircrew were okay. The RAF C-130 Hercules, call sign ‘PAGASA 47’, which means ‘there is still hope’ in Filipino, remained above the life raft until it spotted a fishing vessel heading towards the 2 survivors. The crew then handed over control to the USMC aircraft and continued to Manila on their humanitarian mission.

Flight Lieutenant **** said:
Stuff like this doesn’t happen every day. It is fantastic that we were able to help our fellow pilots at the same time as helping the people of the Philippines.
In addition to the C-130, an RAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft and the Royal Navy’s HMS Illustrious are in the Philippines providing aid to the typhoon-hit islands.

[OafOrfUxAche]

Best use of sunglasses in low ambient light since the 'target-rich environment'. In fact, the resemblance to Val Kilmer is uncanny...

[glojo]

It is so nice to be able to give praise to all three services and now we have the Army joining in


Army helicopters arrive in the Philippines

A detachment of Army Lynx helicopters has arrived in the Philippines as part of the international disaster relief effort.
https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/19351/s300_MA130302077.jpg
Army Lynx helicopters on HMS Illustrious's flight deck as a Royal Navy Merlin hovers off the ship's port side


659 Squadron of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC) is embarked on the Royal Navy amphibious helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious.
‘Lusty’, as the ship is known, yesterday officially took over from HMS Daring, which is now en route to Tokyo to continue with her regional engagement programme.

The Army’s 3 Lynx helicopters on board HMS Illustrious will be essential in assessing the scale of damage and determining where aid needs to be targeted, as well as being able to lift supplies, materiel and medical teams to remote areas which have not yet received assistance.

659 Squadron were redeployed from counter-piracy operations around the Horn of Africa to render aid in the Philippines. They arrived today after a high speed dash of almost 6,000 miles across the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

The squadron is based in North Yorkshire, normally supporting land-based operations as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. The detachment embarked aboard HMS Illustrious comprises 49 men and women and are a mix of AAC personnel and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/19352/MA130302090.jpg
An Army Air Corps Lynx helicopter from 659 Squadron operating from HMS Illustrious
Officer Commanding 659 Squadron, Major Hannah *******, said:
We have worked hard to make sure that all of our aircraft are ready for what we expect to be a very busy time ahead. We have a tremendous amount to offer the aid effort.
In particular, we can survey large areas and get to remote islands and places inland that others simply cannot get to at the moment. Helicopters will be the only way to deliver essential aid until roads and other infrastructure has been repaired.
Only one of my team had operated from a Royal Navy aircraft carrier at sea, so there have been many firsts over the last 4 months.
The crew of HMS Illustrious have been very supportive to us in finding our feet and honing our procedures. I think we are just about to prove exactly how much we can do together.
The UK’s military support in the Philippines also includes 2 RAF aircraft, a C-130 Hercules and a C-17, which are helping distribute aid to the typhoon-hit islands.

[Union Jack]

It is so nice to be able to give praise to all three services and now we have the Army joining in

As in "Fly Navy, Sail Army, and Eat Crab"?:E - and before anyone thin-skinned individuals take umbrage, make sure you have read my earlier posts on this thread - been there, done that etc ....:=

A big Bravo Zulu to all concerned!:ok:

Jack

[TomJoad]

Wow, feeling the love Union Jack, feeling the love:rolleyes:

Well done and God speed (whatever service) to all involved.

[Weatherguysfo]

Has anyone heard whether CEBU Pacific's operations were impacted? I am thinking about taking a job with them. They are starting to hire foreign pilots again.

[Blue Bottle]

It's over for the C130 guy's, well done all. Must have been lots of hard but worth while work out there..

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/raf-hercules-detachment-hands-over-philippines-role

[Courtney Mil]

For a trio of busy, shrinking forces, our Navy, Army and RAF folks should be so proud of what they have done and are doing. It's times like this when I really miss being "in". I would so love to go and be involved.

Glojo, your earlier post about the RN was spot on. The RN do a lot of prep for this kind of stuff so that they are ready and properly trained to assist should need arise during a cruise. And BZ for that.

I suspect that our forces may be called upon to do of this in the coming years.

Fantastic job, one and all. :ok::D

[FODPlod]

BZ to the C-130 crew for a job well done. Video showing lots of whirlybirds still in action:HMS Illustrious - Philippines Disaster Relief - 28 November 2013 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0m4nTMy7FY)

[bvcu]

cebu pacific operations looked pretty busy there last week !

[FODPlod]

Some positive feedback:
Ten thousand thank-yous for Illustrious after first week on typhoon mission (http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/December/03/131203-Illustrious-Thankyous)

[mayorofgander]

Hi Gang;

Just back from doing the operation.
All involved worked incredibly hard to deliver loads of aid to the people of the Philippines.
We were all bowled over by both their resilience and gratitude.
Proud to have been part of it...

MoG

[Hellophoto]

First of all, Hello, My 1st time on here, ive just seen this thread, and thought you might like to see our UK RAF chaps and ladies at work, from about 2.00 pm till maybe 6.00 pm getting it loaded before its 24 hour flight.

C-17 cargo plane was transporting medical supplies and heavy duty vehicles, including two JCB diggers, a forklift truck, and two Land Rovers emblazoned with stickers reading: "UK aid from the British people". So the vehicles can help to reopen transport links and allow aid workers to reach isolated areas.

Thanks to all there that night. 99 Sqn. Wing Com. Stu Lindsell and ALL sqn staff. (and not forgetting Lewis).

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/cornishlizard/IMG_9851_Very_small_zps5ab81da0.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/cornishlizard/media/IMG_9851_Very_small_zps5ab81da0.jpg.html)
My view from behind the cockpit earlier on.

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/cornishlizard/IMG_9867_very_small_zpsb0b6a3d4.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/cornishlizard/media/IMG_9867_very_small_zpsb0b6a3d4.jpg.html)
JCB loaded exactly,

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/cornishlizard/IMG_9964_very_small_zpsa01ec56f.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/cornishlizard/media/IMG_9964_very_small_zpsa01ec56f.jpg.html)
One of the 2 Land Rovers.

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/cornishlizard/IMG_9807_very_small_zpsbb2cd8d3.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/cornishlizard/media/IMG_9807_very_small_zpsbb2cd8d3.jpg.html)

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/cornishlizard/IMG_0806_very_small_zpsb5a25e51.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/cornishlizard/media/IMG_0806_very_small_zpsb5a25e51.jpg.html)
And the lovely ZZ177

Regards Greg
Greg Caygill

[Hangarshuffle]

Good photos Greg. Well done those people. Quite humbling really that a small country like ours still gives a stuff about other less fortunate people on the other side of the world.