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As others have hinted, flag waving is far better than ensign waving?
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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:
Originally Posted by RN website 19 Nov 2013
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... https://assets.digital.cabinet-offic...130167043g.jpg A work party from HMS Daring loads humanitarian stores onto a barge in Cebu [Picture: Petty Officer (Photographer) Paul A'Barrow, Crown copyright] |
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: |
Good article. Now, would you ever see an Army major in that photo? |
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.
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Supersession of Guam as USN's main base
nimbev - Guam became the US Navy's regional base after Subic Bay closed in 1992 and was transformed into a freeport zone.
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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: |
Perhaps in future countries likely to be destroyed by natural causes will be required to bury beforehand large amounts of stores and provisions. GR4 thing is a lot of folk out in the Philippines don't have the luxury of naval gazing |
@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. |
Glojo, I could cut-and-paste your Eritrea '72 with an Albania '99. :(
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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 |
Since I have never having been in the Navy |
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I hate admitting this, but from that day, I have refused to give one penny to these well wishing charities. |
Lyneham
Agree, I found MSF a few years ago. Apart from the Salvos, they are one of the few I would give to :ok: |
Fresh proof that the services are becoming 'top heavy'
Latest RN update: HMS Daring provides shelter kits for families in need
http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/22...1a-189x130.jpg http://c69011.r11.cf3.rackcdn.com/64...f8-189x130.jpg 451 and its crew have been clocking up the hours, too. |
It's that Lynx effect again!
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Great team effort going on down there, well done all involved
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/u...philippines--4 |
Thanks BB. I'd have missed that one otherwise. As you say, a great team effort by ALCON.
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HMS Illustrious hard at it now as well.
HMS Illustrious packed to the rafters for Philippines relief mission | Royal Navy
HMS Illustrious packed to the rafters for Philippines relief mission | Royal Navy 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/7d...0d4d-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/e0...2402-576x0.jpg |
But surely the main point is having a large flight deck and multiple helicopters?
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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 |
Originally Posted by glojo
(Post 8168715)
Three cheers for all our personnel involved in helping out with this disaster |
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/...g_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/...n_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. |
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.
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Agree.
Yes agree there Glojo I actually felt pride looking at those photos.
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Originally Posted by glojo
(Post 8170077)
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 |
Lusty has arrived in the Philippines; video features her helos.Justine Greening, Secretary of State for International Development, was briefed on board HMS Daring at sea on 23 Nov.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/1...22e9b240_n.jpg The operation is called PATWIN: |
Does DFID need some Recognition lessons?
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 class carrier and a Steregushchy class corvette:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/1...457754b5_n.jpg |
They could have used better graphics for the C-17 as well.
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Embarrassing
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.....?
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Another C17 load
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One up to the RAF
Here we go and hopefully I have removed all surnames
Originally Posted by gov.uk
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-offic...455_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. |
Best use of sunglasses in low ambient light since the 'target-rich environment'. In fact, the resemblance to Val Kilmer is uncanny...
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Go Army
It is so nice to be able to give praise to all three services and now we have the Army joining in
Originally Posted by gov.uk
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-offic...A130302077.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-offic...A130302090.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. 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.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. |
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 |
Wow, feeling the love Union Jack, feeling the love:rolleyes:
Well done and God speed (whatever service) to all involved. |
CEBU Pacific
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.
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C130 Det EndEX
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/r...ilippines-role |
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 |
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