Was that you away to Stoke the dragon Ken,ooh aah misses'😏

Might want to talk a Night Fury into being an aviation scout/moveable deck gun.

Hmmm!
What fuel do they run on Nerys?
You might end up with a different kind of pollution!Phew!😮🙊
😎

Not that sort of fire power, my idea is to build a steam boat with two dragons breathing fire to heat up the boiler thus providing steam for propulsion. I'm sure dragon's breath fire is less polluting than coal. The Chief Stoker would look after them of course. Perhaps a herd of dragons living in a field with them taking it in turns for sea duty. The idea needs working out, but 'Ifor the Engine' performed beautifully. His dragon was called Idris.

Nerys

" I'm thinking of harnessing some of the local tame dragons for fire power" 😮
Think of the CO2 footprint Cdr!! 😎
What range and rate of fire do the dragons have?
Multi-target acquisition, tracking and engaging?😉
Hope they don't add too much top weight!

MSM Ken is confirmed as CO of the Bristol Channel Patrol.
I expect that his commission warrant will be confirmed and signed by HM shortly.
FLEET// 😎

Hi Cash,

Yes, I can see the need for a second military craft in your organisation and perhaps the way forward would be a Christmas donation from the Commodore. In the Bristol Channel Patrol there is talk of a further craft to augment our activities. Midshipman Thompson has proved his ability during my current enforced absence and I think should retain his command. The Llynges Frenhinol Gymreig, the Welsh Navy, have offered to lend me one of their fast patrol boats, currently laid up, on my return to duty. I have not discussed this with the Fleet Admiral yet but I cannot see him objecting as there will be no cost to this organisation and we will be able to carry out patrols with greater coverage. Just keep your rabbits under control, I'm thinking of harnessing some of the local tame dragons for fire power

Lt.Cdr. Nerys

Rabbits have been inactive so far. However, I have come to the conclusion that, even as our new flagship is being built and fitted out, there might be a need for a second military craft, one Lt Errol can command. He’s a cat, cats are fast and maneuverable (usually). Might be a Deans Marine Pibber would be a good match. Although I run the checkbook, I’m thinking this would be on the order of a Christmas donation to the Western Fleet, so I will have to put a bug in Teresa’s...err, the Commodores ear.

Don't see that your wife can have any complaints especially if you keep producing food like you mentioned you were doing for Thanksgiving. Hope your shipbuilding and associated naval operations are going well. Any news of those pesky rabbits?

Cheers, Nerys

I really can’t complain. We share chores, I do most of the cooking, the cat boxes and cleaning the toilets, she does most of the laundry and the rest of the house, and some yard work as I absolutely abhor yard work. However, in reference to funds needed for naval operations.....I make sure bills are paid and I balance the checkbook....😁

Thanks Ken, but I don't think that would fit, my shaft is 4mm. I'll buy the full set, it wasn't expensive and it will always be a useful thing to have around.

Yes, I really enjoyed coming to the lake yesterday especially as the weather was quite benign, for once.

Cheers, Nerys

To- Midshipman Thompson.
Pleased that you have been able to have the engines attended to without too much inconvenience or expense. Useful having those trainee mechanics on board at the right time. Just as well to have the port engine given maintenance as well as the problems with the starboard.

In view of your good work whilst in temporary charge of the patrol, I'm sure Fleet would approve if I suggest that you take permanent charge. On my return to duty I am sure that my friends in the LFG, especially as I have an honorary commission in that service, will be pleased to lend us one of the fast patrol boats they have in reserve. Please let me have your thoughts on this.

Lt.Cdr. Nerys.

Hi Cash - I totally agree with Martin - as the saying goes - "you are definitely playing with your sick leave "- if you want to give wife orders - they have so many ways of getting even.............Its almost evil.........

Hi Cash,
That will be interesting and dangers, you giving orders to the wife.!!

Martin555.

"Very pleased to see that you have resumed control of all fleet administration."
Thank you Cdr. Nerys.
Needs must when the devil drives!
Nevertheless I was disappointed that none of my senior staff jumped into the breech🤔
Sorry to hear of your troubles, confirmed by a note from the Fleet Surgeon Commander, without contravening his patient confidentiality restraints of course.
(I have also been advised of two potentially long term health issues!🤔)
Get well soonest🤞 The force badly needs experienced officers such as yourself.
My very best wishes to you and highest regards to Controller of Construction / Number 1 Medic Alice.
Please post some pics/vids of 'Nellie' 👍
Take care, Cheers, FLEET 😎

FLEET TO MIDSHIPMAN THOMSON
Supplement to previous signal:
Ref: Starboard engine overhaul:
Refer matter to Rear Admiral Martin555's office (Maintenance Directorate) for docking scheduling.
Strongly recommend also strip down and inspection of port engine during dock time.
We don't want to lose more operational availability later due to similar problems with the port engine requiring additional dock time!
FLEET// 😎

FLEET TO MIDSHIPMAN THOMSON
Thank you for your report.
Regrettably Intelligence Dept. 🙄 had neglected to timely inform us of your undercover activities. All very Hush Hush! 😮😐
Normally deployment of assets under my command should be approved by this office or my General Staff.
However, in this case I understand from INTEL 🙄 Dpt. that there were extenuating circumstances requiring an immediate response.
I also understand that you and your crew rose to the occasion. 👍
As your Co, Lt. Cdr. Nerys, has already said 'Well done'.
Carry on as you are Middy 👍
FLEET// 😎

Well done Midshipman Thompson, I'm pleased to hear that your surreptitious patrolling of that part of the coast paid off, your local knowledge of Llantwit Major beach is of course far superior to mine, which consists principally of buying ice cream there. Please carry on patrolling for time being and I wish you every success. I expect the CPO Stoker has told you the starboard engine is due for a major overhaul shortly.

Lt.Cdr. Nerys

"does that mean my wife (the Commodore) has to take orders from me?🤣"
Yes Warrant, most definitely!
Your Kevlar vest and underpants 😮 together with padded survival suit and bullet proof helmet have been indented for and are on their way to you by express courier.
Remind the 'Commodore' (Preferably by text message from the next state!😉) that she is only an Acting Commodore!!
Which is an honorary rank which can be withdrawn at the discretion of the Fleet Admiral, ... safe on the other side of the Pond 😁

We trust that Hon Lt jg Ferrol 🐱 will stand by you in your hour of need 👍🤞
Good luck Warrant, Who Dares - Wins 🤞
FLEET//😎

So, since I’m in command of North American operations, does that mean my wife (the Commodore) has to take orders from me?🤣

Hi Nerys,
I am sorry to hear about all of you'r Hospital visits.
Hopefully they will be over soon and you can get back to to continuing you'r duties.
Please thank Alice for looking after you for us she is also doing a fantastic job.

Martin555.

To- Fleet Admiral RNHQ Munchen.
Very pleased to see that you have resumed control of all fleet administration.
I am afraid I will be out of action for about another week. I had hoped to be able to carry out some shore based training but I am afraid the hospital required my presence every week day for the last three weeks including two small operations. Where treatment at home can be carried out at times to suit one's preferred actions, in hospital it becomes a full days work. However, Nurse/electrician/shed builder and purveyor of all that is good in my life, Alice is being trained in the new, required procedures and we anticipate I will be able to return to full sea duty in a week or so. However, I did manage to put to sea today in my favourite cargo carrying vessel 'Nellie' for a short trip. And very nice it was too.

Looking forward to my return to duty A.S.A.P.

Lt.Cdr. Nerys

R.ADM MARTIN555 TO FLEET.
Thank you Fleet.
I will do my best under the difficult circumstances that i find my self in.

Martin555.

FLEET TO R. ADM MARTIN
REQUEST APPROVED
Your 'Sick Note' has finally sickered through channels. 🙄
Records appropriately amended, Light Duties ashore approved.
In particular Maintenance Command and special development of stealth and disguise / camouflage techniques, for which you have shown a natural inventive talent👍
However, you are requested to be prepared to cover for other senior command officers, with regard to Mission Planning, issuance of Unit Orders and Instructions and evaluation of unit reports, as may be required due to staff non-availability.
Carry on Admiral.
FLEET// EOM 1515 CET 😎

FLEET TO CO R&D ANTIPODEAN FLEET
Ref: SMOKESCREEN
PRIORITY: FLASH 💥 (what else 😁)
GO FOR IT CAPTAIN👍
Funding approved. Source: Your back pocket 😁

FLEET is looking forward to fitting one to his H class destroyer HOTSPUR
(of Narvic and evacuation of Greece fame). Now in service as the Admiral's Runabout!! Maybe also PT109? HMS Belfast?
Suggest try Blackberry flavour vape oil as basis - maybe that'll come out as black smoke 😉
Good luck Cap'n🤞
😎

Did someone mention smoke screen - stern of destroyer - PT boat? I'll get the R&D boys onto it immediately sir!
Capt JB CO R&D - Smoke Div

TO FLEET ADMIRAL HQ MUNICH.

In my defence i have been acting on orders from the senior medical officer, a report has been forwarded to HQ.
As i am unable to take the fleet to sea i have been visiting our land based establishments and have been constantly communicating with senior officers and ratings.
I therefore respectfully request that the note regarding (Regulation and Definition of Duties of General Staff Officers, Navy) be removed from my file and that i continue with land based duties and communications.

Yours respectfully.
Martin555. (Rear Admiral)

FLEET TO LT. CDR. NERYS.
CC:
CO NW Squadron. CO Western Squadron Texas Navy Red River Patrol,
Rear Admirals Ed and Martin, Lt. Rooky, Lt. CDR Marky.
REF: "Even the Fleet Admiral seems to have deserted us."
Even Fleet Admirals are only human and can be incapacitated!🤔
That's why one has a General Staff! (have often wondered why not an Admiral Staff for the navy!!)
Have been disappointed to note that none of 'my Staff' have jumped in to fill the gap😐
In particular that Midshipman Ken failed to fulfil his promise to deputise for you on the BC Patrol during your unfortunate enforced shore duty.
I trust that the latter has been successful and look forward to welcoming you back to full sea duty in due course Commander👍
Rear Admirals Ed and Martin will have a note added to their service records to the effect that, pursuant to MBWS RDDGSO/N November 2019 (Regulation and Definition of Duties of General Staff Officers, Navy) §217-13a/II for dereliction of duty they have been relieved of all executive command and sea duties and relegated to administrative shore duty in Logistics and Maintenance Commands respectively.
Consequently:-
Rear Admiral Ed is herewith relieved of all executive and operational command duties of our CONUS and Canadian units.
Which command now passes to WO Cash AKA Hargett, in additional to his current duty as Controller of Naval Construction West, and Sub Lt. RHBaker in advisory capacity. No doubt with the able assistance of Lt. jg Ferrol!🐱
In addition:-
Lt. Rooky is herewith relieved of command of the NW Squadron, which command now passes to Lt. Cdr Marky.
Midshipman Ken's service record will include a note to the effect that he has thus far failed to fulfil the promise he had shown prior to being raised from the ranks.
Command of our antipodean units, including CO Research & Development Dept., remains in the capable hands of Capt. JB, if he hasn't disappeared into his own smokescreen!? 😉
FLEET// EOM 0352 CET. 😎

To W.O. Cashrc. Pleased to hear that your new patrol boat is coming along well. At the moment our building programme is based on a sail powered vessel for commercial carrying which of course is greener than the continued use of diesel. However, purchasing a naval vessel from a neighbouring fleet is on the cards. Your Thanksgiving preparations sound great, I had such experience whilst working at US airbases in the UK some years ago.

Lt.Cdr Nerys

Thank you Commander. Our newest acquisition is taking shape, hopefully she’ll see her maiden by the middle of December. However, the holiday of Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and as my land based duties include doing most of the cooking, I’ll be tied up most of that week. Cadet Grace is already clamoring for turkey, pumpkin pie and either a chess or brown sugar pie. However, Lt JG Errol is stepping up his patrols, and I swear, if I didn’t know better, that he was looking at trying to scab mount a a 6 pounder to the deck of my Taucher tug.
Need to keep my tools away from that cat....😉
W.O Hargett

Pleased to hear that the Western Fleet is still operational. Nobody in UK seems to be interested in carrying on our patrols at the moment with me spending more time in hospitals than anything else. Even the Fleet Admiral seems to have deserted us. World Cruise or something?
Keep up the good work Cash.

Lt.Cdr. Nerys

From W.O Cash Hargett-Western Fleet
All apologies to Lt.Cdr Nerys and Fleet. I have been attached to the Inland Shipyard to oversee and help with the construction and outfitting of our newest boat, and have been burning the candle at both ends. Luckily, since the ambush and sinking of the San Jacinto, it seems the Oklahoma Rabbit Reserve has gone on vacation. Very little has been reported to me by my contacts up the Red River, and it’s been quiet onshore. However, last Sunday an unfamiliar craft was spotted at Towne Lake. It kept its distance, but we were able to get a pic or two. Fleet, can you pull some strings at Intel and see if they can get some info on the pilot in the pic? Looks familiar, can’t quite make his/her features out. If it’s who I think it is, then the blasted rabbits have made some unholy alliance, and we’ll have to get 3 shifts going at the Inland Shipyard.
See attached:
W.O Hargett signing off.

To- Fleet Commander, RNHQ Munchen

I am surprised at the lack of activity from both the North West and Bristol Channel patrols this week

Remember the old adage, ' Harbours rot good ships and better men'.

Lt.Cdr. Nerys

To; Fleet and W.O.Thompson.
An excellent idea as I will be unable to carry out full time, sea going out duties with the BC Squadron for the next few weeks and agree that W.O. Thompson is ideal to take over.
I will bring the squadron back from West Wales today and formally hand over on our return.
As regards our activities, I am happy that people escaping from current political stupidity is a minor problem as far as we are concerned unless they have problems at sea and need assistance, The main unauthorised activity in the channel as I know it is the smuggling of scrumpy from Devon and Somerset into South Wales in order to avoid UK duty. W.O.Thompson may find this something worth following up or maybe he will come across some other activity. I am happy to advise, should it be needed.

I am happy to carry on with the shore training programme, as this only needs a part time commitment.
I anticipate being able to return to full duty in a few weeks time.

Lt.Cdr Nerys.

Alice used OSB on the outside of the shed as well, covered it with a damp proof membrane before applying wooden cladding in the traditional clinker fashion. She is installing 50mm insulation from the inside and will then cover it with a thin OSB board. She is contemplating using plaster board instead of the OSB on the inside in order to reduce fire risk, but is yet to decide.

Nerys

Hi Nerys,
I totally mist your promotion sorry.
Congratulations you will be Admiral in no time.
Keep up all the good work.

Martin555.

FLEET TO SO & CO SW SQUADRON
CC WO KEN THOMPSON
In view of your impending shore excursions Lt Cdr Nerys
delegate temporary operational command of the SW and BC Squadron to Warrant Office Thompson.
Retain supervisory command role (authorisation of interdiction/boarding operations/live firing) from your mobile command centre.
I expect that Chief Engineer Alice has beefed up the vehicle electrics to support the operation of long range COMMS?
God Speed Commander.
FLEET OUT // 😎

Understood Cdr.
🤞 for your hospital visits (I hate 'em too!)
Good luck (and some fun👍) with your 'argy-bargying' and rigging.
Don't get your futtock shrouds in a twist!! 😮
(Oooh Naaasty!)
😎
PS Even a few text entries in a Blog about what you are building would be nice.
If your phone can take any kind of pics it would be nice.
For Alice's reference; the camera I use for the pics I post here is the Sony Cyber Shot, DSC-H300 system camera. Has Optical Steady Shot and 35 x optical zoom, 20.1 Mega Pixels, although frankly anything 10 MP and above is more than adequate for HD quality.
Not too expensive or the latest so should be some cheap ones around now 😉
Previous camera was a Pentax K-r SLR, til I dropped it and cracked the mirror 😭😭😭 An I'd just bought a 50-200 telefoto for it, cost more than the camera 😭

I'm not very good at doing photos and things during a build which is why I don't do blogs. Part of the problem is that Alice's camera packed up a while ago and we have never got round to replacing it, Alice wants to research it properly before spending out and our phone is not of the modern sort that takes wonderful pictures. We are both rather old fashioned about such things. I only like putting up the finished article when it is sailing nicely on the lake. My current barge is progressing nicely. I'm collecting a lot of 'bargy fittings' at Warwick and I'm on the verge of doing the rigging etc. So, I suppose three months or so and she'll be ready. Though, the amount of time I'll have to spend at the hospital for the next few months won't help the building programme, so annoying!

Cheers, Nerys

Steady as you go Nerys and you'll get there 👍
Blogs of the 'builds' you keep mentioning would help!
😎

Thank you Peter for the congratulations, be a long time before I can achieve Flag Rank, but I would like to get to Captain as that was what I achieved in real life a long time ago.

Cheers, Nerys

Congratulations Lt Comm Nerys, that certainly didn't take long, you'll be up to Admiral before long!😐

Cheers, Peter

"all i can think of for the scallops is searing them and served with a sweet chilli sauce. "
Surf n Turf Cdr Marky!!! 😋 Or have you run out of Angus beef? ☹️
Guten Appetit!
FLEET// 😎

"Funny how we keep talking about food and drink on this thread!"
A Fleet cannot live on bread alone Cdr Nerys 😉
BTW: Can't remember when I last had Shepherd's Pie 🤔
When requisitioning the Cool truck for the scallops and sausage rolls please also include a large Shepherd's Pie 😋😋
Or at least PM me your recipe 😊 If it's not a Welsh state secret !!
FLEET// 😎

Thanks for the congratulations Mark, you see what I mean, always talking about food!

Nerys

congratulations on your promotion Nery's ,that slipped unseen on the blind side.
I'm a Celtic man myself so was pretty happy with the result ,couldn't say to much in a train full of hibees.all i can think of for the scallops is searing them and served with a sweet chilli sauce.

Funny how we keep talking about food and drink on this thread!

Nerys

Thank you for your congratulations Fleet. Mainbrace has been duly spliced with a nice home made Shepherds Pie.

Nearly missed your promotion Lieutenant Commander Nerys!😮
Hearty congratulations👍
More Mainbrace Splicing ?? 😉
FLEET 😎

Well Mark, if they will try playing football with Celtic, what else can they expect. They should be used to it. Hope they enjoyed their fish suppers though. Have you given any thought to the Scallop Dredger problem?

Cheers, Nerys

Lt.Cdr Marky ,currently heading east from rain sodden Glasgow keeping wary eye on group of dodgy looking disgruntled Hibs supporters consuming fish suppers (haddock) and quantities of Tennent's lager,no sign of any illegal scallops or langoustine.