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Posted on 08/16/2026 3:38:45 PM PDT by SmokingJoe
This video by historian Dr. Mark Felton provides a critical examination of the current state of the Royal Navy, specifically focusing on what he describes as the "white elephant" aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Key takeaways from the video include:
Operation Firecrest (0:15 - 1:18): The video analyzes a 2026 deployment of HMS Prince of Wales to the Arctic, arguing that it was an ineffective "saber-rattling" exercise that exposed the UK's naval limitations.
Lack of Escorts (1:23 - 3:00): Due to a severely depleted fleet of destroyers and frigates, the carrier could only be provided with two British escorts, forcing the task group to rely on foreign navies for support.
Shortage of Aircraft (3:03 - 4:51): The HMS Prince of Wales sailed with only eight F-35B jets, despite being designed to accommodate up to 36, due to the UK's limited fleet and the need to share aircraft with the Royal Air Force.
Historical Context and Procurement (5:08 - 8:50): The video traces the origins of these carriers back to the Tony Blair administration, criticizing the decision-making process, the shift from "catapult and arrestor" designs to "STOVL" (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) configurations, and the rising costs that reached £7.6 billion.
Conclusion (9:58 - 12:38): The author argues that the current naval strategy is unsustainable, leaving the UK with enormous vessels it cannot adequately crew, defend, or equip, which he characterizes as a national disgrace
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
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I watched that earlier today......man...that’s a brutal evaluation of the RN. Mark best be at a safe house somewhere.
Glass houses
Why should the UK worry about it when the US and the US taxpayer is paying for carrier deployment?
How sad.
The Royal Navy that ruled the oceans for 200 years is no more. It is no more by political choice and not ability. Least the UK change directions soon it will be as it’s once great Navy, just a force with no force nor direction nor basic sense of what is good.
The Royal Navy that ruled the oceans for 200 years is no more.
But they still have Rum, Sodomy and The Lash.
An aircraft carrier with no airplanes is just a boat.
Journalist Peter Hitchens has consistently called out the weakness of the Royal Navy.
His father served in the RN before it suffered cutbacks following the Suez Crisis of 1956.
Those cutbacks the beginning of a steady decline in the RN.
You would be more comfortable back on Democratic Underground. Hit the back button and you’ll find you’re still logged in there.
They gave up rum on July 31, 1970.
The Royal Navy has a 500 year of history of being effective overall.
The Royal Navy is particularly noteworthy for its track record of using duplicity in general and sneak attacks in particular. With substantial success.
By now, there are enough France-related invaders in England for the UK to master the art of surrender.
They would have screwed up a couple of squadrons of frigates too.
Not so! Those can host the World Champion Shuffleboard Championships.
They needed that money for refugees
An unescorted carrier is a target. Force projection requires a carrier battle group, and we can't forget the one nobody sees - you might even call him the "silent" one. The RN now has precisely one of those in active service.
I wonder what’s holding Argentina back from regaining the Malvinas. We know it’s certainly not the Royal Navy.
And migrant hoards and radical feminists. Dont forget those. :)
That all is good thing.
When the Muzzies take over total control they won’t have a workable navy.
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