Posted on 07/30/2016 9:11:42 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
"UNPRECEDENTED": HMS Duncan is one of the six powerful warships currently docked at Portsmouth
Six £1billion Type 45 Destroyers - described as the backbone of Britain's marine defences - are not on operations, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
One senior Navy insider told how out was "almost unprecedented" that all the vessels should be docked.
And the fact all six were in port at once could suggest "a gross lack of planning" or indicate "something more serious", the source warned Sky News.
An insider revealed the ships had "just got back from operations, are about to go on operations or are having planned maintenance done".
The Destroyers are also currently at ease to give crew members precious time with their families over the summer, the MoD said.
Tom Sharpe, from the Directorate of Defence Communications, insisted the scenario was "unusual but not unprecedented".
He revealed how the ships could be docked for "anything from a few weeks to a month".
New engines are due to be installed in the entire fleet after some broke down in the Persian Gulf because they could not cope with the warm seas - leaving Navy chiefs red-faced.
And taxpayers are set to foot the bill for the multi-million pound refit.
The work is set to begin in 2019 - but Mr Sharpe insisted this will not affect operational capabilities.
Mr Sharpe added: "It happens most Christmases. To have them docked for a sustained period over the summer is unusual but not unprecedented.
"They (the crew) have got to take leave and we've got manpower issues which are much publicised. It's got to be planned in advance.
"They spend so much time away and it's about harmony time - getting the work life balance right.
"You could argue if you are trying to rebalance harmony time, it does not look good but in reality it combines everyone getting away at the right time of year.
"It's just a coincidence, nothing to do with the engines."
The US stepped in to provide cover for the British warships in the Gulf.
But it comes as pictures emerged how nuclear-powered sub HMS Ambush suffered significant damage smashed into a merchant vessel off the coast of Gibraltar.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "This week the Royal Navy had over 8,500 personnel deployed on operations around the world and 34 ships at sea.
"All Type 45 destroyers are currently in port as they have either just returned from operations, or are about to be deployed, are conducting training or carrying out maintenance or are home for crew to take summer leave."
The first of six, HMS Daring, was commissioned in July 2009 and was followed by sister ships Dauntless, Diamond, Dragon, Defender and finally Duncan in 2013.
Somehow they’ll blame Brexit for this.
Just like the line-up on Battleship row at Pearl Harbor at the start of the Japanese invasion of United States.
All neatly lined up, like the Battle Ships at Pearl...
One stinking second.
Destroyers are the backbone of the UK navy?
Looks like used a Dalek for a mast.
What’s the problem? After all, it’s not like they’re at war...
Right?
Wonder what will escort the PoW?
When you have a giant Dalek behind the bridge, a destroyer can really punch above its weight.
Moribund Mariners.
This has puzzled me for quite some time now. Ship types (both US and UK) that once were classified as light or heavy cruisers are now classified as destroyers. Why?
They have 6 destroyers, 13 frigates, a helicopter carrier, and two landing ships. That and seven fleet subs IS the royal navy. There are 4 SSBNs but aside from nuclear war, they are out of the game.
Its an insult to shadows to call it a shadow of itself. The RN is nowhere close to the combat power of the Indian Navy, or the Japanese Maritime Self defense force. It’s time to see it as the extremely weak force it is.
You're looking at the glass as being half-empty, DR. Let's look on the bright side. The Royal Navy has 41 active-duty admirals.
So, if necessary, the RN could put an admiral on every ship, and still have admirals to spare! Pretty impressive, if you ask me.
I see at the daily star they think that the British Army operates
nuclear subs.
In May 1916 at Jutland the Royal Navy could deploy about 28 dreadnoughts and 6 battlecruisers. That does not include the
pre-dreadnoughts, armored cruisers and all the huge array of
other vessels they had. In 2016 they seem to have forgotten that
they are an island nation extremely dependent on imports.
I'll bite. This is just another sign that Little England isn't really viable on its own any more - economically or militarily. It's a bit odd that its residents don't quite understand that.
England wasn’t in great shape in 1938, neither, which also partially explains why Chamberlain had no choice but to appease Hitler.
But you know damn well when Chamberlain came back from Munich, he knew they’d better get their act together, and quickly.
Don’t underestimate the Brits when their back is against the wall.
Six £1billion Type 45 Destroyers - described as the backbone of Britain's marine defensesif six destroyers are the BACKBONE of their Navy, they've got bigger problems than them being in port...
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