NationStates Jolt Archive

Northford Herald

GASN Escort Force?

In an unprecedented move today, the Prime Minister of Northford, PM Brookes, read out the following statement on national news, a move, which has caused both shock and awe amongst the population.

Reading aloud in his characteristic calm voice, the PM had this to say today. We offer the speech in full here, free from editions or adulterations

“People of Northford, friends of our nation, and allies in the GASN. I read this out today, in an effort to secure our world, and ensure that lasting peace ensures across our countries.

Many threats and concerns plague the world of today, threatening our trade, security, ability to live in comfort, or to enjoy our culture. Of all these, the Government of Northford feels that the threat to our security and trade is of the utmost importance.

In today’s world, these threats come from many areas… most of which are out of our control, and it would be unwise of me to mention them in a release such as this…

One issue, however, the one that I want to address is that of naval shipping.

As an island nation, the ability of our people’s to trade along the sea is, and always will be, of vital importance. While we may have been isolated before in relation to our foreign policy, we have always taken a relaxed view with trade, and therefore hold the right of a nation to move freight across open water dearly.

To that end, I have decided that the Commonwealth needs to take active steps to ensure the freedom of the ocean.

Reviewing this demand, there were many solutions presented to us. Of all of those that reached the vote, the Commonwealth has decided to instigate the formation the GASN escort (Gassin ‘scort force). Consisting of over 150 ships, this force will be used to patrol the waterways between Northford and other GASN members, ensuring freedom of the sea, freedom from piracy, commerce raiders, and those who wish to enforce their laws and regulations upon our free shipping.

In the early stages of this mission, the ships will only patrol along trade routes directly Northford and another country, assuming permission to berth is given my our allies. However, recognising that pirates and raiders do not appreciate nation or regional boundaries, I also extend the offer to patrol the rest of our allies. Where, in the beginning, we may only patrol between, say LNI and Cravan, we hope in time, as our escort force expands, we will also be able to patrol the route between LNI and Cravan.

As I close this message, I wish to end with a message to the rest of the world, both to our leaders, and to our friends. To our allies, I leave a message asking for support and understanding in our venture. While we will undertake this regardless, I hope that with support from yourselves (i.e nautical maps, permissions to use your ports, etc, etc,) we will excel with our new task, and make the oceans and seas a better place.

To our enemies, I have this to say: The world for you has just become a more dangerous place. No longer will the sea’s that surround the GASN be your playground. No longer will our shipping, both private and public in origin, be your candy. Leave us alone, and we will leave you alone.

Rattle us, disturb us from our slumber, and you will face the dragon.”

Leaders from GASN nations are yet to respond.


[OOC: Ok people, I've been toying with the idea of this for a while now... the idea is that I'm building up my navy, and need to make sure it's gotten plenty of practical experiance. Also, the GASN is currently being threated by a new counter alliance, and I, personally, feel that by doing this, we may present a somewhat harder target, seeing as in time, each of our shipping convoys will be guarded by a number of destroyers and [later] frigates. The final couple of reasons why I wrote this, is that a) I had strang creative burst a few hours ago, and b) I'm hopefully going to be doing an RP with Azazia soon, and I hope announcment will form the bulk of the background/prologe behind the RP]

The Democratic Empire welcomes this measure with open arms, and will provide any and all help needed. Permission is granted to use our ports, and we will disclose nautical maps and other such essential resources.

We will also offer to donate some of our frigates and destroyers to assist in this effort, and will assemble a force if you desire.

This is a good idea. I fully condone and encourage you to actively pursue it. I will help however I can.

The Democratic Empire welcomes this measure with open arms, and will provide any and all help needed. Permission is granted to use our ports, and we will disclose nautical maps and other such essential resources.

We will also offer to donate some of our frigates and destroyers to assist in this effort, and will assemble a force if you desire.

OOC: When I created this, I did so with the stark realisation that because of my small (relative) size nation, I was never going to be able to field grand fleets of superdreadnoughts, and do so without seriously detroying my nation's economy.

Despite this, I still wanted to have a naval presence, and ensure that my navy had an *effect* on the world, in the grand scheme of things.

Ensuring that my navy was crucial to the shpping ruotes of myself and my allies was one way of me doing this. You're more than welcome to help, but I wanted to set it up as a *Northfordian* enterprise.

IC:

The Commonwealth of Northford welcomes your input, and kindly accepts your permission to use your docking facilities. Since you have had ships from Cravan stationed on our shores before, I'm sure our navy will be more than happy. According to crews, visiting the Democratic Empire has been something many of them have wanted to do.

We also graciously accept the nautical data. These will help our taskforces greatly, and will increase in efficency at which we can perform our patrols.

As for the offer of ships, the Commonwealth is currently considering the idea, and will return after recieving advice from our Head of Navies, James Tricker

This is a good idea. I fully condone and encourage you to actively pursue it. I will help however I can.

Thank you for your support. We are presently seeking nautical data of your shores, so we can better perform our patrols.

OOC: I meant give you the ships so you could use them to increase the patrols. I make 'em, you crew 'em and use 'em. The only thing it costs is you use them specifically for these patrols.

OOC: In that case Crav, send em over.

Bumpos for comments

Official Press Release of the Rosdivan Navy


Following the announcement of the creation of the GASN Escort Force by the Charisan Commonwealth of Northford, the Navy is announcing that it will contribute four seaplane divisions, each composed of three small seaplane carriers, to provide inexpensive anti-surface and anti-submarine air cover for merchant ships. With eight P8D Minitross patrol planes per carrier, it will require a distinct effort by enemy forces to disrupt GASN trade.

OOC: Thats a great idea, if there is any way i can give my support please let me know. I have many naval vessels that are un-commited at this present time and would gladly take part in this escort service, it will give them somthing to do besides float around and practice drills.

Attn: Defence Minister, Commonwealth of Northford

Although the United Kingdom remains solidly outside of the affairs of the GASN, His Majesty’s Government would be willing to lend the Northford government the services of the Royal Navy for a limited period of time until such an escort force is established. While the details would of course need to be worked out much more meticulously, I do believe that the Royal Navy could spare a cruiser or two as well as the ships’ associated escorts. Perhaps in time, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Northford may work together to protect the sea lanes of trade and communication as both parties recognise the sovereign right of nations to unmolested trade on the high seas.

Sean O’Donnell
Secretary of State for Defence
United Kingdom of Oceania

OOC: People, it'ss 11PM over here for me. I'll type replies for everyone by lunchtime tomorrow. Oh, and Azazia, I'm glad you saw this ;).

[OOC: Nice article once more, Northford. Oh, and you have a TG to respond to.]

Northford.

After a long evening, PM Brookes decided to retire. He had spent it with the press of Northford, answering question after question concerning the GASN. Regardless of his passion for the idea, it was unmistakeably true that all the hard work was taking it's toll on him.

He sat down inside his study, and opened up a locked draw, removing a small flask of liquid.

"Ah, my love", he wispered sweetly to the bottle, savouring the odour that perfumed the air, "How are we today?" he asked while removing a glass from the very same draw.

Slowly, he poured a small measure into his glass, and pressed it to it's lips.

"To the Commonwealth" he muttered, staring into a portrait and taking a sip, "what a very fine Commonwealth she is"

Slowly the glass was drained, as the now tipsy PM slowly slid into a stupor...

----

"Wake up"

"Uhhhh"

"Wake up Alan"

"Whaaat"

"Alan, it's me, Fenlon. You fell asleep in your chair again, you ass. Here's your post."

"Thanks", replied Brookes, while taking a handful of mail from his Chancellor.

"Anyway Sir, I'm out of here.... there's a cabnet meeting in a few hours, and I just wanted to see how you were holding up with all the pressure. Try to have a shave before the meeting, Sir".

"Eh? Will do."

----

As Brookes slowly woke up, and came to his senses, he decided to read the letters that were delivered to him.

"Junk," he said, throwing the first one aside.

"Spam," he muttered, shredding the second.

"This is interesting", he said, pausing befor reading the third one:


Official Press Release of the Rosdivan Navy


Following the announcement of the creation of the GASN Escort Force by the Charisan Commonwealth of Northford, the Navy is announcing that it will contribute four seaplane divisions, each composed of three small seaplane carriers, to provide inexpensive anti-surface and anti-submarine air cover for merchant ships. With eight P8D Minitross patrol planes per carrier, it will require a distinct effort by enemy forces to disrupt GASN trade.



"Light Carriers, it seems," he said to himself. He never expected much from the release he made, other than perhaps exchanges of Nautical data, and the odd offer for radar data, but the response recieved was shockly welcome. He gave it another read over, before putting it in the "reply" tray on his desk.

"Could be useful I guess.... we havn't invested much in air cover yet, guess I'll mention at the cabnet meeting" he spoke, as he continued to the forth letter.



Attn: Defence Minister, Commonwealth of Northford

Although the United Kingdom remains solidly outside of the affairs of the GASN, His Majesty’s Government would be willing to lend the Northford government the services of the Royal Navy for a limited period of time until such an escort force is established. While the details would of course need to be worked out much more meticulously, I do believe that the Royal Navy could spare a cruiser or two as well as the ships’ associated escorts. Perhaps in time, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Northford may work together to protect the sea lanes of trade and communication as both parties recognise the sovereign right of nations to unmolested trade on the high seas.

Sean O’Donnell
Secretary of State for Defence
United Kingdom of Oceania



After reading it, he realised it wasn't addressed to himself, dammed Fenlon, he thought almost aloud, before placing it in the "reply" tray, and photocopying it for Tricker, Head of Navies, and Warren, head of the Air Force.

=======================================

OOC: Ok people; soon I'm going to a "defence conferenace" with Azazia, which is going to involve me buying a **crap** load of his merchant ships. I intend for the purchases (Northford will foot the bill) to be used along with this escort force if/when the inevitable war with the Griffincrest comes. My thoughts are, that few people RP logistics well, so I guess I could RP as the*backbone* of the GASN.

This RP will have lot's of random blurb relating to this escort force, mainly as the background. That will not change, although I'm opening it up to Crave, Rosdivan and Reallydrunk to send a couple of guy's along.

It won't be a conferance thread, per sa, i.e it will have a lot of RP-ing, not just one line returns, but you are more than welcome to RP, perhaps as a guest speaker, discussing the merits of this escort force, and it's relative strenght's/weaknesses.

Are you interested?

It's cool if you're not, and I'll just reply to you, and carry on with Azazia as we origionally planned, but I thought you'd appreciate the gesture.

Oh, and SE A, I've replied.

OOC: I dunno if I can participate. When will this be happening? Because I'm gone tomorrow to Thursday with limited internet access.

Not too sure. As far as I know, Azazia and myself as not under any time constraints, although I basically had the idea that people from this thread take "guest-roles" in it, both adding depth to the read, and making sure that at least something (the development of this Escort force) constructive comes out of it.

OOC: Im in...

We'll send a couple of guys along, perhaps a few pilots from the current punitive campaign against Griffincrest who can give their advice depending on how long that takes (shouldn't be too long, unless Blackhelm does something to inspire more than one or two days worth of raiding his commerce).

OOC:
I know this is a little late, but what the hell.

IC:
*OFFICIAL PROCLIMATION FROM THE DARK EMPIRE*

We fully support this and will support this. We will distribute 80 Billion USD to any nation within the Global Alliance of Sovergn Nations that joins this task group. We ourselves cannot do it though as we have broken down our conventional "Naval Fleet" and opted for a more sophisticated Non-Intergalactic Space Navy to move our troops. We do trade, though, using standard sea-based shipping lanes with multi-level hulled ships.

Offical statement of the President of Mossada


I will contribute maps and air recon. Our nation is young and hasn't built up its small navy as of yet. I will also contribute one billion USD for further operations.

Ros and really drunk, I'll do the first post in the new RP tomorrow.


*OFFICIAL PROCLIMATION FROM THE DARK EMPIRE*

We fully support this and will support this. We will distribute 80 Billion USD to any nation within the Global Alliance of Sovergn Nations that joins this task group. We ourselves cannot do it though as we have broken down our conventional "Naval Fleet" and opted for a more sophisticated Non-Intergalactic Space Navy to move our troops. We do trade, though, using standard sea-based shipping lanes with multi-level hulled ships.

Official Government reply:

The Commonwealth welcomes your support on this issue. As a nation, we accept the 80 Billion, when you deem it suitable to send it to us. We will most likely use the funds to aquire frigates from the IPS.

In return, the Commonwealth assures you that your ships traveling to and from Northford will be protected from Pirates, Commerce raiders, and other threats, whereever possible.

Offical statement of the President of Mossada


I will contribute maps and air recon. Our nation is young and hasn't built up its small navy as of yet. I will also contribute one billion USD for further operations.

Official Government response:

The Commonwealth of Northford welcomes your support. We accept smaller nations are not able to commit as much as larger ones, and therefore offer to send you 1 Billion USD,to aid the development of your fleet. We accept the Natical data, and will patrol your trade routes where possible.

The Aequatian Republic would be more than willing to provide its resources to this multinational force for increased security. We shall provide capital ships such as carriers and battleships along with escort forces such as destroyers, frigates and submarines from the various fleets of the Aequatian Republic Navy (ARN).

Doctor Kurt Moltke
President of the Aequatian Republic.

As part of the Aequatian Republic's contribution to the GASN Escort Force, the Aequatian Republic Navy will be donating the following vessels to the nation of Northford.

Newbiggin Class Guided-Missile Destroyers
(DDG-311) RNS Ex-Toyley
(DDG-312) RNS Ex-Dennis
(DDG-313) RNS Ex-Pearson
(DDG-314) RNS Ex-Arlington
(DDG-315) RNS Ex-Mathews
(DDG-316) RNS Ex-Black
(DDG-317) RNS Ex-Roby
(DDG-318) RNS Ex-Russel

Wolfe Class General Purpose Destroyers
(DDG-286) RNS Ex-Hays
(DDG-287) RNS Ex-Jackson
(DDG-288) RNS Ex-Dennis
(DDG-289) RNS Ex-Pearson
(DDG-290) RNS Ex-Arlington
(DDG-291) RNS Ex-Mathews
(DDG-292) RNS Ex-Black
(DDG-293) RNS Ex-Roby
(DDG-294) RNS Ex-Weinstein
(DDG-295) RNS Ex-Strickland
(DDG-296) RNS Ex-Knisely
(DDG-297) RNS Ex-Adams
(DDG-298) RNS Ex-Hall
(DDG-299) RNS Ex-Ruhl
(DDG-300) RNS Ex-Dickinson
(DDG-301) RNS Ex-Schofield
(DDG-302) RNS Ex-Batten
(DDG-303) RNS Ex-Barnaby
(DDG-304) RNS Ex-Russel
(DDG-305) RNS Ex-Scott

Ros and really drunk, I'll do the first post in the new RP tomorrow.



Official Government reply:

The Commonwealth welcomes your support on this issue. As a nation, we accept the 80 Billion, when you deem it suitable to send it to us. We will most likely use the funds to aquire frigates from the IPS.

In return, the Commonwealth assures you that your ships traveling to and from Northford will be protected from Pirates, Commerce raiders, and other threats, whereever possible.



Official Government response:

The Commonwealth of Northford welcomes your support. We accept smaller nations are not able to commit as much as larger ones, and therefore offer to send you 1 Billion USD,to aid the development of your fleet. We accept the Natical data, and will patrol your trade routes where possible.

Response from the Mossadian Presidential Office:

We accept the one billion USD and will use it to further our navel research. As soon as we have enough forces, we will deploy them for the joint effort.

The Aequatian Republic would be more than willing to provide its resources to this multinational force for increased security. We shall provide capital ships such as carriers and battleships along with escort forces such as destroyers, frigates and submarines from the various fleets of the Aequatian Republic Navy (ARN).

Doctor Kurt Moltke
President of the Aequatian Republic.

Doctor Moltke,
President of the Aequatian Republic:

The Commonwealth of Northford welcomes your offer of ships, and gratefully accepts their contribution to the GASN escort force. While we are ever increasing in number, our Naval Captains have heard many great things about your ships, your personell, and their abilities.

So many positive things we have heard, we invite you to the upcoming Defence summit being held in Northford. While the final details are still being finalised, from what I have heard, the presence of Aequatians would be a welcome one.

If you are interested, please message our secretary of Defence.

Regards,

Alan Brookes, PM, Northford.

(OOC: I only did the first part of the introductory post tonight, as I said I would have it done by tuesday evening, and by my time, the day is almost over.

I'm going to write a lot more padding before the thing get's underway, so there are no time constraits on your part.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=492490

If you want in, just post on this thread, and I'll make sure I write you an invite, when I get round to doing it properly tomorrow evening.)