THE NAVY ON EXERCISE IN NORWAY – 2/3/2010

A co-ordinated assault involving the Royal Navy,Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Royal Marines took place on a beach in northern Norway last week as Exercise Cold Response moved into its combat phase.

The multi-national NATO exercise led by the Norwegian Armed Forces offers challenging training in the middle of an Artic winter and is vital in ensuring that the Royal Navy maintains its traditional sea fighting capability whilst undertaking amphibious warfare in a cold weather environment.

Over 20,000 soldiers,sailors,marines and airman from 14 countries are involved in the exercise,with the British contribution coming from HMS Albion,HMS Ocean,Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Mounts Bay,and 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines,as well as Army formations from the Royal Engineers and Royal Artillery.

Last weeks demonstration of combat power was centred on a beach landing where men and equipment were ferried ashore by landing craft and helicopter.

Commodore Paul Bennett,Commander Amphibious Task Group,on board HMS Albion,said” The day is a great opportunity to show how the UK’s amphibious forces might be employed to deliver a range of capabilities in difficult terrain and sub-zero temperatures a long way from the UK home base.We are now ready to move onto the next phase of the exercise where we will endeavour to defeat a technologically-advanced enemy through a combination of stealth and our ability to deliver rapid effect through the use of specialist troops that we have in the shape of 45 Commando Royal Marines and supporting formations from 29 Commando Artillery and combat engineers from 24 Commando Royal Engineers(all part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines).”

Article www.mod.uk

*HOT NEWS* – FEMALE SUBMARINERS  9/3/2010

Women will be allowed to serve on UK submarines for the first time,it has been revealed.

The first 20 female submariners will sail on Vanguard-class subs carrying Trident nuclear missiles.

But allowing women on submarines could lead to sex scandals,it was claimed last night.Some Navy chiefs fear Wrens and male sailors living together in close quarters will break strict “no touching” rules.

Initially,five women officers will be deployed with each of the four Vanguard – class nuclear subs’ 135-strong crew.But a naval source said last night:”There is concern over what might happen.If there was a sex scandal it would be impossible for anyone to be taken off until the sub returned from its three-month patrol.The Navy will go to great lengths to make sure that the first women are officers with impeccable credentials.”

The Navy was hit by a string of scandals after Wrens were allowed to go to sea in 1990.The stories died away as the novelty wore off.

Until now female crew have been banned from subs due to fears that three months underwater could cause pregnant women to miscarry.But year-long tests have proved there is no risk.

Designers say Vanguard subs can be easily converted to give women their own area with showers and bunks.

The Royal Navy has suffered problems recruiting submariners.An MoD spokesman said: “The policy on women serving in submarines is under review.This review is expected to be completed later this year.”

Article www.thesun