The Commonwealth of Chrisdom

[redleg]

The RODS Tempest and her battle group welcome your fly-by and we think that a joint formation photo-op is in order. We will definitely take you up on your kind offer for a port call!

[chrisswim]

Fly by on the way 0530.
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We enjoyed tracking into the eastern Atlantic playing cat & mouse with your battle group/task force. We detected a sub.... We were having some difficulty tracking to get a good lock on it, I was deep, very deep. Detected at 2 and 3 convergent zones distance. Then as the water became more shallow on the continental shelf, we lost it. Picked it up again.... cat & mouse.
. You have the best looking Spruance Class destroyers we have seen in more than a decade. Your carrier is large, Forrestal, Kitty Hawk or Constellation? A little older than our carriers but much larger.
. Upon port call at Americius Naval Yard on the Island eastern Berlic, we can discuss some joint training operations as you proceed. In the Med, we are also appreciative if you keep your eyes open as you transit for pirates & terrorist, etc.
We see some A-6, F/A-18. What are you not showing that is below deck. We have some A-4s for sale, about 84 of them. Provide wiring instructions.....
*** Sending out a 688 class and Akula class sub towards Sicily for ASW vs. Fleet training.***

[redleg]

The sub you detected was the RODS Badger...a newly refurbed Ethan Allen class boat that has been converted to an SSGN. Our carrier, the RODS Tempest, is a Kitty Hawk class carrier, and the aircraft below decks are our venerable F-4 Phantoms. They aren't the newest air frames in the fleet, but they are the most decorated aircraft and therefor the most sought after pilot assignments.

I see that you have an impressive carrier force...perhaps we can exchange some ideas, landings, catapult launches, etc. And we are looking forwards to some productive wargames in your home waters.

Once the Tempest makes port, we would like to present you with a black Labrador puppy named Butch to thank you for your hospitality. In addition, the ROD government has granted the battle group commander permission to discuss the establishment of a permanent ROD embassy in your country.

[chrisswim]

Col. Munsch, CO Group 12, Heav Bombers, hope that yu enjoyed the fly-by early this morning on the way out into the Atlantic. The pilot said he was at 690 kts. breaking the sound barrier, on the deck. The pursuit planes were trailing a bit slower. The B1-B is finishing up on its re-work at our facility, expect it to be transferred to Chiacovia soon along with a few other B1s.
. Look forward to establish the Embassy. Look forward to developing a great relationship to help build economic prosperity through trade, human rights, and freedom.
. That submarine signature was a surprise for us. We are considering a purchase of an older boomer, perhaps two. Out navy visit group to chaicovia is going well, having some work-ups with their naval force.

[chrisswim]

CNNN and FAKE News reports:
"General Fatusa, who lead the uprising in the Commonwealth's Moroccodom and Tunisadom, has reappeared again. He is recruiting other members for Al-Kabab and providing leadership. It appears that he planned the raid into southern Moroccodom and Algeria which killed and wounded over 20 people. Robero Smarsh the Asst Director of exploration for Commonwealth Energy was killed in an attack by over a dozen terrorist gunman. Fatusa's henchmen also took information and equipment from the energy discovery trucks. Also reported several people were taken as hostages or just kidnapped, they were all young women, some teenagers."
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The Commonwealth released a statement by the new acting, interim Press Secretary, the 4th in the last 7 months... that "the Commonwealth will pursue these evil kidnappers, the diabolical terrorists, nefarious killers and bring them to justice. Their sentence may be in the field or in court. We cannot let this stand, harming innocent people going about their daily lives and work. The Para-Military is in the planning stages for retribution." When asked if there was a rescue effort being planned.... the interim acting Press Secretary replied, "of course, elements to rescue the hostages are already taking action. More planning is in the process. We care deeply for these people, even those thet are Algerian. Please excuse me, I have a lunch appointment at the club then a massage. Please excuse me, we are on a tight schedule."
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In other news, the joint training in the Med with ROD, has gone well. Sharing ideas and training techniques has worked well for both navy group and their personnel. Better communication and operation, said Ensign Smyth of the Commonwealth. Lt j.g. Hock of the ROD navy, said, "it is great work with other people, their navy and learn from them and share with them. I have grown accustomed to our larger carrier, but I see how the Commonwealth Navy benefits from the e Canberra Class carriers, along with the 2 DDH destroyers, they are still able to operate VTOL plans along with helos. Builds flexibility, even though not near as large as our carrier (former Kitty Hawk Class). Hock went on to say, "the landing operations was very interesting for us, we do not conduct it, our Task Force is geared more toward the influence/control of Sea-air-underwater, remember we have a carrier with 50 or so aircraft, 2 Tico cruisers, 2 destroyers. and a SSGN sub. We can support a landing, we just cannot conduct a landing. Well, some special ops, perhaps. We just don't have those on board. But I have enjoyed the training we did supporting the landing with the Commonwealth."
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In the eastern Med, our small group was training with/against the ROD submarine and aircraft. Detect, identify, and neutralize operations. Both sides in training learned and did well. It was learned that the Visby Class is limited in its ability to help prosecute a sub unless part of a larger operation. Then it can work as a force multiplier.

[redleg]

The ROD would like to thank the Commonwealth for its hospitality, collaboration, and opposing forces over these past few days as we conducted joint training operations in the Med. Our pilots and crews learned a great deal during these exercises and we feel that our experience in the "force on force" portion of the exercise has helped to hone our skills. Thank you also for the warm welcome in port.

We have selected the Honorable John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt to serve as the ROD's ambassador to the Commonwealth of Chrisdom. He is en route to oversee the establishment of the ROD's first embassy in many many years.

[panzergator]

Redleg, you should be wary of Chrisdom's exercises in your home waters, lest you discover voting booths appearing overnight and a plebiscite making you a subject of RedlegDOM, or some such, as Chris is wont to CHRISten his newly acquired territory. The UIN, curiously, does not seem inclined to reign in his acquistiveness, either. So dont count on the UIN for help

[chrisswim]

The Commonwealth welcomes J3S, JJJS, as Ambassador to our Commonwealth. It will be a wonderful relationship that we expect to expand over time. Glad your task force came by the eastern Mediterranean to visit and also for training. It was valuable to us, you are welcome to return.
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The Gator State is 'progressive' country that helps other people and countries around the world. I am glad that their leadership is always looking out for us and others. We invite the Gator State to send a delegation to visit the Commonwealth. It would be a 'Red Carpet' event.
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The CoC is delighted to hear from the Balzac Republic that the usual trade will not be interrupted. The economy has been showing robust growth across at state members. Those with the largest growth are the Azores and Canary Island Group followed by Moroccodom. Regular flights, improved marketing and membership in the Commonwealth are the 3 most significant factors to stimulate the economic growth.
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The training group has returned to various ports on the ports on the Americus Island, Monaco and Tunis. The re-work facility on Americus has been working on dozens of planes:A-4, A-6, A-7, and F-4 and F-8. The service work has been in structure, avionics, radar systems and weapon upgrades. Another working hanger just opened to handle the F-111, a client is wanting a dozen or more F-111s. We hired some team leaders that worked on the parts assembly of the F-111, previously.
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[chrisswim]

Balzac Republic, What has the resistance been, organized in your operation? We do appreciate the farm vehicles and tractors, Next shipment, please pick up some BMWs and Mercedes Benz vehicles in Germany. Need some G-wagons by Mercedes. Is the MV Horton able to deliver some 120mm ammo? We were granted a requisition order and funds have been sent. About 12,000 APFSDS-T rounds, 10,000 training rounds, and 9,000 HEAT rounds. Also, expect to have couple of dozen MAN 10 ton trucks. There may be an delivery of 40 or so Leopard 1s. Surprisingly, the Leopard 1 are without specific cost.... except we are to purchase 105mm ammo that is surplus to Bundeswehr. So 15,000 rounds of 105mm ammo. and parts.
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If there is not any room, let our logistics office know. Delivery in two shipments is acceptable.
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In light of the US Navy Pacific Command addressing operational readiness, training and personal the Commonwealth of Chrisdom is planning to reduce the ships deployed over the several weeks, perhaps 2 months for the surface fleet. All plane over 20 years old that the most full rebuild and overhaul is longer than 6 years ago is to go through a complete evaluation, including structural integrity, communications, safety and emergency procedures and training, maintenance, operational readiness and deployment.
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It is fortunate that the re-work facility on Americus Island in the Med (east of the Berleric Islands) has been working on some of the older aircraft extending the life-span of the structure of the air frames. We have had operational deficiencies when General Fatusa was attempting to start a civil war to take Morocdom and Tunisdom. With ships expected to be refitted after engine overhaul, communication and technology updates. Some LSTs are having new bow ramps and/or new bow doors installed.
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The Commonwealth has provide a tour of the Commonwealth to the new Ambassador from ROD. JJJS has enjoyed meeting the citizens of the Commonwealth, "I enjoyed meeting the people of the Commonwealth, certainly the newest citizens of Canary Island and Azores. They are especially excited about the future. Tourism has increase 3 fold since becoming members. ROD had interest in the Med and we are participating as a good world citizen should. We enjoy working with you."
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In other news, the relief operation and training task force has returned to Gitmo, Cuba. Diplomatic relations have been established with Cuba and it has allowed 120 people to visit Cuba through the Northwest gate of Gitmo. The officers and men of the Commonwealth are amazed at the cars from the 1950s are still running although none have air conditioning. Cuba has agreed to open trade with the Commonwealth, initially fruit and medicine for the Commonwealth. New autos or newer autos for Cuba.

[chrisswim]

While visiting Cuba by way of the 'Walk through' the gate into Cuba, 3 NCOs were arrested in a bar in Havana after a drive across much of the country. The Chiefs were on a 4 day pass. Apparently the Cuban beer is a bit strong for them just as the Cuban women are too hot. Fortunately with diplomatic relations being established the legal process was smoothed through. The men were fined by local authorities and sent back to Gitmo and confined to the ship.
A small joint exercise is planned in a few days with the Cuban Navy with purpose of search, rescue along with other operations of mine detection and clear passage training, ans ASW detection and prosecution.
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Back at home, General Fatusa group of Al-Kabob made an attack upon another small township in south Moroccodom. Several civilians where killed along with some local police and a few military personal working in the local National Guard quarters. A strike force was dispatched with UH-1s with soldiers to persue and defend the country from this hideous attack whose only purpose to cause terror and attempt an over=throw after destabilization. Since most of the planes are under the Commonwealth's stand -down for inspection and reliability assessment. Equipment to respond is limited for the time being. . It has been reported that those loyal to General Fatusa moved into Algeria. Perhaps under the protection of the Algerian government.
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Military convoys have departed from Casablanca army post with AFVs, trucks and trailers, and some artillery. AMX-30 were dispatched instead of the M-47 E1. The AMX is considered more reliable while both are armed with 105mm gun. Both types of tanks were acquired from Spain years ago.

[panzergator]

Now THERE is a LAUGH, Chris! AMX30s more reliable than M47s with AVDS1790s. I saw French exercises with AMX 30s. The only AMXs actually seen were broken down on the side of the road.

[chrisswim]

good perspective, glad to have it. But you see, it has a Co-ax 20mm, great for hitting infantry and going through defensive works that General Fatusa troops might put up. If you are correct, then our armored thrust may end up like a bunch of our ship and planes. When we had sorties fling into Moroccodom or tunisadom to hit Fatusa rebels, 1 out of 4 planes had to return due to engine trouble. On the training task force to Gitmo, Cuba, the Newport LST had to return to port. So we might experience that when the AMX 30s move on their own vs tank carrier HET.
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the initial force of a large battalion is deploying as we speak, 1 Company of AMX-30, 1 recon - armored car company, and 2 companies of Mech infantry in M113 and engineers. Large support element of VLRAs, logistics group with 8 Kt trucks, VBLs recon with AMX-10RC and infantry with VABs, medical are a 1/2 day behind.

[panzergator]

The other consideration - I think AMX 30 armor is only proof against 23mm cannon.

[chrisswim]

the Caribbean task force from the Commonewealth left Cuba to return to Gitmo. The crew all wanted to visit O'reilly's Irish Pub, the only Irish Pub in a Communist country. Several place to socialize and to play sports in the nice gym, soccer /football and softball. the crews and departments had competition, fun time by all. The 'Engine Knights won the all-around best team, winning in softball and football. The Ward Room finished last over all and either last or 2nd to last in all competitions.
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Upon leaving Gitmo, the task force was taking more supplies to Haiti and then the winds from Irma started to blow. Because of some lax maintenance on the radar and communication apparatus on the DDG Athens serving as flag ship weather intel was limited and the CO of the task force Capt Benjamin was still suffering from alcohol poisoning from his time at the Irish Pub. They were heading east by north east....approaching Irma. As the FFG Perry CO, Lt Cmdr Tulin was evaluating the situation established communication with the Athens, informing that they were heading into the eye of the storm. So Lt Cmdr Tulin set course south west at 25 kts to get out of harms way, then to steer around the south of the Irma to return home to NB Americus in the Med.
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In Algeria, the crews from the Oil & natural resource exploration group was able to find some new sites that are promising. This was made available since the mechanized task force had established them selves as a protective screen. Although 5 AMX -30 did break down and require maintenance, so only 9 functioning currently. The sand filters were not installed, were not replaced or had been over used. This destroyed 2 engines. All AMX 30 and AMX 10P were being evaluated for any maintenance issues. So a call up of 1 company of the M-47E2 tanks have been made and will be set to transfer south in the next few days and deployed soon. .It will accompany 2 companies of M113 with infantry to keep the exploration crews safe and watch for Gnl Fatsua and his henchmen.

[chrisswim]

Caribbean Task Force has been re-directed to help with emergency aid and medical service to islands in the Caribbean. Working with the US Navy for food stuff and medicine will be organized Supply flights will fly into Gitmo as well as supply ships to build a logistics base.
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The Med-Pac task force has supported the mandate by firing on ISIS positions. Paticipating are Type 45 destroyer and 2 Type 23 frigates. This task force was joined by a Fire Support Monitor (FSM-2), armed with 6 twin 5-inch turrets. Along with this were two logistics ships, a Burke Class DDG and Perry Class frigate. About 400 rounds were fired into ISIS and Syrian positions.
There is a report that some Russians were hit with causalities. An investigation has been initiated.