Timeshare Carriers"
What would Lord Nelson have thought of this? There were various news reports out recently that the British and the French may share aircraft carriers.
UK, France closer to carrier sharing deal
Britain and France are moving closer to a deal to share aircraft carriers, a British newspaper reported Tuesday — a move that could save the one-time rivals money in an age of austerity. The possibility of pooling carriers has been suggested before, but The Times of London claimed that French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron were due to outline the proposal during a planned November summit.
The idea has been kicking around since at least 2008. Nevertheless, the news reports were met with protests and an immediate denial by the UK Ministry of Defence.
It is an intriguing idea, not the least because it would involve two traditional nautical enemies. In some respects it would be a manifestation of “Augustine’s Laws,” which were formulated by Norman Augustine, a former chairman of Martin Marietta, a major US defense contractor. “His Law XVI was “In the year 2054, the entire defense budget will purchase just one aircraft. This aircraft will have to be shared by the Air Force and Navy 3 1/2 days each per week, except for leap year, when it will be made available to the Marine Corps for the extra day.” The serious truth behind this law is that since the end of World War II the cost per weapon for airplanes, tanks, and ships has risen much faster than the defense budget has, so every single category of weapon has declined in numbers.” (from James Fallows, Uncle Sam Buys an Airplane)
Thanks to Irwin Bryan for passing on the news.
Alors, mon dieu, good lord, c’est unbelievable can this really be. What shall we call them ‘Fretish’ or ‘Britench’ naval vessels. All equipment name tallys and instructions in both English and French or French and English. The galley shall it be french cuisine or english cooking, s.v.p. retain the french cuisine! one must survive after all!
Good Watch.
What exactly does it mean to “share” a carrier? Would the ship have a mixed crew (some of whom wouldn’t be able to communicate with others)? Or would it be merely that the air wings of either nation could land on a carrier flying either the White Ensign or the tricolor? I wouldn’t like to be the one to have to tell Admiral Nelson about this, but I suppose that person would have to be dead already so what could the famous gentleman do to him?
I don’t see bilingual labels as a problem — after all, most of Canada already has those. In fact, should there be a Franco-British carrier, Canadians should feel right at home.
It would be fascinating to see this unlikely arrangement go forward because it is hard to imagine how carrier sharing could work. Suddenly women on submarines seems less challenging, if only by comparison.
STEVEN TOBY: As to the communication, on my last ship before coming ashore in the maritime industry we had 35 nationalities speaking 8 languages. The ships working language was English. It all worked out very well and we were known as the “Happy Ship”. Also it was lots of fun interacting with the different cultures. I miss it all very much. This crewing situation is quite common in the cruise industry and works out surprisingly well. As to the rest and reporting the Admiral Lord Nelson whew!!
Good Watch.
I suspect the problem would not be with the crews or even the junior officers. It is the admirals that are likely to not get along.
Sorry chaps c’est fini! Dr Liam Fox the British Minister of Defence ruled out any sharing of naval vessels with the French in a statement in Paris this morning. Phew! Admiral Lord Nelson has settled back in his grave. Things are again just jolly good.
Good Watch.