The Suffolk Fleet

[pbrione]

-Personal Log-
-Sir Stanley Nelson-
-Admiral, 5th Fleet-
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Wednesday, April 8, 817 A.S.

Assumed full command of the Suffolk Fleet today, following yesterday's promotion ceremony and the final retirement (with full pension of course) of Lord Admiral Jellicoe. Was about time, in my opinion; Jellicoe had hardly been present aboard the Suffolk for at least the last 6 months, given his ill health. I've been managing the Suffolk 1st battlefleet since January now, but it was not until today that I received the full list of various statistics for the 5th Fleet as a whole. I have over 8000 men under my fleet's command, including support staff, plus an additional 18,000 marines and ground troops divided into 3 divisions.

Clearly the fleet is extremely well equipt. Already received over a dozen transfer requests mainly from the Leeds front. Had to deny all of them but one, most were simply people sick of the conditions on the front line. Its a damn shame, but war is war and needs must. It is certainly true, though, the Suffolk is better equipt than almost any other force in Bretonia. The ship itself has all the best of computer systems, catering equipment and excellent hygene thanks to Mk 9 automated cleaning bots. One flaw - the ships secuity has fallen rather lax under Jellicoe, most probably due to his abscences from active duty. I must make a note to increase deck patrols and re-institute a policy of cargo-scanning before we allow ships to dock in our hangar. There are also far too many unchecked visitors to the ship - I know we give tours, but visitors really need to be kept out of the bridge and secure areas, plus I definitely feel background checks and searches for weapons should be upped.

As for the fleet, generally the pilots and ships are both excellent. Over 70% of our fighter wings are using Templars or the new Paladins instead of Crusader models, I hope to increase the figure to 80% by the end of July and phase out Crusaders entirely by the end of the year. A dozen Destroyers, generally extremely well equipt, top notch armour, all Mk V or better. Unfortunately losses dictate that I transfer 5 Destroyers and their respective squadrons to the Derby and York Fleets by the end of the month, which will only leave us with 7. Still, I have the utmost confidence in my men that we will be able to acheive our objectives and keep New London safe.

Moore is replacing me as Commodore of the Suffolk 1st - he's a decent chap, if a little stiff and reserved. Rest of the command staff seem quite competent, if not exactly elite. They're all highly intelligent and promising chaps, but tend to be moved on to the front lines once they've been here a while, so I do lack experienced pilots quite a bit. My main concern for the fleet is Southampton - its defence falls under my responsibilities and there is a real danger of Kusari raids from Leeds. If we lose Southampton, we lose the war, something which I am not prepared to allow to happen on my watch. The onboard commander, Major General Binns seems pretty capable, I met with him this afternoon. He did request an additional 3 bomber wings to repel enemy raiding destroyers, something which I agree on. Will order transfer tomorrow from Thames. Oh, and I received a second notice about that young Goodmen - a Lieutenant now. Apparantly was the cause of much disturbance in the officers mess aboard the HMS Torridge last night following the promotion ceremony, sent a brief note regarding discipline. Still, the lad did just win a CC, suppose he's bound to be a bit boisterous, should be lenient. Will keep an eye on him in future though.

Apart from that, things seem pretty ship-shape. The Fleet has certainly changed a lot since I was transferred here from the QCR; there are a lot more regulars in command for a start, not least myself. Funny that, really. To think I always thought I was lucky to be posted to the Suffolk at all, now I run the fleet! Still. I always had more pride in the Suffolk than most men here. They just tend to see it as a cushy posting with all the niceties of good ships to fly and comfortable bunks to sleep in, but I saw beyond that. It is a flagship fleet, a fleet with prestige, the public face of the Armed Forces. Her Majesty's chief display of military might, as our insignia reads. And our role is vital. Defence of New London and Southamtpon are among the most vital objectives in the realm. Whilst the men may think the conditions cushy, I know that my duties here certainly are not.

-End Log Entry-
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Sir Stanley Nelson




<span style="color:#000066">Charles Canning </span><span style="color:#000066"> Foreign Secretary</span>