The Last War? : Chapter 397

[Bernard Woolley]

D+34

*

0630 hours GMT. USS David E. Hayden, off Mobile, Alabama.
Lieutenant Commander Michelle Shupack, USN, was very proud of her ship. She might well be smaller than the other frigates and destroyers in the US Navy, but she was Shupack's first command and therefore, was the best ship in the navy. Shupack had served aboard two different Perry Class FFG, a Burke Class destroyer and had been the USN exchange officer aboard HMS Marlborough, though prior to taking command of Hayden, she had been the X.O of USS Ward (FFG-66).

*

USS David E. Hayden (FFL-7) was the third of a new class of light frigates (Frigate, Light in USN nomenclature), to enter service. Though, Hayden was the first of the littoral ASW focussed variants to commission. The corvette sized vessels had been developed as part of the US Navy's drive to keep up frigate numbers. The first three vessels had been working up when war had broken out, but were all now in service. The other two light frigates were from the surface warfare variant, USS John H. Balch (FFL-1) and USS Orlando H. Petty (FFL-2). Armament wise both sub-variants had 76mm gun, torpedo tubes, two 30mm Bushmaster cannons, and a single helicopter hangar in common. The surface warfare variant added Harpoon, space for VL Hellfire for dealing with swarm/Boghammar type threats, RIM-116 RAM for air defence, and space/weight allowance put aside for a Mk.41 VLS. The ASW variant had in addition to the basic armament, RIM-116 RAM, a sonar optimised for operations in shallow/brown water, and a small Mk.41 VLS for VL-ASROC.

While the ships had a helicopter hangar, they did not, as yet, have a helicopter. There were just not enough of them to go around. Hayden did have something else however, a QH-51A DASH II ASW drone. The original DASH drone, the QH-50, had not been particularly successful, or reliable, at least in USN service anyway. The JMSDF, on the other hand had taken DASH much more seriously as a system, regarding it as highly prestigious. Their drones had been far more reliable and were only withdrawn in 1977 when it became increasingly difficult to support. Now, in 2005, drones, or UAV as they were now known, had grown more sophisticated and reliable. The US Navy also took them more seriously than it had previously. The DASH II had been developed to supplement MH-60R and SH-2G aboard destroyers and frigates. The idea being that a warship would deploy with a helicopter, plus two UAV. DASH II could, like its predecessor, operate from ships too small for helicopter, such as potentially the Cyclone class patrol craft.
The QH-51A had been in testing during the mobilisation period, but as a relatively simple system, it had not been too difficult to ramp up production and start issuing the craft. It had been something of a 'no-brainer' to issue one of the first production standard DASH II to Hayden. She had no helicopter of her own, but needed something that could prosecute sonar contacts that were beyond the range of her own torpedoes and be more flexible than VL-ASROC.

*

Hayden was a member of a small group of warships and Coast Guard cutters that were patrolling the waters off Mobile. Sanitising the area prior to the sailing of a convoy of merchant ships. The convoy would make its way along the Gulf Coast, round Florida, before joining up with another convoy off Charleston. A number of smaller, coastal convoys were also due to sail shortly. Some Auxiliary Minesweepers of the revived Alabama Naval Militia were working in Mobile and Pelican Bays.

While Hayden conducted her patrol, a P-8A Poseidon of VP-16 was patrolling further out in to the Gulf of Mexico. The Poseidon had dropped several patterns of sonobuoys and was on the verge of heading back to NAS Jacksonville to refuel when it picked up a faint contact. Being low on fuel, the Poseidon requested assistance, the first asset to respond being a P-3C Orion of VP-94. Hayden also received the radio message.

“Officer Of the Watch, bring the ship to General Quarters.” Lieutenant Commander Shupack ordered. “You have the bridge, Mr Rutherford. I'll be in the CIC.”
“Aye, ma'am.”

*

“What do we have, TAO?” Shupack asked once she had taken her seat in the CIC.
“A Poseidon has picked up what it thinks is a possible hostile sub, Ma'am.” The Tactical Action Officer replied. “She's only got thirty minutes of fuel before she's Bingo, so an Orion is taking over. Antrim is also responding; she advises that she will have her helo up in ten minutes.”
“Thank you. Let's see if we can get ourselves over there quicker than, Antrim, and get the Drone up ASAP. Time to show the world what we can do. All ahead flank, engage the turbine.”

Hayden had CODLAG propulsion and had been cruising on her diesels. These were rafted and powered electric motors, which meant she was very quiet in that mode. However, for higher-speeds the frigate could cut in a gas turbine, although it did make her noisier.

“Once we are within drone range, we'll cut our turbine and come in on diesel-electric. Where's Antrim? Don't want to get in her way.”
“I've highlighted her on the display, Ma'am.”

Shupack could see that the old short-hulled Perry Class frigate, USS Antrim (FFG-20) was around twenty nautical miles to the north-west, well clear of Hayden, but also accelerating towards the submarine contact. In peacetime, Antrim was one of two Perry Class officially rated Surface Warfare Trainers (the other was USS Wadsworth (FFG-9)). Unofficially, they were navigation and ship handling trainers, though they retained full combat capability.

“Keep an eye on her.” Shupack ordered. “Last thing we need is to run into a ship full of instructors!”
“Drone is ready, Ma'am.”
“Good, get her airborne and heading for the contact.”

On the frigate's fantail, the QH-51A, affectionately nicknamed 'Little Bird' took off. The drone was armed with a pair of Mk.54 torpedoes. The Mark 54 was lighter than the standard Mark 50 torpedo, which made it more suitable for platforms like the DASH II (though the drone could carry the Mk.50 at some range penalty). It was also optimised for use in the littoral environment, which was ideal for the situation Hayden now faced.

“Vampire! Vampire! Vampire!
“We have one, no two missiles!”
“Give me a bearing, damn it!” Shupack snapped.

At least they had confirmation that the contact was a hostile submarine, she reflected.

0703 hours. Belleek, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
Captain Seonaid Doherty, the Operations Officer of 4 Royal Irish Regiment, sat in the back of the Wessex HC.2, her legs dangling out of the port door. Her convalesence had ended several days ago and she had been glad to get back to her job.

“Having fun back there, Captain?” Wing Commander Marston asked from the left-hand pilot's seat.
“Yes, thank you, Sir.” Doherty replied. “Beats hanging around my house on my own.”
“Well don't fall out!” Marston said with a chuckle. “The paperwork would be a pain!”

Doherty laughed out loud. In fact she was attached to the helicopter by a strap, though dangling outside on it would not be particularly enjoyable.

“We'll be over the border in a couple of minutes.” Marston said, becoming serious.
“Right, Sir. I'll come back in.” Doherty replied. swinging her legs back aboard.

The Wessex's loadmaster slid the door shut again.

“Wish I was as brave as you, Captain.” The helicopter's only other passenger, Commandant Dara Murphy, of the Irish Air Corps, observed.
“Ah, it's not really being brave, Commandant. I'm well strapped in; is pretty exhilerating, though!”
“Need you up front, Commandant.” The helicopter's pilot, Squadron Leader Wallace said. “You know this area better than either of us.”

Murphy got up from the bench and made his way forward, climbing up so that he was standing just behind and between both pilots.

“That's Cloghore over there to your one O'clock.” He said, indicating with his right hand.
“Got it.” Marston said, looking down at his map.
“Keep following the N3. It'll take us towards Ballyshannon. Then we can cut down to Finner Camp. Our escort should be with us in a couple of minutes. They should keep us right if we get lost.”
“I see them.” Wallace reported. “An AW139 at our eleven O'clock, flying parallel. We should catch up to it in a couple of minutes.”

The Wessex came alongside the Irish Army Air Corps AW139 and took up formation with the other helicopter. The AW139 stayed slightly ahead, leading the RAF helicopter to its destination, Finner Camp, which was just outside Bundoran.

*

Finner Camp was the home of the regular 28th Infantry Battalion and the 58th Reserve Infantry Battalion. It was also acting as the centre of operations for Irish troops taking part in cross-border security operations with the British. A suspected Soviet sabotage cell had been operating in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland and along the border with Northern Ireland. It had finally been tracked to the area around Ballyshannon, Belleek and Donegal. A joint search-and-destroy mission was now being launched by the Irish and British armed forces. Their respective ground forces would remain on their own side of the border, unless in 'hot pursuit', but helicopters and other aircraft of both nations would operate on both sides of the border. To help facilitate any 'hot pursuit' situations, both sides would attach liasion officers and small teams of soldiers to each other's units.

*

“Welcome to Finner Camp, Captain.” Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Walsh, the Commanding Officer of the 28th Infantry Battalion said, once Captain Doherty had disembarked from the Wessex.
“Maidin mhaith, Sir.” Doherty replied, demonstrating her knowledge of Irish Gaelic. “Conas atá tú?”

Walsh was slightly taken aback by a British Army officer speaking fluent Irish. The Colonel was from Dublin and only knew a handful of words in Irish Gaelic.

“I'm well, thank you, Captain.” He said. “I suppose I should really say Céad míle fáilte. Though that really exhuasts my Irish. Can I ask how you learned it?”
“I'm from an old Irish family, Sir. We were in Ulster well before the Plantation. My late Mother was very keen on us being able to speak Irish, even if she considered us Anglo-Irish.”
“Interesting. Might come in useful too.
“Follow me, Captain.”

*

“As you can see, Captain, we've marked all our deployments on this map.” Lieutenant Colonel Walsh said, pointing to a large map on the wall of the Operations Room that had been established in the camp. “I'd love to have more, but I have my own battalion, the 58th Reserve Battalion, a company from the 6th Infantry Battalion and two platoons of military police. If you can, I'd like you to fill in the gaps of your deployments.”
“Of course, Sir, and I presume I can take a note of these?” Doherty asked.

Walsh nodded.

“No secrets between us, Captain. If I need support from your helicopters, they need to know where to go.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Doherty replied. She crossed to the map. “My battalion is covering the Fermanagh and Tyrone border area from here down to here; we have companies based here, here, and here, with the one at Belleek being reinforced.” She said, pointing to the map. “We're stretched pretty thin, but we've been reinforced by a company from The King's Regiment and a platoon from The Queen's Own Highlanders, plus a troop from The North Irish Horse. We also have priority for reinforcement from the Brigade and District Reserve battalions. It also helps that we can now cross that finger of the Republic that splits Belleek in two.”
“The alternative is a hell of a way round, if I remember.” Walsh remarked.

Doherty nodded.

“It's a pain for us. Though maybe not as bad as the situation you have with Drummully.”

Drummully was an electoral ward in County Monagahan that was a pene-enclave, with the only road access possible by crossing through Northern Ireland. It had, therefore, become a headache to police.

“Indeed.” Walsh agreed. “Well, we're not going to let lines on a map stop us in this mission.” He declared. “Let's get on with it.”

0731 hours. USS Belknap, Vestfjord, Norway.
After USS Mount Whitney, the modified missile cruiser seemed a bit cramped and claustrophobic. However, Vice-Admiral Clancy was glad to have a dedicated flagship, rather than trying to fit his staff aboard a busy aircraft carrier, or one of the escorts.

“What's the news on Mount Whitney?” Clancy asked as he took his seat for the briefing.

He had grown very attached to his old flagship. She had come to feel like his second home over a number of deployments.

“She was patched up at Haakonsvern for a trip to Belfast for a more permanent repair.” His Chief of Staff, Captain Mike Turner, replied. “The repairs at Belfast should make her seaworthy for a trip to Newport News. When she arrives a decision will be made on whether she can be made operational again, or...”
“If she is declared a Constructive Total Loss.” Clancy said sadly. “Would be sad to lose her, but, we can't dwell on what might be. What's the first item on today's briefing?”
“Rotating the carriers and escorts so that they can be replenished and repaired where necessary.” Turner replied. “We've been at sea for over a month now, most of the time conducting high-intensity operations. The escorts can, in general, be refitted at Norwegian bases, though some of the cruisers, the carriers and auxilliaries will need to go elsewhere.”
“We can't send them back to the States; would take too long.” The admiral commented.

Turner nodded in agreement.

“In the UK, Belfast is an option for some of the larger ships, as is, Hartlepool and Southampton. Rosyth and Devonport could take escorts. As well as the British options options, the drydocks at Saint Nazaire, Rotterdam or Antwerp are potentially available. But, possibly vulnerable to air attack. Brest would probably be the best French option for the big ships. There's also Algeciras in Spain, but if we go that far south, it would almost be as well sending ships to Norfolk, or Newport News.”
“It's going to be the UK for most of the work, by the sound of it.” Clancy remarked. “Though the smaller French yards should be able to deal with some of the destroyers that need work. We'll need to co-ordinate with the Europeans; they'll have their own ships needing work.
“What carrier is first priority for work?”
“The Big E, Sir.” Turner replied. “Her Number 4 cat is out and her Number 3's repair was jury rigged and, from what Jim Kirk told me, is held together by spit, string, duct-tape and prayer. After her, Washington needs repairs to her flight-deck.” Turner replied. “We also need to pull back Wisconsin's SAG so she can take on ammuntion and TLAM. That can be done in a Norwegian fjord, however.”
“Okay, we need to work out a schedule for ships to go in for repair and refit.” Clancy declared. “Once it is complete, send it off to SACLANT. His staff will need to co-ordinate with our allies regarding yard time. Let's hope we don't have to send any major ships back to the States.
“Now, Colonel Tideman, I believe you have a briefing on the situation on northern Norway?”

The senior marine on Clancy's staff nodded.

“I do, Sir.” He said, getting up and unveilling a map attached to the far bulkhead. “With the departure of Marine forces in northern Norway to Zealand, a gap opened up in the order of battle. COMNON has moved Brigade North, the 10th Mountain Division and the 7th Canadian Brigade Group forward to the Lakselv front to join the British 5th Airborne Brigade. The rest of the Norwegian 1st Corps is being held further back, so it can mount counter-attacks, plus there just isn't enough space to keep two additional divisions that far forward.
“Our right flank is currently being held by the British, who are in touch with Finnish and Swedish troops of the Finnish Army Group North. COMNON's staff are of the opinion that the Soviets will launch a new two-pronged attack along the E6 in Norway and route 92 through northern Finland. With the two prongs coming together here, at Karasjok.” He said, pointing to the map. “Before diverging again to push on Lakselv and take Alta from the south.”
“Where are the Soviets at the moment?” Clancy asked.

Tideman traced the line of the Tana River.

“Their forward troops are on the eastern bank of the Tana; the furthest west Soviet forces have been spotted at is at the village of Tana bru itself. Which has left a 'No-Man's Land' between them and our forward troops. Our forces are aggressively patrolling the area. Air recon is also keeping an eye on the Soviets.”
“Sounds like COMNON is going to need our support shortly.” The admiral observed. “What's COMNON's plan for an attack?”
“He wants to hold the Soviets as far east as he can, Sir.” The colonel replied. “It's not like the situation at the start of the war, now that he has FINAG North on his right flank. If needs to, he will pull back to a line based on Alta, and if things get really bad, he will pull back to the Lyngen Position.”
“Though that would mean losing touch with the Finns and Swedes.” Clancy said, studying the map. “Or, at the very least maintaining contact with them very difficult.”
“Absolutely, Sir.” Tideman agreed.
“Well, I think we can do something to help.” Clancy declared. “It looks like we'll have a few days to prepare. However, let's work on the assumption that a Soviet attack could take place within the next twenty-four hours. That gives us some time to get our house in order.”
“And the ship rotation?” Captain Turner asked.
“We'll still plan to do that.” Clancy replied. “We won't be of use to anyone if our ships and aircraft, not to mention our sailors, start to break down.
“Has COMNON requested any reinforcements?”
“He has, Sir. An additional heavy brigade, ideally trained for operating in sub-arctic conditions. The 32nd Infantry Brigade (Mechanized) would fit; it was going to Alaska, then was flagged for Norway, then Austria after the success of FISH-HOOK, but I guess COMNON feels he needs it more.” Tideman said.
“I wish him luck in getting it.” The admiral observed. “The commander of the Austrian Army Group is going to kick up a stink at the potential loss of a mechanised brigade!”

0811 hours GMT. Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.
“Right, ladies and gentlemen, you've all had your breakfast, and done the warm-up exercise so let's get on.” The instructor said to the group of trainees. “We have a really challenging and 'fun' scenario for you to get your teeth into this morning.”

*

The group of trainees were not the usual group of recruit firefighters, or more senior officers undergoing management, or advanced operational training. They were the initial recruits for the newly established Mobile Emergency Fire & Rescue Service – MEFRS. The new service was inspired by the short-lived Mobile Defence Corps of the 1950s and would do a similar job of providing support to existing civilian organisations. Perhaps, ironically, MEFRS would be able to draw on some of the equipment that had been produred for its use in the 1950s, along with stuff for the Auxiliary Fire Service. [1]
While all members of the group had received 'call-up' notifications through the post, they were not within the age cohort that would be conscripted. They were people with existing skills in engineering, construction, civil engineering, architecture, mechanics etc. that the MoD had identified. Their call-up notices had gone out on D+20, so by D+34 they had been in the training system for nearly two weeks. Once finished training they would form the first cadre of instructors for MEFRS. Their job would be to train more instructors and some of the initial members of the first MEFRS battalions.

*

Today, the trainees were going to be taught the skills needed for Urban Search And Rescue. The college had a number of structures that could be used to practise USAR. To make the scenario more challenging, they would also be on fire and moreover, the attack they were dealing with had included a chemical attack. Therefore, the trainees would need to work in chemical protection gear in addition to their usual protective equipment. Fire Service College intructors would 'play' supporting personnel from the fire service and ambulance service.
The USAR exercise lasted for the rest of the morning and into the early afternoon. After cleaning up, the trainees took a half hour lunch in the 'Four Shires' Restaurant. All too soon, the trainees were ordered aboard two buses which took them to an off college training site.

*

“As you learned when you first arrived, one of the first jobs new members of the MEFRS will be given is to improve shelter provision for the civillian population in their area. So, this afternoon, you are going to practise building a suitable shelter. We've started you off with a relatively easy one. We have left you a set of instructions, the components of the shelter and all the tools you will need. There are enough of you to build the shelter fairly quickly. So, we'll be back in time to take you to dinner.” A different instructor, this one from the National Emergency Volunteers, rather than the college, said. “Good luck.”

One of the trainees, who was a civil engineer took a look at the set of plans.

“Looks relatively simple to me.” He said. “We've got fourteen curved and straight corrigated galvanised steel steel pannels. It needs to be burried at least 1.2 meters deep and covered with a minimum of 38 centimeters of soil on top. I think first order of business is going to be marking out the trench we put it in then digging it out. Everybody happy?”
“Can I have a look?” Another trainee, who was an architect, asked.

The civil engineer handed over the instructions. The architect looked at the plans and then at the collection of pannels.

“I recognise this.” She said. “It's an Anderson Shelter, they used them in the Last War. They were pretty good and stood up well to blast. So long as we don't rush things and take our time, this shouldn't be too difficult.”

A third trainee, who had been recruited from the building industry had been walking the ground where they were to construct the shelter. He took a look at what the instructors had left them.

“Good set of tools these. I reckon any reasonably fit people should be able to build this.” He said. “They've left us some tarpaulins, stakes and string. I suggest we use the stakes and string to mark out the trench. We should put the turf and earth we dig out on the tarpaulins. Once the shelter is in place, we should pile the earth we dug out on top of it. After that, we can line it with the tarpaulins. I would recommend we include a drainage sump.”
“How dry do you reckon the soil is?” The civil engineer wondered.
“Hmm, its pretty sandy.” The builder replied. “I've worked with soil like this before, it drains well. The water table shouldn't be an issue.”
“There's a slight slope here.” The architect noted. “Can we take advantage of that when putting in the drainage sump?”
“Good idea!” The builder said.
“Well, let's get to it.” The civil engineer declared.

It turned out that the marking out, removing the turf and digging the trench took the longest. The fourteen pannels went together relatively easily, using bolts and washers. Once it was complete, the earth that had been dug out was piled on top and tapped down until it was firm, with the turf placed on top. The tarpaulins were then shaken clean and used to line the floor of the shelter. [2]

By the time the instructors returned, the trainees were sitting around their finished shelter, drinking tea from some thermos flasks. The instructors walked around the Anderson examining it. One of them went inside.

“I like how you've used the tarpaulins to line the floor and made sure the sump takes advantage of the slope.” He said on emerging. “Good work all of you. Now, do you think you could teach a group of relultant youngsters to do what you've just done?”
“I reackon I could.” The civil engineer said. “The digging is the hardest work, I'd say. The shelter itself goes together pretty easily. I think I could come up with something to give people a bit of pride in their shelter.”
“Something to make it look nice, I'd say.” The builder opined.
“You know, I reckon I could design a larger version of the basic shelter, if we need to.” The architect said.

She walked over to the far end of the shelter.

“With a few more pannels, it could easily be extended this way. Or, if there is space, put another shelter here in a short of L shape. Would need something different in this bit.” She said indicating the theoretical space which would be between two shelters. “But, I think it would be fairly straightforward to come up with pannels of a suitable shape.
“Either way, we could make a bigger shelter using the basic pannels.”
“Was just thinkin'.” The builder added. “There are lots of mini-diggers out there. My firm has half a dozen. Not going to be many places in the UK that don't have access to them. Government has powers to requisition plant, doesn't it?”

The senior instructor nodded.

“It does. But, one of the aims of this exercise is that there is a fair chance that you won't have access to heavy plant, or even mini-diggers. Moreover, digging the trenches by hand will harden up your trainees.”
“I get it.” The builder replied.
“Right, people, load up the tools on the lorry, then get yourself on the buses.” The second instructor ordered. “You've all done a good job today, well done.”

An ancient Bedford RL General Purpose lorry, drawn from Home Office stores, had acompanied the two busses. The trainees cleaned up their tools and loaded them into the rear of the lorry. Just before the small convoy was about to set off, the driver of the RL reported to the senior instructor.

“She's only firing on three cylinders. I'm worried she'll conk out on the way back.”
“Damn it.” The senior instructor remarked. “We'll have to call for recovery. Blood old piece of...”
“Scuse me, Boss.” One of the trainees said. “I'm a mechanic. Let me take a look. If I remember, these old cows can be fixed with a simple tool kit.”
“Right, mate, follow me.” The RL driver said.

He looked back at the senior instructor, who gave him a wink.

“Let's see now.” The mechanic said, looking over the engine. “Love the simpicity of these old beasts. None of your fancy electronics, ECUs, computer chips, or any of that sort of thing. You probably could have driven her on three cylinders no bother. Anway, pass me that socket wrench.”

The mechanic went to work, making adjustments here and there. Unplugging connections, cleaning them and reconnecting them. Finished up, he cleaned up his hands on a cloth.

“Right, start her up.” He told the driver. “You know, I could teach fixing one of thes engines to a monkey.”

The RL started sucessfully, firing on all four cyliners. Allowing the small convoy to head back to the college. It was the end of a very busy day of hard work.

0905 hours GMT. Near Holmsund, Finnmark, Norway.
Sergeant Bryan Lee climbed down from the British Army Land Rover Wolf WMIK. Although, Merville Company was a detached sub-unit of the Canadian Airborne Regiment, it used British supplied vehicles when serving with the 5th Airborne Brigade. Which meant Land Rovers, rather than the G-Wagen LUVW, which was used by the rest of the Canadian Army.
As the sub-unit of 5th Airborne Brigade responsible for reconnaissance and fighting patrols, Merville Company was aggressively patrolling the 'No Man's Land' that existed between the NATO and Soviet armies. Some, patrols could be carried out in vehicles, but others, like this one, needed to be on foot. The Land Rovers had been used to transport Lee's ten man patrol, to which two Norwegian guides from Ranger Battalion 1/Finnmark Regiment 17 had been attached, to where it needed to start its mission. The Norwegians had spent much of the war behind enemy lines, until they had been able to regain contact after the success of FISH-HOOK. The Canadians had noted that they were still gaunt and seemed to spent a lot of time eating. [3]

“Good luck, guys.” The Master Corporal, who commanded the vehicles said, as the patrol formed up. “We'll be at the RV at the agreed time.”
“Thanks, Master Corporal.” Lee replied. “We'll see you then.”

Lee shouldered his Bergen and set off, following the soldiers who had taken point on the patrol. The patrol got off the road, where they were exposed and began to move through the trees to its eastern side. This part of Norway was not exactly densely populated, but it was still strange to be moving through a deserted landscape, marked by the occasional burned out house and farmstead.

“The 'scorched earth' was pretty effective here.” Lee remarked to one of the Norwegian Rangers.”
“Yes.” The Norwegian replied simply.

Lee decided to leave the subject. It was evidently something of a sore point. Up ahead the leading members of the patrol halted and dropped, the rest of the patrol following suit.

“Enemy patrol approaching.” The lead scout's voice said in Lee's ear.
“Weapons tight, people.” Lee said into his radio. “Let them pass.”

A pair of vehicles which Lee recognised as UAZ-31515 Burevestnik approached and drove past the hidden Canadian patrol. Seeing examples of that particular variant of the UAZ-469 was interesting, as they were used by the Soviet Border Troops (aka KGB Border Troops). Sergeant Lee made sure that he took careful note of their presence. Once the two Soviet vehicles were safely out of sight, the patrol moved off, making sure that they kept an eye on their rear. Finally, they went to ground on the opposite side of the Tana River from Skiippagurra, from where they could observe Soviet vehicles using the E6. The remains of the village did seem to have been occupied by Soviet troops, who had erected a number of temporary buildings and tents to replace those destroyed. The patrol also noted a number of vehicles moving towards Tana bru, crossing a ribbon bridge that had been built to replace the suspension bridge that the Norwegians had blown up. It certainly looked like the Soviets were in the process of increasing their presence in the area.

Sergeant Lee took careful note of all he saw. One of the things he would do before the patrol continued its progress was to send a report back by radio. The area around Tana bru was certainly a target rich environment and would be worthy of attention from NATO aircraft.

1015 hours GMT. Outer defence perimeter, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
This particular section of the outer defence perimeter was held by a platoon from the Marine Corps Security Force Company Guantanamo Bay, the original defenders of the base. The company had taken heavy losses defending the base, though it had been brought back up to strength with marines posted in from units based in CONUS. However, around 50% of the company were still original members. Of the replacements, around 40% had previously served at Gitmo and had volunteered to join the company.

Colonel Byron Coffey was very aware of the casualties the Security Force Company had taken as he low-crawled into the Observation Post. There were times over the last thirty odd days where he had wondered if Gitmo was worth all the blood that had been shed for it. After all, as soon as the first Cuban shell had exploded within the perimeter, it had ceased to have utility as a naval base. On the other hand, defending, rather than abandoning it, had sent a powerful message that America would fight.

“Morning, Colonel.” The corporal who was the senior marine in the O.P, said, as Coffey entered it.

The corporal was one of the 'originals'. That alone gave him the right to call Coffey 'Colonel, rather than 'Sir'.

“Morning, Corporal Sanchez. How goes it?” Coffey replied.
“At the risk of being fragged by my own squad, it's been quiet. Cubans have been pulling back all night. We've seen tanks and other armoured vehicles leaving, no attempt at concealment, lights on and everything. There are still Cuban troops out there, but only leg-infantry and some light armoured vehicles.”
“I guess they have somewhere more important to be, Corporal.” Coffey opined. “Mind if I take a look?”

The O.P had a powerful set of binoculars mounted on a tripod.

“Go for it, Colonel.”

Coffey scanned the binoculars slowly from left to right, pausing occasionally to look at something. Before repeating the process from right to left. As Corporal Sanchez had stated, he could only see some infantry on foot, patrolling by the looks of them. He did spot two BRDM-1 scout cars, but no tanks, or other armoured vehicles. As he watched, a figure holding a while flag emerged from the Cuban lines and started to walk towards the Marine's perimeter. Coffey picked up the sound powered phone handset in the O.P.

“Get me my H.Q, quick!”

It took a couple of minutes to get through to his headquarters.

“This is Colonel Coffey. I want all troops to go to Weapons Tight. Nobody fires unless they are fired on. Yes, that's right, Weapons Tight! We have a Cuban walking towards our lines and I don't want some trigger happy Marine blowing him away!”

Coffey continued to watch the loan Cuban walk slowly towards the American lines. He halted in front of the line of barbed wire that marked the edge of where the Americans had laid land mines.

“Right, looks like someone has to go meet this guy.” Coffee declared. “Looks after this for me, Corporal.” He added, referring to his rifle.

The colonel climbed out of the Observation Post and slowly walked towards the Cuban. Coffey hoped that his memory of where the mines were planted was accurate.

“I am Colonel Coffey, United States Marine Corps, commander of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base garrison. How can I help you?”
“General de Brigada Hernández, commander of the Brigada de la Frontera. I am here to inform you that, other than my brigade, the other forces of the Cuban Revolutionary Army in this sector are returning to their barracks. Our reservists are being sent home. As far as we are concerned, our war with America is over.”

Coffey was a little taken aback by this news.

“Ah, we have noticed your men withdrawing, General.” He replied. “I am glad that the war between us is over. I have given orders to my men not to fire on yours unless fired upon.”
“I too have given similar orders, Colonel.” Hernández confirmed. “I also propose that we both withdraw to our pre-war positions. At the moment you are occupying sovereign Cuban territory.”

Coffey did consider countering with the reason that his troops had occupied defensive positions beyond the 'wire', but decided that it was better to be conciliatory.

“That sort of decision is beyond my pay-grade, General.” He replied. “However, I will pass your suggestion to my superiors. If we are at peace with Cuba, I can see there being nothing stopping us pulling back. We will need to clear the minefield, however.”
“I do not envy you that, Colonel.” Hernández observed. “Your perimeter minefield was very effective.”
“As was your artillery.” Coffey said. “Your men fought well and bravely, General. We all admired their courage.”
“As did we you, Colonel.”

Hernández broke into a smile and reached into his pocket.

“My I offer you a cigar, Colonel? Genuine Cuban.”
“Thank you, General. I do not normally smoke, but in this case I am more than happy to accept.”

Both men stood for a moment, silently smoking their cigars.

“I must return to my headquarters, Colonel.” Hernández declared.
“Me also, General.” Coffey. “I hope we can meet again under more auspicious circumstances.”
“I hope so too, Colonel.”

Both men exchanged salutes and turned away from each other, walking carefully back to their own lines. When Coffey reached the Security Company's Command Post, he radioed his own H.Q, ordering that a FLASH message be sent to SOUTHCOM. It looked like the the fight for Guantanamo might well be over.

***

[1] See this link for some information on the MDC. As it was a short-lived organisation, unsurprisingly, there is not all that much information on it online. A list of battalions of the MDC can be found here.

[2] Many Anderson shelters still survive to this day (2026), having been converted to garden and allotment sheds.

[3] Current Order of Battle:

Merville Company (+)
- Company H.Q
- 1st (R22eR) Platoon
- 2nd (PPCLI) Platoon
- 3rd (RCR) Platoon
- 4th (Militia) Platoon
- Support Platoon
- Pathfinder Platoon, Parachute Regiment (UK)

[Bernard Woolley]

Accompanying Pictures

[James1978]

Good chapter!

About that sub contact in the Gulf of Mexico. Just what side are the survivors of the Cuban Navy on, specifically the subs?

I admit to being a little disappointed Wisconsin didn't get to go south for the Zealand Op.

The drop in the numbers of tenders and repair ships in the USN as compared to the 1980s seems to be being felt. But the USN still ought to have some mobile drydocks that can be brought across the Atlantic.

Good to see that the Cuban Eastern Army is at least leaving the wider war.

Keep up the good work!

[Eaglenine2]

Great update.

Looks like the expansion of the civil defense is doing well.

[jemhouston]

It was nice of Russian sub to show it's id. Was this a sub that survived the opening moves, made it back home, and rearmed to return to the fray or was it ordered to lay low for a few weeks?


The DASH II should get a quick shake down and feed back to the mfg.

I always thought if the USN needed dedicated command ships, a modified Amphib design would work. It couldn't keep up with the carriers, but I'm not sure that's a problem.

Digging the trench by hand gives the student a chance to see soils up close. I'm a big fan of learning the old school way before learning the modern way.

[Lordroel]

Another good chapter as always.

[Matt Wiser]

Well, he keeps on producing! BZ as usual, my friend, and so to business:

I'll second James' question about the sub. Was that a skipper who had orders to lay low after the first few days, was he one who got back, reloaded, then was sent back out, or.... One that was in port for maintenance that wasn't finished prior to D-Day and so went out after that? Inquiring minds want to know.

That ASW drone might just be more useful than its predecessor from the 1960s. Maybe...

So the Cuban Eastern Army is dropping out of the war. Good for them. And, as a "Goodwill Gesture" on the Army Commander's behalf, anyone captured in their AO should be returned to U.S. Forces as soon as possible.

A converted San Antonio-class should be considered as a command ship: lots of space for Flag and Staff, in terms of workspace and quarters, and so on. Also surprised Wisconsin didn't go down to Zealand. Then again, the Norwegian Theater might still need those 16-inch guns for when the Soviets do resume the offensive.

Good work, and get with 398!

[jemhouston]

I'm still opening Wisconsin goes guns against the Red Banner Northern Fleet.


BTW. what happened to the said fleet commanders?

[James1978]

RE: USN Command Ships
See USN ORBAT (V1.0)

Command Ships
The Navy possessed five command ships in 1989. One was a fleet flagship modernization of missile cruiser Belknap (CG-26); the other four were dedicated command ships. La Salle (AGF-3) and Coronado (AGF-11) were converted LPD; Blue Ridge (LCC-19) and Mount Whitney (LCC-20) had been built as amphibious command ships.

All of these remained in service on the outbreak of war. It was planned to replace them with modified LPD-17 class ships, but none had been started on the outbreak of war.

#######################################
Ships under construction, or planned.

Command Ships
Modified San Antonio Class
- Mount McKinley (LCC-22) (To commission FY07)
- (LCC-23) (Name not yet allocated)

[Bernard Woolley]

Good chapter!

Thank you.

About that sub contact in the Gulf of Mexico. Just what side are the survivors of the Cuban Navy on, specifically the subs?

The vessels of the Cuban Navy not on the bottom, are in port waiting to see what happens. Other than one, or maybe two, Kilo class SSK. In general that (or those) sub(s) only know what information that the Raoul Government has sent them.

I admit to being a little disappointed Wisconsin didn't get to go south for the Zealand Op.

It would have been a massive Red Flag to the Soviets that 'something' was up. Remember that the amphibious ships stayed where they were, although their landing craft made their way south independently.

The drop in the numbers of tenders and repair ships in the USN as compared to the 1980s seems to be being felt.

Tenders and repair ships are not 'sexy', are they? Out of interest, when was the last example of one of those comissioned?

But the USN still ought to have some mobile drydocks that can be brought across the Atlantic.

Will take a bit of time and need to find somewhere suitable to locate them. Just thinking, a Norwegian fjord, or Scottish sea loch might work. Maybe even Scapa Flow.

Good to see that the Cuban Eastern Army is at least leaving the wider war.

As far as they are concerned, their war is over. It's time to go home.

Keep up the good work!

Will certainly do my best!

Great update.

Looks like the expansion of the civil defense is doing well.

Thank you and yes, the foundations are being laid for an expansion when National Servicemen become available.

It was nice of Russian Cuban sub to show it's id.

FIFY.

The DASH II should get a quick shake down and feed back to the mfg.

Probably being really thick here, but the 'mfg'?

Digging the trench by hand gives the student a chance to see soils up close. I'm a big fan of learning the old school way before learning the modern way.

It also highlights stuff like making sure you don't dig the trench in such a way that it fills up with water. Andersons could be built on the surface, if the ground had a high water table, or was in a location where any rain would not drain away. The Anderson Shelter was surprisingly robust, but as that picture showed, it could protect its occupants from pretty big explosions. I have spotted at least three within five minutes walk of me that are now allotment sheds!

I'm still opening Wisconsin goes guns against the Red Banner Northern Fleet.


BTW. what happened to the said fleet commanders?

Well, you never know. At least one of those fleet commanders was given a multiple lead injection.

Another good chapter as always.

Thank you. Appreciate that.

Well, he keeps on producing! BZ as usual, my friend, and so to business:

Thank you. Appreciate that.

That ASW drone might just be more useful than its predecessor from the 1960s. Maybe...

The original DASH was, as observed in the chapter, reliable in Japanese service because they actually took it seriously as a system and regarded it as a prestigious posting. If I was to come up with one word for why it failed in USN service it would be - 'Vietnam'.

. And, as a "Goodwill Gesture" on the Army Commander's behalf, anyone captured in their AO should be returned to U.S. Forces as soon as possible.

I'm sure an exchange of prisoners will be arranged soon. It's already happened between the 'Free Cuban Army' and US forces.

Good work, and get with 398!

Thanks again, and will do as soon as I can!

[jemhouston]

jemhouston wrote: ↑Sat May 23, 2026 3:59 pm
The DASH II should get a quick shake down and feed back to the mfg.
Probably being really thick here, but the 'mfg'?

MFG = manufacturing or manufacturer

[Bernard Woolley]

Ah ha!

[Lordroel]

I'm still opening Wisconsin goes guns against the Red Banner Northern Fleet.

You always can model that in Sea Power.

[Cihatari]

Great update, as always.

Just a random thought. Any special plans for chapter 400, when that comes around?

[James1978]

The drop in the numbers of tenders and repair ships in the USN as compared to the 1980s seems to be being felt.

Tenders and repair ships are not 'sexy', are they? Out of interest, when was the last example of one of those comissioned?

The last submarine tender (AS) was commissioned in 1981.
The last destroyer tender (AD) was commissioned in 1983.
The last repair ship (AR) was commissioned in 1944.

In @ 1988, the USN had 12 AS, 9 AD, and 2 AR.
In TLWverse 2005, the USN has 5 AS, 6 AD, and no AR.

It's possible some of the decommissioned tenders haven't been stricken yet and are in reserve.

But the USN still ought to have some mobile drydocks that can be brought across the Atlantic.

Will take a bit of time and need to find somewhere suitable to locate them. Just thinking, a Norwegian fjord, or Scottish sea loch might work. Maybe even Scapa Flow.

Beregn/Haakonsvern in Norway seems like a good place to set up a forward refit/repair base.
Scottish lochs also seem like a good choice. Any particular one in mind? I imagine the RN would prefer the approaches to Faslane / Holy Loch not be too congested/busy.
Somewhere in Ireland? Cobh?

[Bernard Woolley]

I think Loch Ewe might be suitable. It was used by the RN during the SWW, plus it has two Z Berths.There is also a NATO POL depot.

[James1978]

I think Loch Ewe might be suitable. It was used by the RN during the SWW, plus it has two Z Berths. There is also a NATO POL depot.

Checking it out in GoogleEarth, the geography looks right. Looks fairly spacious. One way in/out. And I like the relative isolation.

Someplace next to / near a C-130 (ideally C-17) capable airfield would be nice, but airfields in general seem a bit sparser in Scotland than in England. To my mind, that weighs in favor of Bergen or Stavanger.

To what degree is the land up there government owned? As in SeeBees can come in and build some piers, warehouses, munitions storage, etc. without too much fuss?

I guess it all depends on what we want/need - isolated protected anchorage to rearm/refit, or a forward repair/supply base like the USN had in the Pacific in WW2? The former can be had quickly with a tender or two. The latter can be done, but will take time if building mostly from scratch. Add in preference for liberty to get crews off the ships after extended periods at sea.

[Bernard Woolley]

To what degree is the land up there government owned? As in SeeBees can come in and build some piers, warehouses, munitions storage, etc. without too much fuss?

The government can use Compulsory Purchase if it needs to acquire land. In previous world wars, HMG straight up requisitioned land needed for airfields, military bases etc.

An alternative Scottish location next to an airfield would be Campbeltown. Campbeltown Loch is a good size, plus Campbeltown Airport/RAF Machrihanish has a runway 10,003 ft long.

Stornoway is also not a bad looking site. Plenty of space, an airfield nearby, but remote.

Invergordon also has a lot to recommend it. It has been used by the RN in the past as a base for large warships, it has good rail and road links, plus it is close to several good airfields. It would need less work than either Loch Ewe and Campbeltown, as it has existing port facilities. In @ the RN had berthed HMS Queen Elizabeth at Invergordon. The oil and gas industry has used Invergordon and the wider Cromarty Firth area, so it has been developed.

[vanguard]

Campbeltown has a NATO POL (petroleum, oil & lubricant) depot and was widely used by NATO ships and auxiliaries. I would assume that in this time line the X berth capability would have been retained, allowing nuclear submarines and surface ships to berth. In this time period there should be 77 beds of cottage hospital availability and certainly the berthing capability for at least four FFG/DDG.

Faslane would be a reasonable option, even if the old dry dock is not replaced in this timeline. I was involved in a study for berthing the Queen Elizabeth carriers there, but a really good mine warfare support that could have accommodated BMP (base maintenance period) for FFG/DDG.

Another interesting option would be Loch Ewe. Again a NATO POL depot and plenty of Neptune Warrior experience. Probably a couple to decent berths there and just the sort of place I would have been deployed as a FLS (Forward Logistics Site) commander in this time line. Not great for fixed wing, we supported this from STUFT helicopters

[Matt Wiser]

Whichever location is chosen, it won't be long until the Seabees show up to start doing their thing. If it's expanding an existing facility, they will build what the USN needs, and then some. If it's essentially building from scratch? They will build everything that is needed.

One thing that needs to be considered is air defense. Either expanding an existing facility or building a new one is going to be noticed by the Soviets. one way or another. And they will consider it well worth attacking. After the construction schedule, defending the installation will be on folks' minds.