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Article: Navy turns to civilians as resources run dry ; The Falklands are to be left without a warship for the first time since the Argentine invasion as the Royal Navy no longer has enough ships.
- Article from:
- Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK)
- Article date:
- December 8, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2008 Western Morning News, The Plymouth (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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The Falklands are to be left without a warship for the first time
since the Argentine invasion as the Royal Navy no longer has enough
ships.
The overstretched Royal Navy has been forced to redirect HMS
Northumberland, which was headed to the South Atlantic. Instead, the
Plymouth-based frigate will take part in the European Union counter-
piracy mission off the coast of east Africa.
Patrolling the Falklands will be a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA)
vessel not equipped for offensive combat.
The size of the British fleet has diminished significantly over
the last 10 years. The Royal Navy has 22 frigates compared to 65 in
1982.
Further shortfalls are likely following the recent announcement
that ...