SECRET UK EYES A LOCSEN
(1) As there will be no LEP, any requirement for patrol
craft over the last 6 months will necessitate additional UK
based crew members. This could be eased by reducing the
number of patrol craft or providing an alternative RN
presence in the area. Political considerations nearer the
time may dictate the requirement.
(2) There will however, come a time when the Naval Base will need to be prepared for handover, and stores and equipment backloaded or disposed of. At that point (possibly in Feb/Mar 97) the patrol craft will no longer be able to rely on shore based facilities and will almost certainly require to be replaced by another asset or supported by a Forward Repair Ship.
b. Stonecutters Naval Base. Because of the lack of LEP, all
RN supporting services will need to be reduced to the bare minimum. The Naval Base at Stonecutters will rely heavily on
UK based manpower for all support services including security, except possibly ferry services which could be contractorised.
In order to make best use of manpower on a Tri-Service basis it
makes sense that Stonecutters be earmarked as the final base.
C.
Final Withdrawal Requirement.
(1) As discussed there will be a requirement for a command
and control facility afloat once land based communications
have been removed from HQBF to cover the period prior to
departure.
(2) It is assessed that the final withdrawal should be by sea, thus negating the requirement for considerable airlift to withdraw the remaining force and the equipment it
requires.
E-7
LOCSEN
UK EYES A
SECRET