P 64

[Dohville]

P64 Was commissioned last week, In Waterford port, under horrible weather conditions.
https://www.defence.ie/press/press-r...george-bernard
Thus ends the OPV replacement program.
Next up, A large vessel which will be capable of operating helicopters, and carrying mission specific cargo, to replace the last ship built in the Republic of Ireland, L.E. Eithne.
It will be similar in function to the RNZNS Canterbury, but unlike that vessel not based on a Ferry design.

[Dohville]

Thursday Morning. Soon after she was off at full welly (24Kn) accross the Irish Sea, arriving at cork Harbour at about 1900hrs.
In coming weeks her main armament will be fitted. Her workups should take a year at least, befre she could be called fully operational.

[Norman Hardaker]

Le George Bernard Shaw

Do you know when the Navy accepted her have not been able to track due eye operation having trouble even writing this .

[Dohville]

P64 Just approaching the Cork Coast. And so the Appledore episode ends, for now. Six fine ships, better than anything seen before in terms of crew comfort. The RN followed their lead. No more mess decks. No more sharing a cabin with 20 others.

[Norman Hardaker]

Le George Bernard Shaw

She left yesterday morning at 06.05 hrs presently anchored of Ilfracombe lets hope everything ok this time no photies will keep an eye on the situation.

[Dohville]

Thank you. Her ais was powered down until late last week.
I see there are fears for the future of Babcock's Appledore yard,(again) now that work on this ship has completed, and there are no further orders on their books, as they failed to secure contracts for a Maltese OPV order.
The only hope now is that Babcock will be successful in the Type 31e project. In the meantime, Appledore workers are commuting to Devonport for work.

[Norman Hardaker]

Le George Bernard Shaw

Have heard the vessel will be leaving Appledore again on pm tide 8th.

[Norman Hardaker]

Le George Bernard Shaw

Arrived back yesterday evening a few photies attached

[Dohville]

Depends on whether she is flying a Red Duster from the stern or not.

[Norman Hardaker]

LE George Bernard Shaw

She sailed yesterday evening about 18.00 hrs don't know if she is coming back or proceeding direct to be home base.:boring:

[Dohville]

George Bernard Shaw just departed Appledore on acceptance trials.

[Norman Hardaker]

LE GEORGE BERNARD sHAW

Have heard vessel will be sailing again on next spring tide period on the 23rs after having her gearbox replaced.

[Norman Hardaker]

LE George Bernard Shaw

Have heard she may be going on 2 nd trial tomorrow but not confirmed,

[Dohville]

I'm hearing Acceptance trials penned for 23rd Sept or thereabouts, when Spring tides are due.

[Norman Hardaker]

P.64

Have not had any news but understand she may have had gearbox trouble on first trials everybody being very quiet.when the next trials taking place.