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The 4th Imperial Fleet; Combating the pirate menace on the eastern coast
Topic Started: Jul 7 2011, 03:01 PM (1,747 Views)
Grangale Empire
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Grand Admiral Vincent Belmont was not very fond of making these statements to the public, let alone a statement that was going to be sent to foreign nations on the western part of the continent, whom only recently the Empire was establishing relations with. But as the commander of the Navy he felt this matter needed to be personally addressed by him.

For as long as the Empire has stood, piracy along the eastern coast has been a problem. Many nations to the south of Grangale such as Trans-Orient and Punjab have had weak and unstable governments, unable to prevent pirates from operating from their shores. In fact, the province of Ikaruga to the south and the colony of Nanking were taken in an expanded anti-piracy operation centuries ago. It also didn't help matters that both governments were less than willing to cooperate, even though the pirates were attacking their own citizens as well.

Three days ago a Grangaleian cruise liner was assaulted and hi-jacked by pirates. The ship had been taken somewhere along Trans-Orient's coast. The Navy was now using satellites to locate the ship and determine the details of a rescue operation. To make matters more complicated, today the Emperor was to appear at an international summit in Vienna. The first of such summits the Empire was participating in since foreign policy had been changed to include involvement in the west of the continent. The Emperor and the Council knew what this could mean for the region. If good relations were established it may result in increased trade and tourism to the region, meaning this piracy issues needed to be addressed to make the seas safe.

Belmont took is place on the podium, the lights were on him for only seconds before he felt the moisture of sweat beneath his cap. This speech wasn't just for the Empire's citizens, but also to serve as a “heads up” to the rest of the world, that the seas around Grangale was not the safest. But most importantly, that they were doing something about it. Thankfully someone was thoughtful enough to leave a glass of ice water on the podium. Belmont took a sip before he spoke:

“Greetings all. I am Grand Admiral Vincent Belmont, commander of the Imperial Navy. As you may know, three days ago the cruise liner Celebration has been hijacked by pirates and are demanding a high ransom. I am sure you are all thinking 'what has the Navy been doing?' I assure you we are not denying this problem nor are we ignoring it. In response to this, we have reformed the 4th Imperial Fleet around the new helicopter destroyer (Hyuga-class) GIS Venator for the specific mission of hunting down these pirates.

While I cannot go into details here, the 4th Fleet will be patrolling the shores of the eastern coast to hunt down these pirates and eliminate their bases. I have placed Commodore Iskander Ramius in command of the 4th Fleet. He is one of our most talented commanders and one I have great faith and confidence in.”

Belmont stepped back and away from the podium while gesturing to another officer who was off camera.

“Greetings. I am Commodore Iskander Ramius, commander of the 4th Imperial Fleet. I am sure many of you are worried about your loved ones who have been taken hostage, I know words will not be enough to put you at ease, however I assure you my fleet will be doing everything it can to find and rescue them. To those in the west who may be worried about venturing to the region, while I do warn that the seas around the Empire are not the safest, the 4th Fleet will make the seas safe.” Ramius stepped back bowed and walked off camera.
As Ramius walked towards the back stage area, Belmont approached him. The Admiral walked along side Ramius and leaned over so only the Commodore could hear him and spoke:

“I just received word, the pirates have hijacked another merchant ship, last transmission was off the coast of Ikaruga (the Empire's southern most province). I don't know if the Emperor will bring this matter up during the summit, I doubt he will actually, so for now you are all we have, the Empire is depending on you. You'd best get going, good hunting...”
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4th Imperial Fleet composition
Flagship: GIS Venator (Hyuga-class)
4x Sovermenny-class (GIS Guardian, GIS Victory, GIS Acclimator, GIS Imperator)
2x Abukuma-class (GIS Saber, GIS Scimitar)
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"Hey boss, they're showing the Emperor's procession now." Captain Jintao, the Venator's XO said, looking up from a crowd of officers gathered around the TV in the Officer's Lounge, as Ramius entered.

Several of the officers were watching the procession, and Ramius walk up to the crowed. "Ha look at this guy!" Ramius commented as the camera showed Emperor Julii catching a young photographer's eye and winking at her.

The Venator was sailing towards the coast, just south of Ikaruga where the merchant ship reported it's last location. The Venator was accompanied by the Saber and the Scimitar while the Guardian, Victory, Acclimator and Imperator were scattered along the main shipping lines using their Ka-27 helicopters to extend their surveillance range and allow them to keep their distance from the merchant ships in the area, in an attempt to catch any pirates who thought they found a juicy target. Meanwhile, Ramius ordered the Venator to cruise along the coast with her SH-60Js investigating any areas where a boat could hide. For her anti-piracy mission the Venator also carried three AH-1 Super Cobra gunships, along with several platoons of Army infantry and a special forces fireteam in case boots were needed on the ground.

Ramius figured that local governments might be pissed about that, but the fact of the matter was, they couldn't handle the problem, or worse yet were complicit in it. The Empire simply wasn't going to sit there and do nothing about the problem. Ramius studied the locations where ships went missing, especially the last location the Celebration reported. This bothered him, it was rather far from the coast, meaning that a larger ship have to have been involved...




Note: Other nations are welcome to get involved, perhaps having some citizens captured by pirates.
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Press conference by the Minster of Defense of the Republic of the Seven United Provinces
~ Concerning pirate base on Dutch territory

We have discovered a large pirate base on the island of Nova Zembla. The island belongs to the territory of the Seven United Provinces but is not inhabited.
We think the pirates to come from the Grangale city of Schwannburg, from where they fled for the Grangale navy.
At this moment we can not give you any more details on the camp but that it is huge. It looks more like a city than a camp.

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"Hey boss are you hearing this?" Jintao asked as he ordered the Venator's radio operator to turn the volume up on the broadcast.

"...large pirate base on the island of Nova Zembia..."

Ramius chewed on this bit of information for a bit, there weren't many pirate attacks to the north, The 3rd Fleet is based up there in Ragnar Naval Base, that's a hornet's nest they don't want to stir up. Ragnar Naval Base was a major Imperial Navy based on the northern edge of the Empire, on the peninsula that jutted out into the ocean. The 3rd Fleet was assigned to protect the northern Empire and its flagship was the Admiral Kusnetsov-class carrier GIS Brynhildr. The 3rd Fleet packed a lot of fire power and could level a coastal city in minutes. He went back to the map looking at where the Celebration disappeared off the coast of Trans-Orient.

"Hey Jintao, I've got two main theories about this. OK first is that the pirate's main base is up there, but they maintain several "forward bases" down here. They don't want to operate up there since it'll be too easy for the 3rd Fleet to notice them, find them and lay the smack down on them. Yes it is kind of far to operate, but that leads me to something I've been chewing on lately. You see how far from shore these merchant ships were captured from? My guess is that they're using some of the ships they've captured for long range operations, and using these ships also as a disguise are able to slip past the patrol squadrons from the other fleets. After all they're not on a search and destroy mission like we are, so they probably just see a cargo ship and think nothing of it."

"Makes sense, what's the other theory?" The XO asked, still looking down at the map.

"Theory two is that, that large base is kind of like a swap-meet for all these different groups. Not a base per se, but more like a pirate trading post. If theory two is correct, just bombing the place won't make a difference to the groups operating here. Worse case scenario they figure we're on to them and go silent for awhile and set up shop else where. Who's at the northern most point of the surveillance zone... ah here you are..." Ramius pointed to the glowing icon on the map representing the GIS Imperator. "Have Captain Hambarzumjian keep tabs on all merchant ships traveling the area, but take no hostile action yet. Also send a special request to the IIS (Imperial Intelligence Service) and have one of their satellites take a look at that island."

"You got it sir." Jintao replied as he went to comply with his commander's orders.

The Celebration herself must still be around here, a cruise liner would draw too much attention right now. The hostages on the other hand... While pondering the ifs, a dark thought crossed his mind. If they moved the hostages to that island and it is indeed a pirate swapmeet, thats A LOT of money to be made trafficking those people.

"Hey XO, tell those bums at IIS to put some guys on the ground on that island, we need eyes, ears and a noses over there, specifically to watch for any spikes in human trafficking." Ramius shouted from across the bridge.

"You got boss." Jintao shouted back.
Edited by Grangale Empire, Jul 9 2011, 12:09 PM.
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Admiral Farenheights listened to press conference from the SUP on the radio in his office and thought for a moment. They're going to come bugging me for help eventually... He ordered the captains of the 3rd Fleet's submarines to assemble at the base's ready room.

"I'm sure some of you have heard the news about a large pirate outpost on Nova Zembla. Naturally it will be dealt with eventually and it's a safe bet the 4th Fleet will later ask for our support. That said I want you to form a survallance network around the island, keep your distance and don't stray into SUP territorial waters, and don't take any hostile actions yet. You are to serve as eyes and ears and monitor as many ships in the area as possible. Above all remain undetected. You are more versed in submarine tactics than I am, so I'll leave it to you to fomulate a plan, I'd like the plan delivered to my office by 20:00. That is all."
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Press statement by Georg Neudorffer, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Republic of Neoplanta:
"We take these news from the far east with mixed feelings. Firstly, we are most disturbed to hear that piracy has such horribly prospered in Grangale; our hopes are with the passengers and crew of the hijacked ships. Secondly, we are glad to see that the Government of the Empire of Grangale has taken firm steps to combat this situation. The rule of law must be enforced even in international waters, to that there must be no doubt. Also, it is our great grief that we are practically unable to assist Grangale in this worthy enterprise, as our navies lay so very distant from their shores. However, if there is some other way in which you believe we could be to your assistance in fighting this plague of lawlessness at the high seas, let us know, and we shall take it into consideration."
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Warning from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of the Seven United Provinces
~ Unknown movement in Dutch and international waters


CLASSIFIED

Patrols of the second fleet of the Royal Dutch Navy have observed extensive unknown movement as is shown is the included map. The Navy has not approached these vessels yet for gathering intel is the preliminary goal at this moment. Within three days 8 ships have left the recently discovered camp, and over 15 have arrived, all of them at night. Movement is seen in multiple directions. The Royal Dutch Army has not left the area which is indicated by the black lines to prevent trespassing on other nations territory.

Posted Image

CLASSIFIED

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Commodore Ramius was not exactly happy to leave the GIS Venator in the middle of the operation, but he had been called to Ragnar Naval Base by Admiral Farenheights who said he had something urgent to discuss. Captain Tseng Jintao was a competent captain in his own right, and Ramius felt safe leaving the ship and the mission in his hands.

Ramius had taken one of the Venator's helicopters to Ikaruga and from there taken a military VIP aircraft to Ragnar. Upon arrival a lieutenant met him at the tarmac and took him to the briefing room where the Admiral was waiting.

Admiral Farenheights was looking over at the map in front of him when the door to the briefing room opened. "Commodore Iskander Ramius, reporting." Farenheights looked up and returned the salute, "Good you're here, I have some information that may be related to your mission. I read your report from earlier concerning Nova Zembia, I deployed the 3rd Fleet's submarine squadron to circle the island and monitor traffic in the area. A lot of ships have been coming and going. One of our subs made contact with a Dutch patrol fleet, all unofficial and off the record of course, the commander of the Dutch fleet said they also noticed a lot of traffic coming in and out lately-"

Farenheights was interrupted by the door opening. "Sir, urgent dispatch for Commodore Ramius from the IIS."

"Good, I was waiting for this..." Ramius said as he took the envelope. Inside was a report from the IIS from the agents that had infiltrated the island. "Well looks like my second over all theory is correct." Ramius said as he handed one page over to the Admiral while he read more of the report.

Farenheights skimmed though the report. The agents reported that the island had indeed become some kind of pirate and black market trade outpost. Illicit drugs, weapons, human trafficking. "It's a goddamned underworld swap-meet."

"Aaaand the other theory about the long range raids I had was dead on too. Pirates operating in the Trans-Orient have been using some captured merchant ships as motherships to attack other ships far from the coast. Which is likely that's how they got the Celebration. Ramius said, handing over the other page of the report to Farenheights.

Ramius read the last page of the report and Farenheights notice his expression darken. "What is it...?"

"They found some of the Celebration's passengers... The agents found, well I guess you can call it an inventory file, some of the passengers were taken here, mostly women, and a few have already been auctioned off..." It was the thing that Ramius had dreaded most, though there was still a sliver lining, the report also included names and information on the parties that had purchased the hostages. A few were in Grangale, some in Pekhora, and several from the SUP. The report ended stated that the agents were continuing their investigation and further information would be sent to Ramius. Ramius looked over at the lieutenant who brought the report, "these list of people here, in Grangale, send it to the proper law enforcement official in Schwannburg, with a message that the 4th Fleet has reason to believe that they are in possession of hostages taken from the Celebration."

"Yes sir." the junior officer replied.

"Admiral, I'd like to ask if you could send a dispatch to the SUP, no sense in keeping information from them regarding this."

"I'll send it out once I get the Council's approval." The other replied.

Just the doors flung open and another lieutenant entered. "My apologies sirs, urgent message for Commodore Iskander from Captain Jintao," she said. After the senior officers returned her salute she approached Ramius with another envelope.

"Someone's popular these days." Farenheights quipped as Ramius read the report.

Commodore Iskander Ramius

The Victory has been tailing a cargo ship that had deviated from the usual shipping lanes. We began shadowing the ship and it eventually lead us to a cove, where we uncovered a cave large enough for a ship to fit in. Sent the Victory further south into Punjab waters, and uncovered another cave hidden in a fjord. Observed smaller merchant ship departing, heading north, order edthe Saber to shadow the vessel and remain just over the horizon out of radar and visual.

Captain Tseng Jintao


"Looks like we found two of their operations bases. Admiral I suggest that legitimate traffic be given ID codes upon traveling the eastern coasts. Pirates have been using the captured merchant ships as camouflage."

"I will forward this information to Grand Admiral Belmont." Farenheights stated. "Looks like you'd better get back to your fleet commodore."
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Dispatch to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of the Seven United Provinces

TO: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of the Seven United Provinces
FROM: Grand Admiral Vincent Belmont, Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Navy of the Grangale Empire
SUBJECT: Regarding Nova Zembia

For the Seven United Provinces' government's eyes only.

As you are aware, we have dispatched our 4th Imperial Fleet to directly combat the pirates that have been menacing the east coast. We have conducted a recon of Nova Zembia and feel it is it of importance to inform your government of our findings.

* The "settlement" there appears to be a sort of underworld trading post where pirates from across the region gather to exchange their "goods" and to put them on the black market. Such goods include illegal drugs, weapons, bootleg goods, and slaves.

* Several of the passengers from the missing cruise liner Celebration were found on the island and have been auctioned off. I have included an attachment with list of buyers in the SUP.

* The pirates are using captured merchant ships both to camouflage their movements, and as motherships to conduct long range raids far from shore. It is unknown at this time whether or not these ships have been armed, we advise you to approach them with caution.

We are continuing our investigations on the island and will share all pertinent information with your government.
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