Kalistan

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Resupply vessel brings out fresh produce to Kaliburg-C Class KRS 814 in Mad Dog Ocean



4th Navy finds a home in Newport Lodamun
Port overlooking Mad Dog significantly extends Kalistan's area of operations
Newport, Berkwaki, Lodamun
May 12, 5564

Kalistan has concluded a new base leasing agreement with Lodamun to allow Kalistan to extend its naval operations theater across the entire Mad Dog Ocean and up to the Artanian Sea.  The deal, signed between the Government of Kalistan and the Government of Lodamun permits refitting and resupply from the Coast Guard Station at Newport in the western State of Berkwaki near the Likatonian frontier.

"The operational range permitted by the basing agreement provides Kalistan the opportunity to conduct regular patrols in the Mad Dog from the Karzon Strait to the outer limits of the Artanian Sea north of Keymon," said Regular Navy spokesperson Lt. Commander Maggie Kinnear.  "This will give Kalistan unprecedented surface, air and subsurface early warning capabilities that will allow us to detect, identify and track military transit from the South Ocean region as well as from Artania and Macon.  It will also dramatically enhance our defense in depth strategy that will protect Kalistan at the choke point of the Anantonese and increase our opportunities to cooperate with Lodamun, who themselves also take continental security very seriously."

The details of the deal include a direct transfer of ₭200 million annually to Lodamun for leasing costs and other matters.  "We'd also like to pursue a more formal arrangement around sharing intelligence and surveillance data with Lodamun.  We are attentive to their pursuit of OTH radar systems and what the Government of Kalistan envisions is a network of eyes and ears on all parts of the Mad Dog, so that nothing will move through that area without Kalistan and Lodamun knowing about it.  This includes Kalistan's radar sites on Ananto and in Likatonia, as well as target tracking missions in the Mad Dog conducted by the 4th Fleet, and the additions that Lodamun will hopefully contribute from their own radar and sonar assets.  We would ideally like to begin flying AWACS from an airstrip in Lodamun over the western Mad Dog, and regularly patrolling the Green Waters north of Seleya with our NH-20 helicopters." 

LtCmdr O'Donnell said Kalistan will inquire about the purchase of 3 of its Portswood-Class Amphibious Landing Platform ships to augment the 4th Fleet.  "Currently, there are no more than 5 NH-20 helicopters attached to the 4th Fleet, stationed on frigates and destroyers.  Adding several landing platform ships will greatly enhance the 4th Fleet's ability to counter submarine threats coming through the Mad Dog.  With procurement completed, and the 4th Fleet assembled, but without adjustment to the Defense Budget, we now have some additional funding secured to procure those landing platforms, if possible.  If Lodamun won't be able to either sell us three or build us three, we will begin to search for an equivalent on the open market."

The 4th Fleet is currently in the process of locating its HQ unit to Newport.  The Kalistani section will consist of permanent BEQ and BOQ for about 650 enlisted and officers, as well as a training barracks that will house 4th fleet sailors while in port.  Kalistan is renovating four barracks buildings to permit two-three enlisted BEQ rooms and two-officer BOQ rooms.  Duty to the 4th Fleet will be considered a hardship tour, and spouses will not be permitted to join members of the 4th Fleet.  Kalistan has also requisitioned space to serve as a PX, as well as other services such as a barbershop, a Mess Hall, a HQ office building, a supply warehouse and fuel depot, a BAS, and both E- and O-Clubs.  The Kalistani section will be fully within the Newport facility, and all transit in and out of port and into maintenance docks will be monitored and controlled by Lodamese Naval Authority.  Members of the 4th Fleet will be governed by Lodamese law while on base, however a SOFA will likely be signed to give Kalistani servicemembers legal rights to travel off base into town.  The use of the Newport facility will likely have a positive economic affect on the town and the State through increased demand for services.

"Lodamun is the ideal location for the 4th Fleet's HQ," said LtCmdr O'Donnell.  "If we had got basing in some other nation, we would likely not be connected to Seleyan infrastructure, meaning we wouldn't have as easy a time shipping things from Kalistan to the base, or just outright buying those things the fleet needs locally.  Plus there are a lot of follow on benefits to this arrangement which to be completely honest, we wouldn't feel comfortable offering to another country bordering the Mad Dog.  Especially any in Artania.  Lodamun was enthusiastic about the potential of working with Kalistan, and if we can support their tactical and strategic mission in the region as well as carry out our own, that is a win for everyone in this part of the world."