Kalistan

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Kalistani Marine Units oversee Base Transfer in Gaduridos
Bentasur Naval Base, former home of Lourennais 4th Fleet, handed to Anantonese Empire
Bentasur, Duchy of Manzamal
January 4, 5583


Kalistani Marines stand in Formation at start of Retreat of Colors in Bentasur

A rare Military ceremony took place this week at Bentasur, Duchy of Manzamal, Kingdom of Gaduridos as the Flag of The United Kingdom of Lourenne was lowered and returned with full honors to representatives of the Canrillais Imperial 4th Fleet.  The Base was officially transferred to administration by the Anantonese Imperial Regular Navy, ending an 80 year long presence by the Lourennais Navy.  The Kingdom of Gaduridos agreed to the transfer to Imperial Administration as part of new focuses on the Central Anantonese Ocean.

"Devolvemos los colores del Reino Unido de Lourenne a sus legítimos dueños, con todos los honores, y agradecemos al Reino Unido de Lourenne por su administración pacífica y cuidadosa de esta base naval", said Her Imperial Majesty's Viceroy, Her Excellency, Lady Magdalena Sarmiento to the retiring Lourennais Base Commander and Admiral of the Lourennais 4th Fleet. "El Imperio y el Reino de Lourenne siguen siendo amigos y en paz entre sí, y daremos la bienvenida a nuestros amigos aquí y en todo el Imperio, para siempre."  Lady Sarmiento represented Her Imperial Majesty at the hand over, and delivered a short speech before the ceremony began that primarily had good things to say about the Lourennais Navy.

Following the Viceroy's Speech, The Lourennais National Anthem played on the base for the last time, as all uniformed military personnel in attendance, Lourennais, Gaduri and Kalistani saluted.  The Kalistani Marine lowered the Flag of the United Kingdom, folded it ceremonially, and presented it with a full salute to the Lourennais Admiral, who received the Colors and returned to his formation.  The Marine Color Guard then unfurled the Flag of the Anantonese Empire, attached it to the lanyard and raised it, followed by the Flag of the Kingdom of Gaduridos.  As new banners rose up the flag pole, the Anantonese Imperial Anthem was performed by the band, and once more all military personnel present saluted, while civilians stood in reverent attention.  As the base transfer ceremony took place at sunset, as soon as the Flags were at the top of the pole, the band played "Evening Colors" and the colors were lowered for the evening.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KH7YLOU_mo]
Evening Colors plays following Base Transfer Ceremony in Bentasur

The base transfer signals Kalistan's expansion into naval operations in the Central Anantonese.  It had previously been conducting submarine patrols as far south as Marlingantos, however with the acquisition of the Bentasur Naval Base, the Imperial Navy will now be able to extend its reach to the shores of Indrala.  As a player in the Central Anantonese, it is possible that the Empire will come into contact with Tukarali, Aldegar and Mordusia in the Anantonese as well.  Currently, the base will host forward elements of the 3rd Fleet, but it is entirely likely that at some point in the near future, Kalistani assets will shift south, so the entire 3rd Fleet will be based in Bentasur, while the 2nd Fleet departs Port Swedes for Yoshimi.  This may open Port Swedes up for other countries to begin utilizing the facilities, giving the Empire some flexibility and opportunities for increased international cooperation in the Northern Anantonese.

Also expected at Bentasur is a request for refueling and refitting privileges from the Commonwealth of Lodamun, who is itself currently expanding its patrols into the Anantonese.  "This will provide more training opportunities for the Anantonese Security Community in the Central Anantonese Ocean," said Navy Lieutenant Allen Conway.  "Kaliburg is beginning to take orders from Lodamun to build naval vessels as it aggrandizes its fleet, and we stand ready to continue to cooperate with Lodamun going forward.  The Kalistani-Gaduri-Lodamese-Lourenne partnership remains strong in the region, and all opportunities to work with Lodamun or Lourenne will be taken."

For now, the Lourennais 4th Fleet will begin closing down operations and returning to Lourenne, possibly to be decommissioned, though the exact fate of that fleet is unclear.  At any rate, the Viceroy said she is expecting a drop dead date of March 31, 5583, for full Lourennais withdraw.  "Deseamos que esta retirada de Bentasur sea ordenada y completa," said Her Excellency, the Viceroy.  "Las oficinas administrativas serán lo primero que ocuparán las unidades navales de Kalistani, que comenzarán a llegar en gran número a partir de abril. Instalarán la infraestructura imperial, incluidas las oficinas para los enlaces de Gaduri. Elementos de la Tercera Flota comenzarán a llegar a Bentasur en julio. Entendemos que durante el primer año serviremos principalmente como base de submarinos de Kalistani y como puerto de reabastecimiento y reacondicionamiento para las unidades de ASC que transiten por la zona."

The Imperial Government has agreed to transfer a sum of ₭6 Billion a year for base upkeep and maintenance costs, but that cost can be renegotiated as time passes.  If Lodamun or Lourenne intend to use the base on a permanent basis, they will be asked to contribute to the maintenance fund for the base.