Kalistani Major History

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Dulnerstaad Naval Center nearing completion
Multiyear project enters its final phases
Dulnerstaad, Ananto
December 12, 4766


Dulnerstaad Naval Center puts final touches on Mainside

The naval construction at Dulnerstaad is well into its final phases, as the base plans an official opening in February of next year.  Construction engineers have been working  since 4759 on the project, which included the arduous task of deepening the ancient port, constructing new jetties and seawalls, and drilling pylon foundations for the base's more than 100 buildings and structures.  The town has already seen a boom in population ahead of the planned opening, with large scale Lourennaise immigration as well as movement from other parts of Kalistan to this formerly sleepy corner of Ananto.  The Dulnerstaad Naval Center is expected to host a visiting Lourennaise fleet, as well as a new Kalistani Fleet charged with patrol on the Northern Limit.

"Well, the changes have been noticeable," said local fisherman Lucius Filbert, in a thick local bough.  "We expected that the activity would affect the fishery nearby and it sure has, but luckily, our new fishing port up the coast there allows us to capitalize on that change."  When asked if the development of the new base and the influx of new people has affected the culture of the area, Filbert was less sure.  "I suppose.  The Lourennes who come up tend to like their houses just so and such.  The town really has grown to accommodate them and we welcome them, but they are still probably a little weird around us."

For the base's part, it will house hundreds of active duty sailors, from two navies.  Acting Naval Viceminister Donna Hernandez said, "It was not so much of a challenge to build quarters to Lourenne's specifications.  Seems naval men and women worldwide understand what a BEQ is.  But when we put contracts out for food vendors last year, there were several which cater to the Lourennaise cuisine who successfully competed with Kalistani sellers, and to compromise, we had to add a food court addition to the PX, so we could cater to the differing tastes."

The base features dozens of barracks buildings, mostly in the Kalistani section.  "We designated an area of the base as the International Quarter," said Hernandez, "so that the people we host can conduct their own affairs according to their own customs.  Naturally, there is not effort on base to prevent fraternization between Kalistani regulars and visiting foreign troops, and the gates will be staffed by MPs of both the Kalistani Regular force as well as visiting nations, to prevent any miscommunication or delay.  But for the most part, we've created more or less a mini command HQ zone for foreign navies to occupy and conduct all their own affairs without Kalistani interference and vice versa, with official liaison offices for all nations to use while in port."

Importantly, the base does not feature any aircraft facilities.  "If a navy wishes to bring aircraft here, they have to do so onboard a carrier.  This base is designed to specialize in naval warfare specifically, but we are close enough to air strips so that naval air can fly in and out of there to do combined arms exercises."  The base also does not include a maneuver area for Marine activity, though a strip of coast to Dulnerstaad's east has been obtained for naval gunfure to be used in conjunction with the base.  "The Gunrange, renamed Mount Edwards Naval Gunfire range, features a small bivouac area and spotting/FO facilities, as well as a variety of terrains.  There is no civilian infrastructure in that area, and the environmental impact of its location will be minimal."

The base features refueling and refitting facilities, a drydock facility for repairs, several sub pens, and harbors for ships of varying sizes and displacement, from coast patrol cutters to aircraft carriers.  "The blue ocean facilities and the sharp continental shelf drop off in the area have made this an ideal spot for this base," added Hernandez.

The Minister of Defense, Honarario Sanchez, is expected to be on hand for official opening in January.  There is no timeline for the arrival of the first ships, but personnel from Kalistan's 1st Fleet have already taken up residence in the Base and in the community.