There's lots of moving pieces in regards to infrastructure or lack there of in Halifax and Esquimalt. I'll speak mostly to Halifax but needless to say space is limited in Esquimalt with any potential expansion would be fought tooth and nail by the locals if it spoiled their view.
The breakdown of what we're getting or think we're talked about here continuously but realistically what do we really know? We have to make some assumptions. So fair to say we're getting a JSS for each coast. In Halifax the JSS will probably be berthed at NB, specifically built for JSS. As it stands Asterix will be returned to federal fleet and the extra two JSS is just a pie in the sky. If we did keep Asterix or JSS considering their size they probably be berthed at a civilian terminal and possibly with civilian workers. I know extra JSS would be beneficial, I just can't see it given our numbers of personnel or funding levels.
The Halifax Class we got and whatever RCD we build. Lets assume 15 ships and we won't go about 12 operational for many years. The RCD are much larger than the Halifax class so that's a consideration, shore power and shore connections may need to be updated. In fact at least in Halifax all the infrastructure on the existing jetties need to be refreshed, including new cranes. Our lift right now can't take an AOPV, JSS or RCD. Even the Halifax class can only go up on the lift at certain times of the month. We've always had nesting in Halifax and Esquimalt so its not a new concept however a pain in the ass doing cold moves.
Possibly 12 submarines divided 2 coasts , so say 6 a coast. I honestly can't see the GOC having a separate base. Can 6 subs fit at NC, the traditional location of sub squadron where the subs are based now?, they could and talking to actual submariners they probably will be be based there.
4 AOPV . 2 to the new jetty down by MARLANT and 2 next door at the old tanker jetty.
New corvettes no one knows how many we're getting. Significantly doubt we'll be getting 12, 6 or 8 perhaps. Where do we shoehorn those. Have we considered space to store paid off ships? We generally don't send the ships to the breakers right away. As well we would need space for visiting warships and possibly a offshore dive ship for submarine support, critical infrastructure inspection or support ship. Wow that's a lot of ships we may potentially need to berth. Imagine if we had the Mistrial.
So if I was to make a guess., we'll see NAD and possibly over at the CCG base developed and dredged to support the corvettes and whatever else we decided to base there along with the DND CCG assets.
I think we'll see infrastructure renewal with possibly the sub shed being enlarged to accommodate any new submarines. and perhaps a reconfiguration of the jetties, possibly with some finger jetties to make more room. Can't see anything being built at Shearwater although probably a good site for a submarine rescue ship to be based.
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