The NS is celebrating the entry into service of the first of forty Protector 57A patrol ships which will largely replace the rapidly ageing legacy light patrol fleet. 057-101 Protector has passed it's final new type trial and has been assigned with a crew. It will begin patrols by September following working up training.
This wasn't the only new patrol ship, two Okra 86L have also been completed. These are Coril shuttles modified for local patrol duties. 086-301 Okra and 086-302 Oregano will also begin patrol duties soon.
As a sign of the urgency Deterrence 53A 053-109 Marsworth has been withdrawn following serious cracks found in it's main load bearers.
Finally 076-109 Zachery is the latest Zephyr 76A oiler to join the fleet.
