Wives' anger as Libya sailors denied allowance
FAMILIES of Plymouth servicemen have slammed the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for refusing to offer city sailors stationed off war-torn Libya an operational allowance.
Despite the fact that HMS Ocean's crew are 'operational' they have been told they will not receive the usual allowance because they are just outside the 12-mile zone.
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Marie Winnall, whose husband is serving onboard the helicopter carrier, claimed morale was very low onboard and personnel were working tirelessly.
She added: "We are fuming. It's not about the money – it is the principle that they are not going to be given the allowance because they are just outside the zone. An aircraft carrier can't really get any closer and they are being denied this money on a technicality.
"From the first week of June we were given free postage to the ship and communications were cut-off whilst the Apaches were doing air strikes – all of which says the ship is operational. We also had a letter from the captain to say they were operational and operating under Operation Ellamy."
The Navy personnel onboard the Plymouth-based warship were due home on June 15. However, because of Operation Ellamy – part of the ongoing NATO mission in the country – they have stayed put.
Mrs Winnall, who has two children with her husband and a third due in seven weeks, added: "My husband emailed me this morning to say he is definitely not getting the allowance and the only people onboard getting it were the pilots.
"The way we see it is that if they are not operational bring them home."
Helen Loomes, from Plympton, whose partner is also serving onboard HMS Ocean, said the exclusion zone was unfair.
She explained: "It's extremely unfair because it's not danger money, it's operational money and they are on operations. If there is no danger at all, why have the under 18s been flown off the ship? – under 18s are not allowed on the frontline. Why have the communications gone down? Because they are operational.
"If they were anchored off Spain and the Apaches were flying from there maybe we could understand but they're not, they are off the coast of Libya.
"It's not about the money, it's about the principle of it. They can't give us a date for when they are coming home – it's just insult on top of injury. All the wives and girlfriends have been comparing notes and the entire ship I believe is cheesed off."
The Ministry of Defence said the operational allowance was only given when the individual was either in a dangerous place where they are at risk of injury or where they are living in difficult conditions.
The spokesman explained: "Operational Allowance is governed by a system of assessing the risk and rigour of serving in a specified location.
"The allowance is not paid to those whose deployment represents no increase in threat, or whose living conditions are not made arduous by their deployment."
Mrs Winnall added: "If the MoD actually bothered to listen to the lads onboard they would know they are having a really difficult time. I believe they are all miserable."
Comment – Page 10
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by nothappy7610
Thursday, July 21 2011, 11:08AM
“Wow i feel told off il withdraw my comment obviously going to the papers have really helped your cause everyone really seems behind the moaning wives from ocean who want more money but dont want it cause its about the principle! Scooby doo is less confused than you!!!”
by gixxergirl
Thursday, July 21 2011, 9:27AM
“not happy" It would have been p town but sadly this matter wasnt dealt with at a mod level" - and you know for a fact nothappy that other avenues and routes weren't explored first?? No I didn't think so!”
by crazypenguin
Thursday, July 21 2011, 9:20AM
“p_town its called freedom of speech mate, and if you can find a way for thisisplymouth to identify what you do for a living and your family connections before it lets you post go right ahead. I aggree though this article has turned into mudslinging a bit. mainly between the 2 service wives below.”
by Mlifeboat
Thursday, July 21 2011, 8:53AM
“For crying out loud, can we move on with this story and stop the total bickering that this thread has evolved into?
Put it to bed and let it rest for ****s sake!
It has gone complete circle at least 3 times!!!”
by nothappy7610
Thursday, July 21 2011, 7:13AM
“It would have been p town but sadly this matter wasnt dealt with at a mod level these people brought it into a public forum so now face the public ironic really!
Shouldnt have gone to the papers”
by P_Town
Wednesday, July 20 2011, 9:25PM
“If only the comment facility for this story was reserved for family members of RN and RAF personnel currently serving on HMS Ocean ONLY. The thread has descended into ridiculous mud slinging by people who clearly have no idea what's going on. It's embarrassing.”
by myopinion4u
Wednesday, July 20 2011, 7:56PM
“Good idea nothappy, BUT I'm guessing they won't or wouldn't”
by nothappy7610
Wednesday, July 20 2011, 6:46PM
“Well if its not about the money gixxergirl im hoping if they do get the oa your fella and all the others moaning donate it all to a service charity as its only the principle!”
by gixxergirl
Wednesday, July 20 2011, 5:05PM
“i know crazy penguin and agreed! - it's pitiful when the original story wasn't suppose to be specific to any one particular job or force - of course there are more dangerous jobs than others but they can't be compared because they are simply not comparable! not sure how this thread has become so nasty and personal - a large number of people feel right now the forces (all of them) are getting a rubbish deal from the government regarding the Libya situation (and other situations of course). as a civvy myself i also happen to think i'm getting a rubbish deal from my government but hey ho, it's par for the course. it's just a shame when someone sticks their head above the sand to actually say they think it's rubbish, it gets shot down by the same people that are also getting a rubbish deal. the beauty of free speech is we have the right to disagree or agree as we see fit, it's just a shame it's got so rude and personal. there has been NO security breach, the 12 mile/13 mile was an example the media published to try and show joe public the small technicality the government are hiding behind. there have been no dates mentioned because we have been given none and NO ONE is in any trouble. and in the unlikely event that oa is actually paid to any force/ship that does not want it or is offended by it then i'm sure there are plenty of charities out there that would be grateful of a donation, or as someone has kindly mentioned, i'm sure some serviceman somewhere would be grateful of some new kit/equipment.”
by crazypenguin
Wednesday, July 20 2011, 4:29PM
“do you know how funny you two sound? your like children......oooh my husbands in more danger then your husband....get a grip ladies your embarrassing yourselves.”