Kalistan

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Emperor obtains Resignation of Defense Minister Miller
Also Replaces Naval Chief in response to Artanian Sea Conflict
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 7, 5611


Flag at Half Mast in August in honor of 4th Fleet

As the Artanian War drags on with no end in sight, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto has required and accepted the resignation of long serving Defense Minister Admiral Jessica Miller, as well as Navy Chief Admiral Jack Robb.  Both individuals were offered retirement out of respect for their long service with the Kalistani Regular Navy, and the sacking was reportedly "regrettable," said sources close to the Imperial Government.  More resignations are expected in the coming months.

"After such a crushing blow to Kalistani Naval Power, it became impossible for the top brass to keep their jobs," said the unnamed source who was adjacent to the discussions around the Staff.  "His Imperial Majesty said he felt it was necessary for the Regular Navy to re-evaluate its posture in light of the loss of the primary front line Fleet, and fresh eyes were needed for new perspective."

Along with the retiring Admirals, several of the top men and women at the Naval Planning station have also lost their jobs, as the tactical details are slowly being released about the battle.  While the Battle was technically a win for Kalistan, the losses in the campaign are "unacceptable" according to the source, and analysts lay that on a number of issues including the engagement before the 1st Fleet, or any other nations in the area could effectively support.  "The narrative that is starting to trickle for analysts is that the Fourth Fleet could have waited an additional month and would have likely had a far better outcome, but rushing into battle, with no air, with a smaller surface fleet, was likely a mistake."

The one silver lining in the whole scenario was that, given how naval fires reportedly occurred, the accident that the 1st Fleet was out of supporting range for most of the campaign is likely what saved it.  The 1st Fleet suffered only minimal damage from the remnants of a badly wounded but still deadly Kundrati Fleet, "but had the 1st Fleet been brought up in time for the battle against the main body, which had suffered FAR fewer casualties than was planned for, it too would likely be at the bottom of the Sea."

Admiral Miller will be replaced by Naval Lt. Commander Henry Reals, who will serve in an acting role until a new Defense Minister can be named, and the Navy Chief of Staff will be Rear Admiral Catherine Jimenez, who currently commands a battle Group with the Third Fleet in Gaduridos.  Rear Admiral Jimenez will be the permanent replacement for Admiral Robb, and will oversee the beginning of a new Naval Procurement program in both Kaliburg, and at Puerto Gaduri, in Ciudad de Gaduri Marlingantos, to start reinforcing the 1st Fleet, which is currently refitting in Lodamun.  Meanwhile, the 2nd Fleet will maintain its position east of the Karzon Strait in the Anantonese Ocean, and it is likely that the 1st Fleet will take up a defensive position in the Mad Dog, where the 4th Fleet had previously operated.