A Thames tourist boat was our transport link of choice, and lucky ones got to sit outside, and the rest of us inside to try and photograph the ship through dirty glass.
Rather nicely I thought, the boat took the long way around the steel monster, but then had difficulty mooring up next to it on the other side. Not sure what the problem was with the mooring point, but a pair of pliers wielded by one of the officers seemed to fix the problem. Up the traditionally very steep folding steps. There had been a warning before that those who prefer lifts and escalators might find a warship less than friendly. And into a small hanger space with an alluring ramp up to the main deck, but sadly at the top a rope was holding people back.
Also, quite a few people seemed to linger rather longer than the view of the top deck seemed to warrant, which made the wait to snap a photo and get out of the way for the next person somewhat irksome. Inside the bay below, kids were able to get camouflage paint on their faces, including as I noticed later some adults. Do try the army rations.
Again for the kids, please jump around the inflatable raft on display. A gap in the white mesh covers indicated a route around the rest of the ship, including a chance to see up close and attached to the side one of the amphibious assault craft that I see zooming past my flat — usually rarely, but at the moment, quite often.
Then through into the main hanger space — which is vast. It is difficult to convey just how huge the area is, especially as part of it was sealed off yet there was plenty of space to move around.
Lots of displays around the edges showing off the ancillary support services that keep the ship working so that it can deliver the military fire-power to wherever our elected masters declare it should be so delivered. HMS Ocean image copyright Royal Navy The Defence contribution to Olympics security will include specialist capabilities which only the military can provide, as well as some more general support.
In total, the MOD expects to provide up to 13, personnel, comprising:. In addition, the military will make available Defence real estate including Woolwich Barracks and Horse Guards. We want them to be secure so that all those competing and attending can enjoy the Games for the celebration of sporting achievement and cultural celebration that they are.
Up to 7, of them will support the smooth running of Olympic sites, while the remainder will use their specialist capabilities and equipment to contribute to the delivery of Olympic security. Defence is proud to be playing its part in such an important national event as London , but support to the Games will not divert the MOD from its core business.
Throughout the Games, the Armed Forces will maintain their commitment to the protection of the UK, to current operations in Afghanistan and to other standing commitments worldwide - including the ability to respond to the unexpected. The Defence contribution to London is on a similar scale to the military personnel deployed at other recent Olympic Games. The Government is clear that the Games should be a peaceful celebration of sporting achievement and a cultural celebration - not a security event.
I am proud to be leading what will be the Police Service's biggest ever peacetime safety and security operation. What we are all working towards is providing an environment where millions of people can enjoy the Games and the sport can take centre stage safely and securely. Their support to our operation is built on these tried and tested practices. I know that they will also provide excellent support to the event organisers, LOCOG's, own venue security operation.
Our website uses cookies so that we can provide a better service. Continue to use the site as normal if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies. Home About Us. PLA Investment Plan. Thames Vision Project. Port of London Act. PLA Charges. Development and Works Enquiries. End of Garden Moorings. The ship carries a crew of , an aircrew of and Royal Marine Commandos. An additional marines could be accommodated in a short-term emergency. HMS Ocean is capable of transporting and sustaining an embarked military force of up to people equipped with artillery, vehicles and stores.
She has capacity for 40 vehicles but is not designed to land heavy tanks. The ship has full facilities for 12 EH Merlin and six Lynx helicopters, plus landing and refuelling facilities for Chinook helicopters. Twenty Sea Harriers could be carried but not supported. The flight deck is m long and Questioned how he would deal with a hijacked airliner full of passengers, he said: 'We rehearse these things, we train for them.
The decision to engage would be made at the highest levels of government. Every Olympic Games in recent times has had a significant military component to its security plan. Arrangements for security has been ongoing for the last few days, with HMS Ocean now making its debut appearance.
The ship will remain in Greenwich throughout the summer games. The warship, which has the motto 'Boldly Faithfully Happily', will have quite an army on board - military personnel will base themselves on the ship, while eight Lynx helicopters with sniper teams onboard will be ready to lift off at a moment's notice. It is part of huge military protection for the city, with Typhoon jets stationed at RAF Northolt, and ground-to-air Rapier missiles dotted on rooftops at six sites across the city.
Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond said: 'Whilst there is no specific threat to the Games, we have to be ready to assist in delivering a safe and secure Olympics for all to enjoy. Rapier surface-to-air missiles have also been showcased at Blackheath Army Cadet Centre, in south east London, as part of the massive security test on land, sea and in the air. Weymouth and Portland in Dorset will play host to the sailing where the Albion-class amphibious assault warship HMS Bulwark will play a key role in protecting the events.
It means we're able to get the very best picture of what is happening in the skies of London.
0コメント