HMS Ocean is travelling up the Thames towards Greenwich as I write this. She's the Royal Navy's biggest warship and for the next few months will be providing security for the London Olympics. HMS Ocean is an amphibious assault ship (or landing platform helicopter) and the only one of her class in the Royal navy. Onboard for the Olympics will be 8 Lynx helicopters four of which will carry RAF Regiment snipers. Their unenviable job will be to divert, or if necessary shoot down, aircraft which enter the air exclusion zone around the Olympic Park.
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| HMS Ocean passing Tilbury |
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| HMS Ocean opposite Grays |
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| HMS Olympic |
Apologies for the poor quality of the pictures but these were taken on my phone!
It's a lovley ship. But it is sad that anyone should need to take that level of precausions for what should be an international celebration. As ever a minority ruining it for the rest. Climbing off soap box now. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI did have to chuckle though...the RN's biggest ship is a tiddler compared to a US Carrier. Impressive but not jaw dropping.
ReplyDeleteI also noted that buzzing around the vessel were six or seven small outboard inflatables with 'Marines' in them. Presumably their job was to stop any small craft (and potential suicide bombers) getting too close.
Damn it, if I had only known!!! Great pics Lee!
ReplyDeleteDoing a good job that they've been told to do!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see Trenton Oldfield trying to stop this "boat" ;)
ReplyDeletegreat pics Lee!
Hmmm. I'll have to see if the HMS Ocean is in my Fleet Series counter mix.
ReplyDeleteIt would have made a good escort for the Greek Trireme if the planning committee hadn't scuttled that idea!
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