The warship helping provide security to the Olympic and Paralympic games is opening to the public today.
The Royal Navy's largest warship, HMS Ocean, has been in London since 13th July playing a key role in providing security to the Olympic Games.
HMS Ocean's Olympic theme Credit: ITV
Moored at the Greenwich Tier buoys during the Paralympics, she is acting as an operating base for Royal Navy Lynx helicopters in support of maritime security operations. She also provides accommodation for over 400 military personnel who are part of the Venue Security Force for Greenwich Park.
Visitors can tour HMS Ocean - moored in Greenwich - between 10am and 4pm.
The Ministry of Defence has scaled down its massive Olympic security operation ahead of the Paralympics. RAF Typhoon fighter jets, sniper-carrying helicopters and anti-aircraft missiles have been withdrawn, and a large no-fly zone covering much of south east England has been scrapped.
The only visible sign of military activity will be the continued presense of soldiers on guard duties at Paralympic venues and the Royal Navy helcopter carrier HMS Ocean which remains moored at Greenwich.
HMS Ocean will act as a floating dormitory for military personnel. The ship's Lynx helicopters will continue to patrol the Thames. Defence chiefs say the security plan will remain under constant review.
Crew members on board HMS Ocean yesterday. Credit: MOD
The crew of HMS Ocean lined up in Olympic formation as the ship arrived at Greenwich. She will be used as a landing platform for helicopters during the Olympics and Paralympics.
HMS Ocean centre stage in Operation Olympic Guardian
HMS Ocean Credit: ITN
The Royal Navy's largest warship is taking part in military exercises ahead of the 2012 Games. It's all part of Operation Olympic Guardian to test Olympic security.
HMS Ocean, berthed in Greenwich in east London, is acting as a launch pad for Lynx helicopters and a base for Royal Marine snipers.
