HMS Ocean, the largest vessel in the Royal Navy, has returned to London and will be moored at Greenwich to play a central role in the security operation for the London 2012 Olympics.
Four large tugs guided the amphibious assault ship (or landing platform helicopter) through the Thames Barrier, past the O2 and into her Greenwich mooring.
HMS Ocean proved a hugely popular attraction to residents and visitors to Greenwich earlier in the year when she took part in security exercises on the River Thames.
There was a high level of security as numerous RIB assault and patrol boats from the Metropolitan Police Service Marine Unit based at Wapping patrolled up and down the River Thames in the immediate vicinity of HMS Ocean.
HMS Ocean is home to a Royal Marines Commando Group and multiple helicopters including Lynx and Apaches. In May 2011 she played a central role in operations in Libya and this was the first time Apache helicopters were sent into action from a Royal Navy ship.
Any of her helicopters can be over the main Olympics venue in Stratford within seconds and anywhere in London within minutes. In addition to co-ordinating air protection HMS Ocean and her Royal Marines Commando force will be responsible for any threat on the River Thames itself.
For more information about HMS Ocean: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet…
For more information about Greenwich:
http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/
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