The Prime Minister David Cameron has paid tribute to the military personnel on duty over the Olympics during a visit to HMS Ocean.
Spending around an hour on board the ship which is berthed at Greenwich, East London, for the Games, Mr Cameron was given a tour of the ship and briefed on the security preparations.
HMS Ocean is acting as a launch pad for 10 Royal Navy Lynx helicopters and is also accommodating around 300 military personnel who will provide security at nearby Greenwich Park which is the venue for equestrian events.
Mr Cameron said:
“The security of the Olympics is absolutely vital. We have worked out plans for all eventualities and I wanted to come and thank some of the people that are responsible for that and that’s why I’m here today.
“But now it’s exciting because we’re only two days away from what’s going to be an incredible show.
“A great moment for Britain, a great moment for our athletes, but also a great moment for all of our country and I think we want to make the most of it as a country.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 30, 2012; Image: Royal Navy