(March 18th 2002)
Royal Marine Deployment
The Secretary of State for Defence, Geoff Hoon, has announced that a Royal Marine Commando battlegroup is to be deployed to Afghanistan, in order to combat remaining pockets of al-Quaeda and Taliban resistance.
The 1700-strong total force will represent the largest deployment of British troops for combat operations since the Gulf War.
Lead elements of 45 Commando - its Headquarters, together with 'Whisky' and 'Zulu' companies - are already in the region embarked aboard the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean. These will be joined by the remaining companies, currently on high readiness at Arbroath, and by the necessary support units.
In announcing the deployment to the House of Commons, Mr Hoon emphasised that there forces were to be engaged in "war fighting" operations. He warned "We will be asking them to risk their lives. Their mission will be conducted in unforgiving and hostile terrain against a dangerous enemy. They may suffer casualties".
The Royal Navy has maintained a taskforce in the region, together with embarked Royal Marines, since September 2001. Initially it was based around the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, the assault ship HMS Fearless and elements from 40 Commando Royal Marines. These units were recently relieved by HMS Ocean and 45 Commando.
Above: HMS Ocean relieves HMS Illustrious as flagship of British naval forces in the Middle East. © Crown Copyright.