The Armed Forces have been honoured to take part in ‘Our Greatest Team Parade’ yesterday. Serving and former members of the Armed Forces have competed in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but the Armed Forces contribution to London 2012 has been widespread and extensive.Some 18,200 members of the British Armed Forces have supported the Games, providing air, land and maritime expertise...More information »
Commander Land Forces Gen Sir Nick Parker has reflected on the contribution Britain's Armed Forces have made to the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Gen Parker said: The contact with the public has been invigorating. The bond between the public and Services has been strengthened, the Armed Forces' contribution to homeland operations recognised and the value of military career reinforced...More information »
A RAF sergeant has had the honour of raising a Paralympic Union Flag at the Olympic Stadium for a medal-winning Team GB athlete she coached. Five years ago Sgt Thomas helped establish the Suffolk Spartans Powerlifting Club. A young athlete, Zoe Newson joined and was coached by Sgt Thomas. The same Zoe Newson went on to win the bronze medal in the 40kg class of the women's powerlifting at the Games...More information »
Six-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy has experienced speed of a different kind with a flight in a RAF Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft of 6 Sqn during a visit to RAF Leuchars. Sir Chris said: “I am absolutely delighted to have had such a warm welcome to what is a very busy RAF station. It was also great to meet young people and families who live on the station...sometimes forget the families who are left behind...More information »
Members of the public have posted messages in their thousands to thank the Armed Forces' for their contribution to the London 2012 Olympics. A MoD spokesman said: "The support and appreciation shown has been overwhelming". Natasha Peters wrote: "It couldn't of happened with out u all there. Thanks girls and guys, u did great as always, u should be very proud of urselves as should the whole of the UK...More information »
Private security firm G4S has donated £2.5m to the Armed Forces for their contribution in stepping in after the company failed to find enough staff for the Olympic Games. CDS Gen Sir David Richards said: "The armed forces are pleased to accept this donation... I am glad that they are receiving the gratitude and recognition for the excellent work...More information »
Lord Sebastian Coe has visited Hainault Forest Country Park where over 3000 members of the Armed Forces are living in temporary accommodation while they are on duty at the Olympics. In the company of The Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards, Lord Coe toured the site, met with the Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors and thanked them all for their continued hard work during the London 2012 Games...More information »
The Prime Minister has paid tribute to all the Armed Forces personnel on duty over the Olympic period. David 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... A great moment for Britain, a great moment for our athletes, but also a great moment for all of our country...More information » 
Tobacco Dock, in East London, will accommodate the bulk of the 3,500 additional service personnel being deployed on security operations during the Olympics. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said, "We have been working hard to ensure our Armed Forces are accommodated appropriately and as comfortably as possible". He also said: "I am confident they will do a superb job in assisting in the provision of security...More information »
RAF Regiment gunner SAC Lewis Keeble, has been selected as reserve for the British Olympic Judo Team. Lewis, 21, said: “The fact I am considered by GB as a potential Olympian gives me massive confidence. I will be pushing Colin Oates in training, showing the coaches that if he is injured, I am ready." Coach Darren Warner said, "I expect Lewis to become British no 1. Technically he is one of the best players in the country...More information »
The Daily Mail has reported that a group of plane-spotters has been drafted in to bolster security at RAF Coningsby because military personnel have been moved to protect the Olympics. The MoD said: "The story in the Mail has no factual basis. RAF Coningsby's security remains robust and has in no way been affected by any Olympics commitments and no approach has been made to local aviation enthusiasts...More information »
Extra airspace restrictions around London and the SE are now in place. They form part of the air security plan that will be enforced by the Armed Forces. AVM Stuart Atha, Commander for Olympics Air Security, said: "Our air security preparations build on the decades of RAF experience in controlling the air to secure the UK...this is a robust plan that enables us to respond appropriately to a range of possible situations...More information »
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed that an additional 3,500 service personnel will be deployed as part of the security arrangements for the Olympic Games. He said: "We will ensure that all those taking part receive their full leave entitlement, even if it has to be rescheduled, that no-one is out of pocket because of cancelled personal arrangements, and that all deployed personnel are supported...More information »
The Government has confirmed that ground-based air defence systems, including Rapier and high velocity missile systems, will be deployed at six sites in and around London for the duration of the Olympics along with other Defence equipment including RAF Typhoon jets, which will be temporarily stationed at RAF Northolt, Puma helicopters at a TA Centre in Ilford. The systems will be in place by mid-July...More information »
Typhoon fighter jets have taken up position at RAF Northolt and are engaged in a nine day military exercise to test security for the Olympic Games. Codenamed Olympic Guardian, the exercise will put the three Services through their paces in the skies over the South East. There will be increased air activity on 5 and 6 May. AVM Stuart Atha said: "We hope people will understand...More information »
With less than 100 days to go until the London 2012 Games begin,Transport for London, have announced new website information. It is hoped it will help individuals plan their journeys and avoid those times and places when it is expected to be exceptionally busy. The website gives information on which stations and/or lines most affected with predicted day by day impact along with advice on the options...More information »
With 100 days to go the Olympic Committee have announced that the Red Arrows will perform a nine-ship flypast in their 'Big Battle' formation at locations around the UK to mark the opening ceremony of the Games on 27 Jul 12, providing a stunning curtain-raiser to the show. OC, Red 1, Sqn Ldr Jim Turner, said: "The Red Arrows are honoured to represent both the Royal Air Force and the very best of British...More information »
