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Article: BUILDING UP TO THE FINAL CONFLICT; Almost a quarter of the British army, the largest naval fleet in more than 20 years and a third of the RAF's frontline combat jets have been deployed to the Gulf in readiness for war. Largest British armada since Falklands Vital role of troops in assault on Iraq: Sian Harris looks at Britain's military build-up, code-named Operation Te i c .(News)
- Article from:
- South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales)
- Article date:
- March 18, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 MGN Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Sian Harris
THE largest British armada for more than two decades is ready and waiting in the Gulf.
More than 4,000 Royal Navy sailors and 4,000 Royal Marine commandos have been deployed to the region along with around 30 warships and auxiliary vessels.
Called Naval Task Group 03, it is the most powerful naval fleet since the Falklands conflict and is headed by HMS Ark Royal and HMS Ocean.
As flagship of the task group, the Ark Royal - which has a crew of 1,089 including 366 airmen and women - will act as a mobile airfield and ...