AS Tony Blair stakes his political future on the growing prospect of a US-led invasion of Iraq, RAF Odiham has joined military stations across the country in gearing up for war.
A small advance party of Chinooks has already left Odiham bound for the Middle East, and the rest of the helicopter base is on standby to follow suit.
RAF Odiham spokesman Sq Ldr Bob Parratt said the vanguard formed part of the governmentÕs contingency preparations being conducted under the name of Operation Telic.
On Tuesday, Sq Ldr Parratt reported that RAF OdihamÕs advance party had already flown out to join other Chinooks aboard HMS Ark Royal and that more personnel were expected to leave at any time, although the destination was unknown.
RAF OdihamÕs community relations officer, Flight Lieutenant Paul Smyth, confirmed: ÒWe will move people as and when they are required to meet the contingent we have out there. Over the next three to four weeks, we hope to have everybody in place.Ó
Flt Lt Smyth said that equipment was being sent out by ship and fixed-wing aircraft.
In the past, Chinook helicopters have proved to be an invaluable tool in transporting soldiers, equipment and food during international conflicts and UN missions.
In June 1999 helicopter crews from RAF Odiham were among the first NATO troops to cross the border in a dramatic international operation to liberate war-torn Kosovo.
More recently, in March last year, Odiham crews were dispatched once again as part of the British support of US and other coalition forces charged with rooting out pockets of Taliban and Al Qaida resistance operating in Afghanistan.
In the case of the threatened Iraq crisis, Flt Lt Smyth was unable to give numbers of personnel who were to be sent out, nor was he able to give details of their expected destination. But, he said, the numbers would be quite large.
ÒIt is the sort of thing we are used to doing, getting operators and ground crew into different areas.