Great Britain Mobilizes for War

Guardian -- UK readies biggest task force since Gulf war

In the Commons, Mr Hoon said the flotilla, to be deployed initially in the Mediterranean and then in the Gulf if needed, would be made up of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal; the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean; the destroyers HMS Liverpool, Edinburgh, and York; the frigate HMS Marlborough; and four Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels to provide medical facilities, Argus, Fort Victoria, Fort Rosalie and Fort Austin.

The flotilla will also include the landing ships Sir Galahad, Sir Tristram and Sir Percival; minesweepers HMS Grimsby and HMS Ledbury; and a submarine.

Amphibious forces aboard Ark Royal and Ocean will be made up from 3 Commando Brigade, 40 Commando Royal Marines and 42 Commando Royal Marines.

The 1,500 reservists include medical staff, logistics officers and intelligence analysts. Further call-ups of reservists are planned.

Mr Hoon hinted at the mobilisation of armoured forces and other service personnel when he said: "We are taking steps to ensure the readiness of units and equipment, and the availability of appropriate chartered shipping and air transport in which to deploy them."

Seperately the BBC reports:

A formation of 14 RAF jet fighters is being sent to the Middle East later this month as the stand-off with Iraq continues, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The group for the exercise in Jordan includes six Tornado F3s, four Jaguars and four Harrier GR7s [all ground attack fighter/bombers].