Shapps thanks RAF Akrotiri personnel for their dedication and professionalism during visit
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has praised the personnel stationed at RAF Akrotiri during a visit.
"Over the last few months, the personnel stationed at RAF Akrotiri have been central to the UK's work to maintain regional stability, including helping to protect Red Sea shipping," the Defence Secretary posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Mr Shapps during his visit thanked them for "their dedication and professionalism".
RAF Akrotiri is a crucial military base that has supported various international operations.
Notably this month, Royal Air Force Typhoon jets took off from the Cyprus base to strike Houthi targets in Yemen.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said the air strikes were in self-defence of Royal Navy vessels in the Red Sea, following a string of attacks by the rebel group on warships and commercial shipping in the region.
The Defence Secretary recently also visited the crew of HMS Diamond - one of the most advanced warships in the world - which successfully repelled the largest Houthi attack to date.
Mr Shapps was welcomed on board the highly capable Type 45 air defence destroyer to discuss her ongoing mission in the Red Sea.
HMS Diamond wrote on social media: "It was great to welcome Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP Secretary of State for Defence onboard yesterday."
During his visit, the Defence Secretary spoke with members of the ship's company about HMS Diamond's mission to destroy the Iranian-supplied missiles and drones that the Houthis are using to target shipping in the region.
Mr Shapps last week wrote a letter in which he praised members of the Armed Forces who were working to ensure the safety of merchant ships in the Red Sea against the Houthis - an armed group the US recently declared a terrorist organisation.
Join Our Newsletter
