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# Special forces depart Plymouth under tight security
- URL: https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/special-forces-depart-plymouth-under-tight-security/
- Published: 2026-07-04T06:50:51.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-18T16:41:56.000Z
- Author: Seamus McCoy
- Tags: Ministry of Defence, News, #editors-picks

Special forces departed Plymouth under tight security after two Chinook helicopters took off from RM Bickleigh in darkness.

The helicopters were operated by 7 Squadron, part of the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing based at RAF Odiham.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2026/07/R6M26903-redacted.jpg)

****The two Chinook helicopters.** (Image: Plymouth Plus)

Officers from [Devon and Cornwall Police](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/tag/devon-and-cornwall-police/) blocked the road and restricted public movement while the helicopters took off.

Boats were loaded onto the helicopters before personnel were winched up from the Royal Marines base, home to 42 Commando.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2026/07/R6M36980-redacted.jpg)

****These RIBs were loaded onto the Chinooks.** (Image: Plymouth Plus)

It comes just weeks after green berets from the same base took part in the boarding of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel during a major [Royal Navy](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/tag/royal-navy/) operation.

It is currently unknown whether the latest departure was linked to a military operation or training exercise.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2026/07/R6M27010.jpg)

****Police keeping watch.** (Image: Plymouth Plus)

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