RAF ODIHAM has a bright future – that was the message from Defence Secretary Philip Hammond during a high-profile visit to the north Hampshire base.

The MP made his first visit to the airbase last Thursday to unveil a “gate guardian” – a donated Mk2 Chinook that now stands by the base’s guarded entrance gates.

In a speech to 70 personnel, he praised a £1billion Government deal to purchase 14 new Mk6 Chinooks, first announced last year by then Defence Secretary Liam Fox. The helicopters are due to be delivered next year and should be in service by 2014.

Mr Hammond said: “Odiham has a bright future, and the Chinook force will continue to be held in high regard for its work around the clock in the UK and supporting operations worldwide.

“This continued investment, I believe, is the most fitting way to recognise the dedication and commitment to our air security by all who have served here over the years and all those that will serve here in the future.”

Asked by The Gazette whether RAF Odiham would take all of the Chinooks, Mr Hammond said: “The base here is quite full already, but the provision of the aircraft won’t be decided on until they come into service.

“Clearly, it’s not just about the aircraft. It’s also about issues like housing accommodation.”

Mr Hammond’s visit started with a tour of a Mk4 Chinook – the latest model of the aircraft.

He then took part in the unveiling of a plaque by the “gate guardian” after prayers of dedication by the base’s padres, Squadron Leader David Richardson and Sqn Ldr Glyn Williams.

The base already has one “gate guardian”, a Whirlwind helicopter that used to operate at RAF Odiham in the 1970ss.

Group Captain Dom Toriati said: “I think at the moment, when we are looking at the operations in Afghanistan and the Falklands, it is a fantastic time to able to recognise, in a tangible way, the input of the people of RAF Odiham.”