The Queen chats with friends and families of service personnel

Friends and family of those serving in the Middle East said the visit was the tonic they needed after a weekend of mourning in the South West.

Royal Marines from Plymouth-based 3 Commando Brigade were among eight Britons and four US troops killed when a helicopter crashed in northern Kuwait on Friday.

On Saturday, six British and one American service personnel based at RNAS Culdrose near Helston died when two Sea King helicopters were in collision near the Royal Navy flagship HMS Ark Royal.

There are a few smiles on faces, which were certainly not there beforehand Sharon Rose Blair praises armed forces

Sharon Rose, who has a son on Devonport-based HMS Ocean, said: "This visit is much appreciated by all of us

"It is what we all needed. There are a few smiles on faces, which were certainly not there beforehand."

Deborah Holdsworth, whose husband is with Plymouth-based 29 Commando in the Gulf, said: "It is nice to have support, because at the moment I do not feel we have got much with the anti-war protests.

"The troops are out there doing their job, and they should have our support."

The base is one of a number of military bases around the country the Queen is visiting.

See more pictures from the visit

Before arriving in Devon she visited families of troops at RAF Honington in Suffolk.

As well as being home base to the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, the largest warship in the Royal Navy, Plymouth is also the base to several other ships and forces involved in the war in Iraq, including the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Turbulent, 42 Commando and medic ship RFA Argus.

Devonport-based HMS Chatham is reported to have sunk one Iraqi vessel, and has prevented others from leaving the port of Basra.

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of York are also scheduled to visit military bases.

As war broke out, the Queen sent a message to British troops about to go into combat in Iraq.

"My thoughts are with you all, and with your families and friends who wait at home for news and pray for your safe return," she said.

"I have every confidence in your professionalism and commitment as you face the challenges before you."