Rapid deployment for 7644 Squadron personnel

Following the decision by the UK Government to intervene in support of UN Security Council Resolution 1973, the Royal Air Force rapidly deployed to bases in the Mediterranean to begin operations. 7644 Squadron officers were among the first personnel to fly out, as well as supporting operations in the UK.

Wing Commander Peter Clarke was deployed to Ramstein Air Force base in Germany to support the UK's air component headquarters, while Flight Lietenant Tom Calver was on the first transport aircraft to Gioia del Colle, Italy, to lead the RAF's mobile news team.

Other personnel went to RAF Marham to support operations on the first night, as Tornado GR4 fast jets flew from the Norfolk base to strike targets in Libya.

Flying Officer Geoff Maskell then deployed to RAF Akrotiri on the island of Cyprus to cover operations there, while Squadron Leader Dylan Eklund went to Gioia del Colle to set up the media operations centre there.

Challenging but a buzz

Flight Lieutenant Tom Calver said: "The Squadron was able to show its ability to deploy rapidly and provide the initial capability required for the operation.

"Deploying at short notice to an emerging operation was challenging, but the buzz I got from seeing things set up right from the start was incredible.

"As always, it was a privilege to work with the RAF's excellent photo and video specialists. It is no surprise that their work appeared across the world."

A selection of material gathered by 7644's personnel can be seen on the Royal Air Force's Libya operations pages.