II(AC) return from Afghanistan
The families of II(AC) Squadron personnel gathered at RAF Marham today to welcome their loved one’s home from their recent deployment in Afghanistan in support of Operation HERRICK. The personnel flew directly into the Norfolk base where they were greeted by RAF Marham’s Station Commander Group Captain David Cooper before being transported across to the Squadron where the families eagerly awaited their arrival.
The personnel will now look forward to spending some time with their families after what has been an extremely eventful year for II(AC) Squadron or ‘Shiny Two’, as it is known. The Squadron has taken part in a major exercise to North America, participated in a number of ceremony’s to mark the Squadron’s Centenary before turning their attention to the Operation HERRICK work-up and the subsequent deployment to Afghanistan
Throughout the year, the conduct and professionalism of all members of the Squadron has been truly ‘Second to None’. After 4 1/2 months, II(AC) Squadron’s own deployment on Operation HERRICK has now come to a close and it was fitting that the Squadron whose initial role was supporting ground troops back in 1912 has continued to do precisely that, 100 years after its formation. On Saturday 17 November II(AC) Squadron formally handed over to its sister Squadron number IX(B) from RAF Marham. This is familiar territory for both Squadrons as it was only last year that the Squadrons handed over to one another on Operation ELLAMY over Libya. IX(B) Squadron, under the leadership of Wing Commander Andy Turk will be in residence at Kandahar over Christmas and the 
New Year before handing over to the third RAF Marham-based squadron, 31 Squadron, next year.
Deploying at the height of summer, II(AC) Squadron can reflect and take pride in a job extremely well done. It has been a highly successful 4 1/2 month detachment with the Squadron flying over 2000 hours in support of UK and Coalition Forces. The engineering challenge has also been significant, particularly with the high temperatures. However, the pragmatism, enthusiasm and dedication of the engineers has ensured the continued aircraft availability for daily and Ground Close Air Support tasking’s. Officer Commanding II(AC) Squadron, Wing Commander Nick Tucker-Lowe stated that:
This has been a tremendously successful deployment for ‘Shiny Two’. With an operational pedigree that is ‘Second to None’ the Squadron always strives for operational excellence and, due to the consistent diligence and determination of all of the Squadron’s personnel, that is exactly what we have achieved.
Editor: Alison Smith/Clare Smith
Photographs: SAC Tracey Dobson
136 members of II (AC) Army Cooperation Sqn based at RAF Marham arriving back at camp to be greeted my their family and friends.
Kieran Everatt (6) and his Dad Sgt Chris Everatt.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2012
