IX (B) Squadron January Update from Op TELIC

As the Christmas festivities came to an end, the Sqn looked forward to seeing in the New Year. Unfortunately for B Shift, work continued as normal but A shift managed a quiet drink in the Brit Bar before retiring to bed ready for an early morning start. Within the first week of January a roulemont saw the arrival and departure of both engineers and aircrew on the Sqn. On the aircrew side, the Boss handed over control of TorDet to TF and Chappo took over as Warlord. The engineering management all swapped over with the exception of the SEngO, despite his best efforts to get sent home after sustaining an injury in a friendly game of football with the Aussies.

OC IX(B) Sqn left Theatre on 12 Jan and TF now has command of TorDet. Their handover took place during their final sortie on the Boss’ last day. The picture below shows them checking out the Brimstone before crewing-in. You may think it a little extreme travelling 400 miles to do a handover but when it’s £13 a day Op allowance (short arms, deep pockets) you grab it where you can!

The Sqn hosted a number of high profile visitors during the first 2 weeks of January, including Chief of the Air Staff Sir Glenn Torpy, AOC 1Gp AVM Harper, the TGRFC Gp Capt Monkman, and Marham’s Stn Cdr Gp Capt Basnett,. All were keen to see both the RAPTOR and Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone (DMSB) loaded to an aircraft. Sir Glenn gave praise on our latest achievement of putting DMS Brimstone in Theatre on time and gave eagerly awaited news of the current TGRF deployment plan for Op HERRICK early next year.

The smooth introduction of DMSB into Theatre was largely down to Kev Forshaw’s (Wpns TM) and Heepsy’s (Qualified Weapons Instructor) understanding of the system and ensuring all issues were resolved prior to its first flight. Kev’s close liaison with the IPT, ILOC and Air Cmd ensured the Wpn was delivered safely and on time and he was rewarded with an AOC’s Commendation. Heepsy also received an AOC’s Commendation for acting as the Sqn SME and was the first to fly with the missile on 18 Dec 08. The DMSB has entered operational service with IX(B) Sqn as a result of an Urgent Operational Requirement issued in May 2008. Designed to fly alongside the Litening 3 laser designation pod it delivers major enhancement to the Tornado’s capability in the Op TELIC theatre. IX(B) Sqn are rightly proud of the collective achievements of our people in making it happen.

Sgt Rockliff also received a Commendation from OC 901 EAW for his excellent leadership and managerial skills. He was pivotal in the role as Line Controller, displaying flexibility in maintaining the flying programme and in mentoring the Line teams. Steve Smith (AKA Robbie Rotten) took over from Rocky on 5 Jan and the Linies have since declared a strike until Robbie Rotten returns to Lazy Town, (bottom right).

Throughout January the engineers achieved a 100% launch rate, although the Sqn suffered 3 Non-DCOs (Duty Carried Out) due to technical faults whilst airborne. The main cause of DNCOs seemed to focus around Air-to-Air Refuelling issues, a mere walk in the park when you consider Chappo’s brush with death after a lightning strike hit his aircraft. On gaining his bearings (quite literally), and Gs and Rs confirmed, he continued on his 7hr sortie providing Close Air Support, luckily both him and Harty returned unharmed; “Nice to see them, to see them Nice”!



Due to a short notice tasking, the down day on 4 Jan was cancelled and everyone was dragged out of bed for an early morning take-off. The next down day was on the 17 Jan when everyone managed to get their 24 hrs off. Phil Bancroft and Cookie took a few of the lads down town to Doha whilst some spent the day in bed and the rest were by the pool sunbathing. The SEngO was the only person unaccounted for, he spent the morning at work and the afternoon running a half marathon. Some say he runs on Duracell batteries, others would say he has a direct line to the UK power grid.

Other News:

IX marks the spot; with a shortage of Wpn Targeting facilities, B shift offer up their services.



We apologise for the incorrect representation of the Sqn No and blame manning reductions across the Air Force for the missing (B).

Steve Smith’s version of ‘Sweet Carloline’ will be re-released in the UK singles chart, proceeds will go towards his singing lessons; no improvement there then.











Low quality photos supplied by IX (B) Squadron