XIII Squadron - Stabbed Cats Ride Magic Carpet

In early January, personnel from RAF Marham’s XIII Sqn and Station Support Elements deployed on Exercise MAGIC CARPET 2011 (Ex MC11). Their objective, to conduct operational training, participating in Combined Exercises with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). The exercise was a resounding success, with over 70 GR4 sorties completed over 10 days of intensive flying.

Ex MC11 is one of a series of annual exercises in the Sultanate of Oman, that enhances international relations and provides the RAF with operationally relevant training. Ex MC is also an opportunity for multiple Force Elements to train together, gaining valuable experience conducting Combined Air Operations (COMAO). Along with VC10s from 101 Sqn and E3D ‘Sentry’s’ from 8 Sqn, XIII deployed to Oman.

Having recently returned from operations in Afghanistan and after some well deserved leave, XIII Sqn had to prepare and plan for the deployment to Oman, as Flt Lt Hillcoat, XIII Sqn Junior Engineering Officer said “The New Year came and went quickly and it wasn’t long before the planning was over and the desert combat clothing was being dusted off again. With plans for an ambitious flying programme and portacabin accommodation we were not sure what to expect but the exercise turned out to be a resounding success and gave much for the engineers to be extremely proud of.”

The exercise began in the glinting heat of the Omani sun and by the end of the first week thanks to the excellent engineering support, not a single sortie had been dropped.

The unique landscape of the Region provided a fantastic environment to carry out a variety of training objectives, from Close Air Support (CAS) missions to COMAOs. Operating in the desert brought its own challenges with temperatures reaching 29°C, considerably warmer than the January climate back home, apart from a few red faces suffered from a little too much sun, detachment personnel quickly adapted.

The detachment received a visit from Air Chief Marshall Sir Simon Bryant (CinC Air Command). Although only a short visit the CinC was able to enjoy a full programme visiting all of the Force Elements and spending a few hours at the range watching XIII Sqn in action. XIII Sqn GR4s provided an impressive Role Demo followed by a display from 5131 (Bomb Disposal) Sqn.

Commenting on the exercise the Det Commander and OC XIII Squadron, Wing Commander Howie Edwards, remarked, “This has been a first class exercise for both the Expeditionary Air Wing and all of the Force Elements involved. The warm, dry weather combined with Oman’s outstanding training areas has meant that the crews have pushed the aircraft and themselves to the limit in a safe and controlled environment. Having recently returned from Ops this is just the training XIII Squadron have needed to maintain their skills. Moreover, the Det has enjoyed the hospitality of the Omani people and all the country has to offer; aside from any family separation the exercise has been a hugely beneficial experience.”

A great deal of thanks should be given to the support elements of the detachment, whose hard work significantly contributed to the success of the Exercise. Special thanks must go to 3 Mobile Catering Squadron whose catering was a highlight for many. The support given by the RAFO was second to none and it was the hospitality afforded to us that made Ex MC11 a truly great Det.

Article by Plt Off E Long, Stn Ops
Photographs by SAC R.D Hughes
RAF Cottesmore