The crucial role of maintaining the air link for both personnel and material by way of the 2nd Air Line of Communication (ALOC) into Afghanistan and the Broader Middle East is the responsibility of 901 EAW. Whenever there are difficulties with weather, diplomatic clearances, aircraft serviceability etc on the main ALOC, then 901 EAW are required to action alternate plans & routes into theatre. This week the 2nd ALOC has been ‘surging’ aircraft movements to ‘clear the decks’ in time for the forthcoming HERRICK RiP.

Photography: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011.