OPERATION HERRICK

The Hercules aircraft of 904 EAW have had a steady week of tasking, transporting over 270 tonnes of freight and over 2500 passengers. Their efforts have again been praised for the valuable contribution they make to the overall ISAF effort as they move not only British but coalition forces and cargo.

It was another busy week for Tornado GR4 force of 904 EAW. Early in the week, it was tasked with armed overwatch of patrols and provided detailed ground searches in support of ground forces. These searches are invaluable to ground commanders as they provide a picture from the air which the ground commander can then act on. Many searches are simply to search for suspicious activity by vehicles, individuals or groups. Aircraft were also scrambled to react rapidly to ground troops who came under fire. They then provided air intelligence to the ground commanders and supported them as they completed their mission safely.

In the middle of the week the Tornado GR4 force was very busy supporting ground forces and when called to support a patrol, who had been attacked with small arms fire, a Show of Force by one of the aircraft suppressed the enemy fire and allowed the ground forces to advance and apprehend the individuals responsible.

Later that day, the same aircraft went on to provide armed overwatch for patrols leaving and returning to remote Forward Operating Bases. In addition, other Tornado GR4 aircraft were scrambled to assist British ground forces who were under attack by small arms fire. Quickly arriving on the scene, the aircraft patrolled the area and provided valuable air intelligence to the ground commander. Sometimes, the mere presence of an aircraft and the threat of its capabilities can defuse a situation, without even firing a weapon. This allows the ground force to complete its patrol and mission. The air intelligence allows the ground commander to have safer and more effective freedom of manoeuvre.

Later in the week, Tornado GR4 aircraft provided armed overwatch to a convoy, searching ahead of the convoy looking for potential enemy activity and signs of possible ambush. The convoy arrived safely and the aircraft were also able to provide support to several other patrols in the area. This demonstrates how the flexibility of the aircraft allows it to achieve many different objectives on one mission. That day, the Tornados were air to air refuelled by Tristar aircraft from 902 EAW.

Towards the end of the week, aircraft again protected a convoy by simply making a Show of Presence. Later in the same mission, the aircraft were called to an incident where some civilian contractors had been attacked by enemy forces. The aircraft performed a Show of Force which dispersed the attack and allowed the contractors to escape the situation. The contractors hailed the presence of the Tornado aircraft as responsible for saving their lives. This is typical of how the Tornado aircraft can be used to protect ground personnel without releasing any weapons, removing a threat of civilian casualties or damage to property.

At the end of the week, the Tornado aircraft carried out 2 more Shows of Force and again successfully disrupted enemy activity. The close cooperation between the aircraft and ground forces, their speed of response, flexibility and effective range, are proving to have a very potent effect against enemy activity. Later, the aircraft provided further armed overwatch and air intelligence for ground operations and convoys. Again, they supported British Forces on the ground who were directly involved in an exchange of fire with the enemy and the patrol were escorted safely back to their Forward Operating Base. Again, that day the aircraft air to air refuelled from Tristar aircraft of 902 EAW. This ended a very busy and successful week for the Tornado Ground Attack and Reconnaissance Force.

This week, HS125, Comms Fleet aircraft of 901 EAW, carried approximately 15 passengers around the Operational Theatre on various tasks.

Tristar aircraft of 902 EAW had a relatively quiet start to the week but were very busy towards the end, eventually delivering over 100 tonnes of fuel to British and Coalition aircraft.

OPERATION TELIC

The C130 Hercules aircraft of 901 EAW was busy flying 5 missions around the Operational Theatre. The aircraft carried approximately 40 tonnes of cargo and over 130 passengers.

Editor: Sqn Ldr Bruno Wood

Photos: Cpl Steve Bain

RAF Chinook Helicopter of Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) at Bastion Airfield.

Medical Emergency Response Team standby at Bastion Airfield.