Ops Update - 06 Mar 2011
Intelligence and Situational Awareness
Despite another week of poor weather, RAF assets have prevailed against the elements to provide continued support to coalition forces. For 39 Sqn, this period was used to consolidate improvements in training, enhancing Reaper’s capability for ground forces.
The Sentinel fleet had another successful week, providing information during daily taskings and short notice requests from UK ground forces to provide extended coverage. In doing so, the aircraft continued to demonstrate its ability to provide vital information to ground forces on concurrent operations.
Air Mobility and Lift
Air Mobility is steadily increasing in support of the Op HERRICK 13 – 14 Relief in Place (RiP). Op DELUGE, an unplanned stay of 200 troops transiting from RAF Brize Norton to ops in Afghanistan due to a C17 diversion, demonstrates how 902 EAW quickly adapt and react to support passenger movements. A key priority during surge movements is to make conditions as comfortable as possible against the soaring temperatures experienced in the region.
The Hercules detachment had the honour of transporting the Danish Prime Minister, Mr Lars Løkke Rasmussen this week. The Danish PM flew into Camp Bastion Airfield to visit Danish Forces working alongside British troops. Mr Rasmussen thanked the crew for their assistance.
With both the new runway and ATC Tower now complete, Camp Bastion has been able to host a variety of interesting visitors. On 4 Mar 11, Bastion received its first visit from an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft and on 7 Mar 11, the larger Antonov AN-225 flew into theatre. Whilst the ‘smaller’ version can carry a payload of up to 150 Tonnes, this is dwarfed by its 6-engine bigger sister. The only one in the world of this model, the AN-225 has a wingspan of 88m (290ft) and carry up to 250 Tonnes of freight.
KEY ACTIVITY 26 Feb – 6 Mar 11
Sentinel R1 Provides Extended Coverage
Editor: Flt Lt N C Downs.
Photography: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011.