OPERATION HERRICK

The Hercules aircraft of 904 EAW continue to support the mission on Operation HERRICK, with some 2000 passengers and 140 tonnes of freight being transported successfully this week. Air-dropped stores are essential to supporting troops on the ground and accurate delivery is imperative, both for safety and to enable operations to continue seamlessly. This week, several ‘bulls eyes’ on the impact points were achieved, which, under difficult weather conditions, contributed to a remarkable performance under demanding conditions. Multiple aeromedical evacuation sorties were conducted along with two other critical evacuations at very short notice; in each case the Hercules crews of 904 EAW rose to the challenge.

The Harrier GR9s of 904 EAW were kept busy with a range of different sorties in support of ground troops, albeit very little in terms of kinetic effect was required. Working closely in coordination with other Coalition aircraft is essential to ensure positive outcomes on the ground, which was the case this week. Prosecution of successful reconnaissance activities from the air takes many hours of investment on the ground planning the sorties, preparing the aircraft and equipment, flying the sorties and exploiting the imagery recorded.

The Nimrod MR2 of 902 EAW has achieved further successes with a variety of differing sorties, despite aircraft unserviceability resulting in one mission being curtailed. Again, the Nimrod’s flexibility to respond to short-notice re-tasking in the air has been key to achieving success on the ground.

The TriStar tanker off-loaded over 100 tonnes of fuel to a wide variety of Coalition receiver aircraft. This airborne “petrol station”, used by RAF aircraft regularly, is also a favourite with aircraft of the US Navy and US Marine Corps.

OPERATION TELIC

Recent unseasonable weather continued earlier in the week but did not affect adversely the aircraft operations of the Tornado GR4s of 901 EAW. Improving conditions resulted in an increase in reconnaissance missions, with the quality of imagery obtained also improving. The electronic reconnaissance capabilities of the GR4 Tornado aircraft are continually monitored to allow optimum feedback to key agencies. This ‘Closed Loop’ of feedback allows adjustments to be made when required in support of changing scenarios on the ground. Several Close Air Support missions were also conducted in support of convoys and other ground troops.

Poor weather conditions affected aircraft operations of the VC10 Force on 901 EAW, resulting in one mission being lost. In this situation additional maintenance activities on the aircraft takes place which ensures future aircraft availability remains high. This was indeed the case with additional missions being flown in support of ‘Fast Air’ assets earlier in the week.

The Hercules of 901 EAW were again involved with transporting the Foreign Secretary throughout the Region. Simultaneously with this, they also transported 51 Squadron RAF Regiment on the first leg of their return to the UK upon completion of a six month operational tour of duty in Al Basrah. This is a continued demonstration of the versatile way in which the Hercules detachment of 901 EAW reacts to quite differing tasking demands.

901 EAW’s HS125 aircraft continue their busy operations throughout the region, providing flexible support to senior commanders, politicians and members of other Government departments involved in reconstruction.

Transition planning at 903 EAW involves many agencies having to work in very close cooperation to ensure all elements will be handed over smoothly, when the Transfer of Authority to US forces takes place. 15 Squadron RAF Regiment achieved a seamless takeover continuing at same high tempo as the departed 51 Squadron RAF Regiment. They continue to engage with the local population, reinforcing the excellent work already carried out by the International Stabilisation Force (ISF). The ongoing transition activities of both 903 EAW and 15 Squadron RAF Regiment will be captured by the visiting Media team from HQ 83 EAG.

Photographer: RAF/MOD

Image 1: C-17 Crew preparing for flight

Image 2: Harrier GR9

Image 3: Tornado GR4 on the runway

Image 4: RAF Policeman on foot patrol

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery