OPERATION HERRICK

This was another busy week for 904 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW). The Harrier Force continues to deliver operational effect with a variety of successful missions. Number IV (AC) Squadron has continued to meet all planned tasking and morale remains high. On two occasions aircraft were launched from ground alert response to fast-changing tactical situations. This week saw a visit from Headquarters 1 Group staff in order to review and progress the planning for the GR4 deployment later in the year. Number One Air Control Centre has had another busy week. The unit has supported 1304 events including 22 Troops-in-Contact incidents and 11 Medical Evacuations.

The C130-J Hercules Fleet has risen to the challenge this week, meeting a demanding schedule of tasks with 90% of planned legs completed. Poor weather conditions in Kabul played a part in preventing some missions taking place. However, some 1700 passengers were moved during the period, together with 91 tonnes of freight. Essential re-supply tasks continued, providing troops on the ground with the equipment required to complete their missions; a total of 41 tonnes of stores were delivered via airdrops to Forward Operating Bases. The Fleet continues to demonstrate the UK’s contribution to the Coalition effort in Afghanistan, with support to other nations’ Recovery in Place (the name given to the changeover of formations of personnel in theatre) featuring prominently in their tasking. Flights included transporting both Dutch and Macedonian personnel.

OPERATION TELIC

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshall Sir Glenn Torpy, visited a number of locations in theatre this week in order to meet with RAF personnel and witness, first-hand, the breadth of activities where the RAF plays key roles. During his time with 903 EAW at Basrah, CAS took time to speak with personnel from 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, 5 Force Protection Wing, Fixed Wing Operations, the Joint Movements Unit and the Joint Operations Room, among others. The visit has highly successful; CAS met a broad range of junior 903 EAW personnel and heard from the ‘coal-face’ about the issues that are on the airmens’ minds during deployed operations. Equipment, manning, and harmony issues all figured highly during discussions with CAS. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the US transition in to Basrah and to highlight any future challenges. Provincial Elections are a particularly high priority consideration for British Forces in the region and 903 EAW are facilitating the reception of the election material, including the ballot papers, later this month.

The C130-J Detachment at 901 EAW continued to provide first class support to operations this week. The engineers excelled with an outstanding success rate in fixing minor problems. During CAS’ visit, Hercules Detachment personnel welcomed the opportunity to discuss the effect of the Op TELIC drawdown on the Detachment and the future of the Air Transport Fleet across the RAF.

Also at 901 EAW this week, the Tornado Detachment combined with the Tactical Imagery/Intelligence Wing, once again highlighted the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Tornado GR4’s tactical reconnaissance capability. Two aircraft were tasked to a high priority target with very successful results. The fact that this short notice task was completed on a scheduled no-fly maintenance day demonstrates the task-focussed and reactive nature of the Tornado GR4 and Tactical Imagery/Intelligence Wing detachment.

Photographs: Sgt Laura Bibby.

Image 1: Air Traffic Controllers at work

Image 2: The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshall Sir Glenn Torpy

Image 3: Ground Equipment at work

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery.