OPERATION HERRICK

Despite insurgent activities the operational tempo continued at a very high level for the C-130 aircraft of 904 EAW this week. Over 2700 passengers were transported with over 330 tonnes of freight carried. These aircraft and personnel are called upon to operate in very demanding circumstances in a very wide variety of roles and this week witnessed a high test of individual resolve. On request of the Afghan Government, the 904 EAW C-130s, along with other Coalition partner aircraft, were called upon to assist the International Stabilisation Assistance Force (ISAF) with the repatriation of twenty-six Afghan bodies. This task was the result of the discovery of a much larger group of one hundred and ten bodies of deceased and unconscious Afghan migrants that were found in a transportation container last week. Other tasks this week included a leaflet drop, which was carried out to inform the local population of Coalition activities; this work is a continuation of previous leaflet drops, which are proving to be successful. Concurrently, the fleet was also involved with evacuating casualties in the aeromedical role and the aerial delivery of containerised essential stores to troops on the ground.

The Harriers of 904 EAW also operated at a high operational tempo executing four “Shows of Force” to deter enemy activities, thus allowing friendly forces on the ground to conduct operations to neutralise improvised Explosive Devices. Often, these Shows of Force are requested by forces on the ground and reduce the appetite of enemy forces for engaging Coalition forces in combat. Also this week, a number of successful Close Air Support missions resulted in the cessation of enemy activity in the vicinity of friendly ground forces.

The 902 EAW TriStar continued its support to a wide range of Coalition aircraft, dispensing over 200 tonnes of fuel in air-to-air refuelling operations.

The Communications Flight of 901 EAW transported key individuals throughout the Operation HERRICK Theatre, completing over thirty-five sorties.

OPERATION TELIC

This week saw the Tornado GR4s of 901 EAW involved in multiple Close Air Support missions during day and night operations; these contributed to the successful suppression of enemy activities.

Despite an unexpected major unserviceability, the VC10 detachment of 901 EAW continued to deliver exemplary support to Coalition aircraft. Over 250 tonnes of fuel was transferred by these ‘tanker’ aircraft to Coalition ‘receiver’ aircraft this week in air-to-air refuelling operations in their operating area.

The UK Trade and Industry delegation headed by Lord Mandelson visited Iraq last week and was transported throughout the theatre by Hercules aircraft of 901 EAW. Increasing interaction between Government departments and the Iraqi Administration has been aided by the careful planning and successful execution of these missions. The intra-theatre ‘air bridge’ also relies on these aircraft, which have also contributed to the Coalition effort by their movement of men and materiel throughout the theatre. In particular, significant support has been given to, and received from, both the United States’ Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Significant work has taken place recently at 903 EAW, with the Transfer of Authority from the UK to the Iraqi Administration for Al-Basrah, which is now at an advanced stage.

Images: RAF/MOD

Header Image: Business as usual for the RAF Aircraft.

Image 1: Aircrew carrying our pre-flight checks

Image 2: RAF Movers load cargo

Image 3: Tornado GR4 in the skies

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery