OPERATION HERRICK – AFGHANISTAN

Operations have been steady this week for the RAF, as the Relief in Place – or rotation of British Land Force personnel – continues as 3 Commando Brigade and their supporting units take post in Helmand Province. Delivered to theatre by the strategic airbridge, consisting of both C-17 and TriStar aircraft, the personnel and equipment are then moved into their locations by the C-130 Hercules. Airfields such as Bastion Airfield are currently hosting the monumental movement task of hundreds of passengers each day, transferring from Hercules and onto the RAF Chinook Helicopters in Helmand. In the last month alone, Bastion Airfield, run by 904 EAW, has assisted around 5000 aircraft moves, a sign of an increasingly busy airfield. The C-130 Force moved over 2500 passengers and over 380 Tonnes of freight this week, and included nearly 100 Afghan National Army personnel, who required quick and safe transport to their posts in order to prepare for the Voter registration for which they are responsible for security. Meanwhile, on separate missions, the Hercules has continued with its vital Airdrop task, delivering munitions, water and food to a variety of Forward Operating Bases and Drop Zones in Southern Afghanistan.

The Harrier and Reaper Force has continued to gather a variety of images this week in their reconnaissance roles. A decrease in offensive activity has been experienced, yet the Harrier was called in to present a ‘Show of Force’ to a Troops in Contact event in Helmand Province, to deter and disperse enemy fighters. The Nimrod MR2 Force has returned to its traditional role of Maritime Patrol. The Force has been equipped in its imagery intelligence-gathering role to patrol the Gulf as part of the Maritime Coalition effort.

OPERATION TELIC – IRAQ

903 EAW at Basrah has had a successful week with hosting an investors meeting, and meeting with the Iraqi Minister for Transport to plan for the forthcoming Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which will see many Muslim passengers using the airport to complete their pilgrimage. In addition, numerous airfield equipment projects have been completed including the calibration of the new instrument landing system and radar. The Airport staff enjoyed handling over 1500 passengers in and out of the terminal building travelling on 23 civil and 5 cargo aircraft, mostly travelling to different locations around Iraq and the Middle East.

Members of Multi-National Division (South East) were pleased to host the visit of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent, who was transported by the Communications Fleet – consisting of HS125 and BAE 146 aircraft. This fleet regularly supports tens of passenger moves each week, travelling throughout the Joint Operational Area of the Middle East and Afghanistan, enabling point- to-point operational travel.

On 901 EAW, the C-130 Hercules Force has moved around 2000 passengers and 130 Tonnes of freight – still a significant task and the Force are preparing for the forthcoming personnel rotation that will occur in the Middle East, as experienced in Afghanistan. The resident VC-10s have continued to deliver 100% sortie success in refuelling a host of Coalition Fast-jet aircraft with its unique twin-hose capability.

The Tornado GR4 Force, now occupied by 31 Squadron ‘Gold Stars’ have experienced a steady yet busy week flying ‘overwatch’ and tactical reconnaissance missions over Iraq. This week, the Tornado has been tasked to watch convoy moves to ensure security. The imagery gathered by the aircraft is collected for data-link to the ground for processing by Tactical Imagery Intelligence Wing. They exploit the imagery to provide various Land Commanders with critical information for their operations, often requiring hours of careful scrutiny to glean the key detail. With their expertly trained eyes, Intelligence Analysts can pick out the slightest signs of enemy activity for briefing to Coalition Land Forces, all forming a larger Intelligence picture.

Photographs: RAF.

Header Image: VC10 on approach in the Middle East

Image 1: RAF Chinook refuels

Image 2: Nimord at sunset

Image 3: Basrah International Airport

Image 4: 31 Squadron Ground crew checks a RAPTOR pod, whilst Aircrew complete last minute checks (opens in new window)

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery