A very busy week for UK Air assets, both within the wider Middle East and throughout Afghanistan. Whilst the main effort remains the support to activity for Op HERRICK , as the Afghan lead on ISAF Operations gathers pace, there has also been significant support given to other UK Exercises and detachments. The Relief in Place (RiP) of UK ground troops has seen the seamless move of 16 Air Assault Brigade into place. Strategic Air Transport either flew troops direct from the UK to the Joint Operating Base at Kandahar Airfield, and thence on to Forward Operating Bases by Tactical Air Transport or RAF Support Helicopters, or via the second Air Line Of Communication to change aircraft at an Airbase within the Middle East. The reverse task to return 4 Mechanized Brigade home is all but complete.

Tornado

A week full of activity for Number 14 Sqn with armed overwatch of ISAF and UK ground troops and considerable Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in direct support of Op HAMKARI. Judicious use of the escalation of force has enabled ground commanders to request Shows of Force to complete their missions without the final requirement to deploy airborne weaponry. Tornado GR4’s have continued to show their adaptability and potent capability when ISR missions have been retasked in flight to attack positively identified ground targets on behalf of ISAF ground commanders. Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone missiles have again proved exceptionally effective against fast moving vehicles and delivered the nil collateral damage to civilians or property as planned.

Hercules

The C-130J Hercules from 904 EAW at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan has moved freight and coalition troops in and around the theatre this week. The Hercules from 901 EAW has also helped with the RiP and other tasks in and around the Middle East.

Reaper

Reaper has successfully completed all its planned missions in support of a broad spectrum of operations in RC(South) and RC(South West). Kinetic events have again been successfully conducted in support of Counter-Improvised Explosive Devise Operations.

Nimrod R1

The Nimrod R1 of Number 51 (Reconnaissance) Squadron based in the Gulf has been heavily involved in crucial support to ISAF Ground Commanders directing Op HAMKARI in RC(South West). There is a growing interoperability between the Nimrod R1 and other ISAF and coalition ISR platforms, which offers planners and ground troops remarkable support.

Sentinel

The Sentinel of Number 5 (Army Co-operation) Squadron has provided dynamic Near Real Time reporting to produce essential situational awareness for UK and ISAF commanders supporting ANSF Operations. These operations have been very successful in preventing the illegal movement of narcotics, bomb making parts and other weapons.

VC10

A VC10 of Number 101 Squadron, based in the Gulf, delivered nearly 140 tons of fuel during air-to-air operations. The aircraft refueled came from a wide range of coalition aircraft as well as those in direct support of Op HERRICK.

SKASaC

The ISR picture produced by Royal Navy SKASaC crews operating under 903 EAW has enabled ISA and ANSF forces to make significant seizure of bomb making material and the arrest of numerous detainees.

C-17

901 EAWs C-17 has continued help move personnel as part of the RIP, but also moved personnel from as far away as Diego Garcia, in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Editor: Sqn Ldr P R Lipscomb.

Photography: Sgt Corrine Buxton.