OP HERRICK

This has been another week where the Hercules engineers of 904 EAW have had to work especially hard in support of to ensure there were sufficient aircraft to meet the flying programme. The week started with what can only be described as a fluid night with short notice changes in tasking and revised aircraft parking arrangements causing issues to aircrew, engineers and movements staff alike; good humour on all sides saw the tasking completed. The early part of the week saw a number of critically injured patients plus a number of other wounded service personnel carried. Later in the week, an aircraft transited out of the operational area to pick up freight while another transported a contingent of troops from a Coalition partner nation. In all around 2400 passengers and 160 tonnes of freight were carried this week.

For the Tornados of 904 EAW, the week started with a tactical reconnaissance sortie while another pair of Tornados provided support to a RAF Regiment patrol. The following day, a pair of Tornados were acting in support of a friendly patrol that was taking small arms fire. A Show of Force was carried out to suppress enemy fire while friendly forces broke contact. Later, Tornados carried out surveillance of buildings that were potentially to be used as polling stations for the forthcoming election. Midweek, a Tornado carried out a Show of Force in support of a friendly patrol that was receiving mortar fire while other Tornados provided support to an Afghan National Army unit. Later a ground patrol was receiving small arms and RPG fire. The supporting Tornado initially conducted a Show of Presence to deter further enemy fire; when this had little effect the aircraft carried out a Show of Force. The following day, a Tornado was providing support to a vehicle convoy; two Shows of Presence were conducted to deter enemy interference. Later, a Tornado was tasked to provide overwatch for a medical evacuation helicopter collecting personnel wounded in a roadside bomb attack. Once complete, the crew were retasked to support a joint US/Afghan National Army foot patrol that had been engaged by the enemy. The Tornado carried out two Shows of Force and provided overwatch. Towards the end of the week a successful tactical reconnaissance sortie was flown while other Tornados carried out a Show of Presence to deter enemy aggression against a compound where friendly armoured vehicles were positioned. The week ended with yet another successful tactical reconnaissance sortie and more support to the RAF Regiment.

The Comms Fleet carried 19 passengers while the VC10 of 902 EAW flew 3 times and dispensed over 35 tonnes of fuel to Tornado and US aircraft.

OP TELIC

The Hercules of 901 EAW has continued to service the whole of the Op TELIC area of operations in support of the remaining EAWs in the area and the FCO personnel in Iraq. In all, over 130 passengers and over 60 tonnes of freight were moved. The engineering team again demonstrated their dedication by completing an engine change in temperatures that averaged in excess of 50C during the day and 40C at night; strong winds throughout exacerbated their discomfort.