OPERATION HERRICK

Due to a Harrier that crashed on the airfield this week, Hercules operations were hindered for a short period of time. However, despite carrying fewer passengers, the Hercules of 904 EAW were still busy with a continuing high operational tempo. Two flights to return personnel home on compassionate grounds were conducted, alongside several medical evacuations that required additional adjustments to be made to planned sorties this week. The aircraft engineers continued to produce serviceable aircraft round the clock, irrespective of the weather which is adding Heat Stress to already arduous working conditions. Over 1900 passengers were transported and in excess of 250 tonnes of freight were delivered throughout the region.

The Harriers of 904 EAW experienced a lowered tempo of operations this week, with reduced kinetic activity. The unfortunate loss of an aircraft involved in a landing accident resulted in the pilot ejecting to safety, but he was not seriously injured; the cause of the accident is under investigation. This accident affected operations for a short while, before flying operations resumed for the Harriers, which were involved in a range of sorties this week, including Close Air Support and Reconnaissance missions. Six Shows of Force successfully deterred enemy activities which were causing a nuisance to Coalition ground troops, resulting in a favourable outcome for the friendly Coalition Force’s operation on the ground. Four Shows of Presence allowed the successful engagement of Enemy Forces (EF) ground troops, resulting in the neutralisation of any further threat to other ground troops and Afghan National Police checkpoints. The ease with which Harriers can be re-tasked in the air is testimony to their flexibility due to their wide repertoire of ‘on-wing’ capabilities; this was apparent this week when they were re-tasked from a reconnaissance mission to a Show of Force, which resulted in a positive outcome in support of Afghan National Army personnel, who were being engaged by EF.

The Communications Fleet provided key linkages throughout the theatre with the HS125 aircraft and the BAE 146. This week, over 15 passengers and 8 tonnes of freight were transported.

The ongoing unserviceability of the TriStar of 902 EAW has resulted in other Air-to-Air Refuelling assets absorbing the absent capability in the region.

OPERATION TELIC

The operational tempo for the Tornado aircraft of 901 EAW was maintained last week, with a wide range of sorties being flown. Experts in obtaining Tactical Imagery of potential and actual threats from the ground, the Tornado reconnaissance capability is unsurpassed throughout the Combat Aircraft fraternity in theatre. Having conducted several such sorties, the Tornados continued throughout the week with a mix of day and night Close Air Support sorties. Additionally, the kinetic effect of a Fast Air Show of Force often results in the desired positive outcome in support of ground troops; this indeed was the case this week.

Passenger transportation took a slight downturn for the Hercules of 901 EAW this week, but freight delivery remained at the traditional levels. Over 900 passengers were transferred throughout the region, with over 200 tonnes of freight being delivered. Poor weather, strong winds and dust storms in particular, has hampered the progress of engineering rectification work over the last week. Despite this situation and with rising temperatures, the aircraft engineers have produced the required number of aircraft, working hard to enable achievement of the task. Several of the technical problems can be attributed to the harsh climate and the associated increased wear and tear on aircraft. However, the Engineers did an excellent job in working to minimise the disruption to air operations, enduring more than their fair share of sandstorms to get aircraft back on the programme.

Flexibility being the key to air power is truly the case with the VC10 aircraft of 901 EAW. Regardless of unserviceabilities with receiver aircraft, the VC10s still completed their planned total of sorties, reacting to changing and very dynamic conditions. In amongst the task of providing a pivotal Air-to-Air Refuelling capability to a wide range of Coalition aircraft, the crews still had the capacity to host a high-profile visit to their location by their Air Officer Commanding 2 Group. His visit was a resounding success, with the crews providing him with essential feedback on current operations. The VC10s successfully transferred over 125 tonnes of fuel to receiver Coalition aircraft this week.

A small ceremony marked the cessation of operations for 903 EAW at Basrah, with a parade being held in tribute to the last six years of essential contributions by the RAF to this region of Iraq. Approximately seventy 903 EAW personnel paraded outside their Headquarters to mark the closure of 903 EAW, with this memorable event captured for posterity by the resident Combat Camera Team. Following 2 short speeches, including a message from the Air Officer Commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group and a few words from the Padre, the RAF Ensign at Basra was lowered for the final time.

Images: Cpl Scott Robertson, RAF.

Header Image: Royal Air Force movements personnel at Basra COB, Op Telic.

Image 1: Royal Air Force movements personnel at Basra COB, Op Telic.

Image 2: 'Rocky', a 9 year old Belgian Shepard. Air Dog Rocky, a Patrol Attack dog plays a vital part in protecting Air assests, personnel, and the Air Base at Basrah International Airport. Benji is with the Theatre Miltary Working Dog Support Unit 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, Op Telic Iraq.

Image 3: 15 Sqn RAF Regiment on patrol outside the Basra COB.

Image 4: 15 Sqn RAF Regiment on patrol at Basra COB with the United States Army.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery.