OPERATION HERRICK

The C130 Hercules Detachment of 904 Expeditionary Air Wing has had a difficult week with aircraft technical issues and weather both conspiring to compromise task achievement. To add insult to injury, 2 legs of tasking were lost on 16 Jan 09 due to delays at Kabul airport that were caused by an incident involving a civilian commercial aircraft. This incident closed the runway at Kabul for 3 hours. Despite these challenges and frustrations, the Detachment managed to move over 1,000 passengers and 100 tonnes of freight. Among the passengers moved were 100 Dutch service personnel who were part of a planned roulement. Blissfully unaware of the problems the RAF had faced, these Dutch troops were simply glad that the RAF was helping them to get home. Another group of people grateful for the RAF’s efforts were the British troops manning Forward Operating Bases. The Army received over 12 tonnes of rations and ammunitions delivered by air drop. A particularly good result was achieved by one crew, new in theatre, who delivered their cargo exactly on time and target. An e-mail of gratitude was received from the customer with an overall description of the success as ‘’hoofing’’. This is not a term familiar to the RAF but we assume the troops were fairly content!

The weather in Afghanistan failed to dampen the spirits of the IV(AC) Squadron personnel who achieved another first this week with the first operational employment of the Paveway IV bomb in the Global Positioning System guidance mode. When the situation on the ground dictates and the stringent rules of engagement are met, ordnance will be dropped. The Paveway IV can be used with pinpoint accuracy in bad weather thus guaranteeing the required kinetic effect while ensuring that other damage is reduced to an absolute minimum. In this case, the weapons were employed through the weather against compounds occupied by enemy forces engaging Coalition forces. Once again, the Paveway IV’s flexibility is proving incredibly valuable on Op HERRICK. Kinetic effect is not always necessary which is why on a number of occasions this week, ‘’Shows of Force’’ and ‘’Shows of Presence’’ were both sufficient to deter insurgent aggression. The Squadron also took time out this week to host visits by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Glenn Torpy and the Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, Air Vice Marshall Chris Harper. Both officers were briefed on current operations and future operational planning issues.

The Nimrod MR2 Detachment, which is part of 902 EAW, continues to make a significant contribution to operations in the HERRICK theatre. Operating in its capacity as an ISTAR platform, rather than the traditional Maritime role, this aircraft has recently been used to monitor designated areas for insurgent activity. The information passed back to Coalition ground forces is invaluable and helps maintain security and safety for both the Coalition forces and Afghan citizens.

OPERATION TELIC

It has been business as usual for the Tornado GR4s of IX(B) Squadron. The routine was however interrupted abruptly during the recent maintenance day (an opportunity for the groundcrew to catch up on any outstanding maintenance or aircraft husbandry matters) when the Squadron had to respond to an immediate time-sensitive imagery request. Two sorties were subsequently flown, both of which exploited the full spectrum of the aircraft’s reconnaissance capability. The resultant imagery was processed and dispatched to the requesting agency in a timely manner which was greatly appreciated.

For the second time in as many weeks, the Tristars of 902 EAW flew 100% of their tasked missions. Over 120 tonnes of aviation fuel were dispensed to F18A, F18C, F18F, Tornado GR4 and EA6B Prowler aircraft.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) also visited the personnel of 903 EAW in Iraq this week. The visit, which was co-ordinated by 903 EAW, provided an excellent opportunity for CAS to witness the breadth of activities where the RAF has key roles. The focus of the visit was on meeting people, and CAS spent 3 hours with RAF personnel and visited 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, No 5 Force Protection Wing and Fixed Wing Operations to name but a few. 903 EAW’s Commanding Officer briefed CAS on a number of issues including the ongoing Iraq Transition process.

Photographer: Sgt Laura Bibby, RAF

Image 1: IV Squadron Harrier preparing for take off

Image 2: The Nimrod MR2 having pre-flight checks

Image 3: An Aircrew Pilot ensuring pre-flight hydration drinks are taken

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery.