RAF and Weekly Ops Update 15 – 21 Jan 12

Air Mobility and Lift

The VC10s of 101 Sqn have continued to provide vital fuel for aircraft operating in the skies above Afghanistan. This week they delivered 60 tonnes of fuel bringing the monthly total to nearly 280 tonnes. The key event this week saw the VC10 crew extend their tasking to give much needed fuel to two Italian AMX ground attack aircraft, which are normally based in Herat. The Combined Air and Space Operations Centre based in the Middle East, later thanked and praised the rapid and flexible response of the VC10 crew. Refuelling missions are imperative and ensure that Coalition aircraft can continuously operate where they can deliver Close Air Support and armed overwatch for ground troops.

The C-130J Hercules fleet, part of 904 Expeditionary Air Wing, have once again proved its airlift capability. This week a total of 140 tonnes of freight and 1275 Coalition and Afghan troops were transported across the whole of Afghanistan. To sustain air mobility and lift 33 Engineering Squadron maintains and services the aircraft. This capable team of around 30 engineers and technicians ensures that the fleet continues its operational competence and necessary flights across Afghanistan.

Attack

The Tornado GR4s of 12(B) Sqn, operating from 904 EAW at Kandahar have continued to provide essential Close Air Support (CAS). This week the Tornados have been working along side US Forces in south Afghanistan. One particular event saw a Tornado aircraft deliver a Show of Force for a US convoy, to deter any Insurgent activity in Kandahar Province.

The Tornado Squadron were visited this week by the Air Component Commander (ACC), Air Commodore Stephen Forward. The ACC has recently taken over the reigns and commands 83 Expeditionary Air Group. He praised the efforts of 12 (B) Sqn, which has been deployed in Afghanistan since November and awarded two commendations to individuals working in the engineering section.

ISTAR

Intelligence and Situational Awareness

The 39 Sqn Reaper detachment have this week surpass 30,000 hours of operational flying over Afghanistan, reflecting its essential value to Coalition and Afghan troops. This committed and vital RAF asset, based at Kandahar Airfield, has continued to provide detailed imagery and crucial intelligence to ground commanders. This week they have delivered 194 hours of full motion video (FMV). The FMV products are used extensively by ground forces and this week assisted Task Force Helmand in identifying a range of insurgent activity including a suspected home made explosives production factory.

The Royal Navy SKASaCs detachment based at Camp Bastion have yet again played a pivotal role in ground operations in Helmand Province. This week the crew were tasked at short notice to locate suspicious vehicles that was believed to be transporting Narcotics. The crew quickly and effectively directed ground forces to the vehicles where they found quantities of Opium and weapons.

JHF(A)

Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan)

JHF (A) supported both deliberate operations and short notice taskings. One of the latter, which was delivered within two hours of the initial call proved particularly successful. The Brigade Reconnaissance Force secured a prestige weapon in addition to IED components and ammunition.

Editor: Flt Lt Chloe Bridge

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2012.