OPERATION HERRICK

The C-130 Detachment of 904 EAW continue to move ever increasing amounts of loads around theatre, with over 2000 passengers and 300 tonnes of freight being transported this week. Compared to their achievements last week, the C-130 efforts were somewhat frustrated in the early part of this week through poor weather, which resulted in a backlog. A rapid recovery of this situation soon ensued, even though a further sortie was cancelled due to bad weather conditions on the ground at their destination airfield. However, they continued to achieve success within their specialist Aeromed role, after transporting three critically injured casualties to various locations. Herein, the ‘ramp-to-ramp’ transfer activity has been used once again by the C-130 crews, who can now be considered masters in this rapid transfer of casualties from one aircraft to another. Sadly, the carriage of a fatality was also undertaken by the C-130 Detachment this week. 904 EAW also played host to the Foreign Secretary, who recently visited the region. These visits are pivotal in informing senior politicians at first hand on the issues confronting UK military personnel on operations, thereby allowing them to consider operational matters with a more informed level of understanding.

The Harrier GR9 Force experienced a high tempo of activity in support of ground troops, producing the required results in terms of kinetic effect. Indeed, the Harrier GR9 involvement was key to ensuring favourable outcomes on the ground. Some of these sorties also included ‘Shows of Force’, despite challenging weather conditions throughout the whole operating period. Under operational conditions Harriers continue to carry out training missions, which also involve ground crew at the destination airfield. This ensures all areas concerned are fully conversant with new capabilities being exercised on the GR9, before being rolled out across the fleet. It is essential that the folk in the whole support chain involved with producing ‘Fast Air’ assets know how to react to any condition on the ground (including RAF Firefighters) in order to maintain the high level of effectiveness required to continue supporting operations. The Harrier GR9 pilots also hosted a Lessons Identified workshop with other Coalition Fighter aircraft partners, including the French, Belgian and Dutch Fighter contingents. Given its success, this will become a feature for the Harrier force in the future and will be repeated regularly.

The Nimrod MR2 crews of 902 EAW enjoyed a good period of serviceability last week, which was facilitated by the forward planning and efforts of the aircraft engineering ground crews. The work carried out by Royal Air Force aircraft engineers is pivotal to enduring operations running smoothly. The Nimrod MR2 was also involved in operations which saw opposing forces causing a menace to our troops on the ground to be dispersed. At the same time, speedy re-tasking in the air allowed the Nimrod to coordinate ground troop activities on a 3-way basis with another coalition aircraft. The versatility with which the Nimrod can be re-tasked in these situations allows the provision of essential communication ‘top cover’ resulting in totally favourable outcomes for our troops on the ground.

OPERATION TELIC

This has been a particularly busy week for the 901 EAW VC10 fleet, compared to last week’s relatively low operational tempo. Over double the amount of tasking previously planned was executed successfully this week. Given the ‘slow fly’ situation that evolved the previous week, more hours and sortie availability was offered and indeed utilised. The low tempo had been effectively capitalised upon by the aircraft ground engineers, who had ensured the aircraft would be available for the heavy workload ahead. By forward planning for a busy period, the aircraft engineers can do everything possible to provide the maximum fleet availability when required. The culmination of these favourable situations led to a fuel transfer in the air of over 200 tonnes to other aircraft; a remarkable amount of fuel transfer in the air for the VC10 teams. Given the high workload experienced in such a short space of time, aircraft unserviceabilities sometimes become inevitable factors on operations. However, the responsive Royal Air Force logistics chain supporting current operations has a critical part to play to provide the necessary support to maintain fleet output. In order to maintain the balance of flying hours, across the UK VC10 fleet aircraft change over will take place soon.

Some level of frustration appeared to be the common theme for the whole of the C-130 fleet this week, regardless of whether they were operating as part of 904 EAW or 901 EAW. Fog in the 901 EAW C-130 detachment’s location resulted in delayed aircraft arrivals. This had a ‘knock-on’ impact on crew rest requirements causing corresponding adjustments to the following days flying programme, but despite these factors, all flying tasks were still achieved.

7 Force Protection Wing RAF Regiment, who form part of 903 EAW, continue to work towards transition planning. The change over from 51 Squadron RAF Regiment to 15 Squadron RAF Regiment continues apace and should be completed towards the end of February. Much liaison between Division and Brigade organisations is also currently underway in readiness for transfers of authority.

Photographer: RAF/MOD

Image 1: RAF Hercules

Image 2: Minrod MR2 is being prepared

Image 3: VC10 preparing to take off

Image 4: RAF Regiment on ground patrol

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery