Ops Update 23 Jan 2011
Control of the Air
OVERLORD has continued its successful introduction within Regional Command (South West) RC(SW) by merging the previously 2 independent agencies of RAZOR and BLACKLIST it has simplified the Airspace Structure and hence control effort required. This means that it is much easier for aircraft operations to be conducted within that region. By significantly reducing the workload on aircrew they in turn are able to concentrate more on the vital role of supporting ISAF operations and ground troops.
Intelligence & Situational Awareness
The Sentinel of 5 (AC) Squadron deployed to 902 EAW in the Middle East have continued their support to the ISAF Blocking Operations over wide areas of some of Afghanistan’s roughest and most inhospitable terrain. In doing so they routinely help in they identification, monitoring and interception of suspicious vehicle movements. They are also regularly used to offer dedicated support to reconstruction projects such as rebuilding roads and bridges.
In an almost unique event this week they were able to come to the direct assistance of a USMC unit that had come under attack from insurgents. The Marines had been victims to several IEDs and had been under fire for a protracted time. Due to bad weather within Afghanistan and failing light more traditional CAS or armed over watch was unable to come to assistance. Therefore the Sentinel was dynamically retasked to take up an over watch position, Sentinels having been able to launch from the better weather situation at 902 EAW. The sentinel was able to stay overhead, until the limit of their endurance, and offer using its impressive Comms and GMTI abilities was able to assist the Marines in coordinating the comms situation, assisting in the identification of a helicopter CASEVAC and reassure the Marines that no Insurgent reinforcements were moving to the location.
Nimrod Aircraft from 51 Squadron based at 902 EAW have been employed in an ongoing activity to help disrupt Insurgent lines and means of communication within RC(SW). As this activity has increased in success, it has enabled the activity to spread further out from Kandahar. This has had a significant benefit for the ISAF ground troops in countering the insurgents and the information superiority gained by this type of use of ISR is fundamental to the gathering pace of ISAF success within that area.
Air Mobility/Lift
A very busy week of work for the Hercules of both 901 and 904 EAW in which several aircraft requiring planned in-depth maintenance activity were ‘swapped’ for ‘fresh’ ones coming into theatre from their home base at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire. By doing this, the impact on operations within Afghanistan, indeed the Broader Middle East, is kept to an absolute minimum. Not only does it reduce the need to have additional spares, equipment and personnel kept in theatre, but the in-depth maintenance activity is carried out significantly quicker and more efficiently an the dedicated facilities back at RAF Lyneham.
During this same period the Kandahar Airfield (KAF) based 904 EAW Hercules aircraft flew nearly 2600 passengers and 280 Tonnes of freight and continued to support the UK airbridge and the completion of the Macedonian RiP into Kabul.
Attack
RAF Lossiemouth based 12(B) Squadron has bedded in well to its role as the resident Tornados GR4 at KAF. Its main effort this week has been in support to Op HAMKARI, a major Afghan led ISAF operation within Kandahar province. This activity has shown the GR4s’ wide range of roles with aircraft tasked against Armed Overwatch, GCAS and ISR missions.
KEY ACTIVITY 17 – 23 Jan 11
Standing Sentinel over the USMC
51 Squadron Provides Information Superiority
OVERLORD simplifies Airspace Control
Editor: Sqn Ldr P R Lipscomb.
Photography: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011.