OPERATION HERRICK

The last 7 days have been a week of varied tasking for the C-130s of 904 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW). Among the tasking undertaken, were regular VIP flights and, regrettably, a significant number of aero-medical evacuations; assistance was provided to 21 patients comprising coalition forces, Afghan National Army personnel, local nationals and children. Over 2000 passengers were carried, an increase on the previous week’s total and an above average figure. In excess of 300 tonnes of freight was carried which is closer to historic norms. As occasionally happens, the Hercules Fleet Management planners back in the UK require aircraft, in this case two ac at the same time, to be returned home for routine maintenance. Under such circumstances careful planning is required to ensure that the operational output is maintained. As has happened before, valuable assistance was provided by the C130s from 901 EAW on Op TELIC, who agreed to accept an increase in their own engineering burden to protect HERRICK tasking, which was greatly appreciated. Once again, the excellent working relationship between the two organisations paid dividends. One of the replacement aircraft had a few technical problems en route from the UK and was delayed in Cyprus while rectification was undertaken. The aircraft was, however, quickly recovered and was soon on its way to theatre.

The Harriers from the Naval Strike Wing received a capability enhancement this week following the introduction of the Paveway IV bomb. Although the dropping of weapons is used as an absolute last resort, this new weapon will offer the Harrier pilots an increased level of flexibility. The employment of non-kinetic effects again proved highly effective this week, during which a number of ‘’shows of force’’ were used to discourage successfully potential acts of aggression by enemy ground forces. As a result, no weapons needed to be dropped by UK aircraft in defence of Coalition ground forces.

OPERATION TELIC

The VC10 Tankers of 901 EAW had a routine week of tasking in support of operations in Iraq. Over 180 tonnes of aviation fuel were dispensed to fast jet assets. Unfortunately the Tristar of 902 EAW had a disappointing week because of an unusual unserviceability that could only be repaired following the return of parts to the UK.

The Tornado GR4s, currently operated by 31 Sqn from RAF Marham, have had a routine week conducting a range of reconnaissance tasks while also being tasked with delivering ‘’shows of force’’ to assist forces on the ground. Although the operational tasking for the week was largely achieved, the planning was complicated because of the need to conduct an air test on an aircraft following a double engine change. Such air tests must be conducted during daylight and mean that the airframe and its crew are unable to support the operational task. A successful flight test was undertaken and the aircraft was soon back on operational missions.

Although not regularly mentioned in the Operational Summary, the Communications Fleet in-theatre assets, which currently consists of two HS125 aircraft had a routine week of tasking. These aircraft which are part of 901 EAW provide a valuable inter- and intra-theatre transport capability. The Fleet flies to a wide range of locations throughout the Middle East in order to meet busy schedules and challenging deadlines.

The C130 aircraft of 901 EAW this week moved over 180 tonnes of freight and over 2000 passengers. Whilst the tasking was largely routine in nature it is worth noting that a significant portion of their tasking was in support of the ongoing TELIC “Relief In Place or RIP’’. This is the scheduled roulement of army personnel in to and out of the Iraqi theatre of operations. This is great news for those soldiers who are beginning the journey home after an extremely productive tour on operations which has seen the security situation in southern Iraq improve markedly. The replacement troops can look forward to an operational tour that sees further gains in security. They can rest assured that the C130s will be there to take them home in due course.

Photographs: Sergeant Laura Bibby and Sergeant Pete Mobbs

Image 1: Troops getting on to a C130

Image 2: Air Crew night flying

Image 3: Pilot prepares to fly on his Tornado

Image 4: HS125 arrives in Theatre

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery