RAF and Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) Weekly Ops Update 18-24 Jul 11

Attack

Their first full week in Theatre saw 31 Sqn’s Tornado GR4s operating throughout Afghanistan, providing tactical reconnaissance and close air support to troops on the ground and utilisation of RAPTOR pods in support of operations. The ‘Goldstars’ also successfully delivered ‘Show of Force’ operations in support of troops on the ground. The Tornado Detachment’s high-readiness aircraft provided armed overwatch for ISAF troops.

ISTAR

Intelligence and Situational Awareness

39 Sqn’s remotely-piloted Reaper aircraft exploited their endurance and versatility to the maximum extent this week, providing in excess of 270 hours of detailed video imagery to ISAF commanders on the ground in SW Afghanistan. Working with UK and US Marines troops, the Reaper crews conducted overwatch and dedicated reconnaissance operations in direct support of the transfer of lead security authority to Afghan government and security officials in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province.

V(AC) Sqn’s Sentinel R1 detachment to 902 EAW were heavily involved in the transition events in Lashkar Gah this week, as well as supporting UK troops and US Marines elsewhere in Helmand province. Working with RN SKASaCs helicopters in support of the UK Brigade Reconnaissance Force on Operations, the Sentinel used the Airborne Stand-Off Radar system to provide information and analysis of movements on the ground before and during the Transfer of Lead Security Authority. Separately, the Sentinel crews supported the USMC’s 2^nd Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion following an insurgent attack, providing invaluable situational awareness to ground commanders.

The SKASaC helicopters of 854 Naval Air Squadron, attached to 903 EAW at Camp Bastion, maintained pressure on insurgent activity in southern Helmand this week. Working with the USMC’s Regimental Combat Team 1 and 2^nd Light Armoured Reconnaissance, they supported vehicle interdiction operations which resulted in the arrest and detention of 2 suspected insurgents. Also, working with 902 EAW’s Sentinel aircraft, the Royal Navy team provided support to the transfer of lead security authority in Lashkar Gah on 20 Jul.

Air Mobility and Lift

The mobility of passengers and freight throughout the region is critical to supporting the ongoing transition in Afghanistan, and 83 EAG’s personnel and aircraft were at the forefront of that effort this week. C130 freighters from 901 and 904 EAWs conveyed over 200 tonnes of equipment and nearly 1800 passengers throughout Afghanistan and beyond, while the Command Support Air Transport aircraft of 901 EAW ensured the safe passage of 20 VIPs across the region. Notably, and marking a key step in Afghanistan’s on-going progress, the transfer of Lead Security Authority in Lashkar Gah on 20 Jul saw some 43 VIPs pass through 903 EAW at Camp Bastion.

JHF(A)

Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan)

This week JHF(A) provided rotary wing support to 5 deliberate operations. The highlight of this week’s activities has been the aviation support provided to the transfer of security ceremony which occurred at Lashkar Gah on 20 Jul 11. This tasking involved the movement of over 50 military and civilian VIPs using a mixture of aviation assets, such as Chinook and Merlin, protected by Apache.

Editor: Flt Lt E A Price

Photography: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011