OPERATION HERRICK

The tempo of operations for the Hercules aircraft of 904 EAW remains steady, with few surges of activity and regular tasking. A number of patients were evacuated using the Aeromedical role, with further critical patients requiring emergency air evacuation; coupled with this, compassionate evacuations also kept the Hercules fleet busy, returning personnel to the UK for urgent reasons. Over 1800 passengers were transported this week, with over 270 tonnes of freight being delivered throughout the theatre. The ebb and flow of serviceability meant that a good proportion of the fleet remained serviceable throughout this week, with only minor maintenance issues requiring the attention of the ground crews.

Activity for the Harrier aircraft of 904 EAW increased markedly this week, with 9 Shows of Force (SOF) and two Shows of Presence (SOP). Often, letting enemy forces know that Fast Air is available is sufficient to dissuade further enemy activity. The potent mix of Reconnaissance to obtain imagery and Close Air Support missions to exploit the information allows the neutralisation of enemy planting Implemented Explosive Devices against Friendly Forces on the ground. The aircraft engineers have worked remarkably well to maintain full availability of the fleet, achieving all tasking for the week.

The Communications Flight was involved with transporting key high-profile visitors throughout both Operation TELIC and HERRICK theatres this week, with over 34 passengers being moved and in excess of three tonnes of freight being transported.

OPERATION TELIC

A wide mix of sorties for the Tornados of 901 EAW included Reconnaissance missions, and Close Air Support missions during day and night operations. The Tornado Fleet achieved the majority of tasking planned, but some of these sorties were curtailed due to impacts from other areas, such as air-to-air refuelling capability being limited in their Area of Operation. This week witnessed the Tornado fleet experiencing two aircraft emergencies, which resulted in aircraft being diverted from their usual location. These occurrences necessitated the recovery of these aircraft, with Tornado squadron engineers having to deploy to other locations. Under these circumstances, Royal Air Force aircraft engineers are amongst the best in the world at reacting to fast-moving situations and soon had the aircraft fixed and recovered to their usual location. These recoveries involved a series of agencies, including the Hercules aircraft to move personnel and equipment and other Coalition partners to assist. Flexibility and determination were key factors during these operations.

The Hercules aircraft of 901 EAW also experienced an increased level of unserviceabilities this week, resulting in a reduction in their operational tempo. Notwithstanding technical issues, overall passenger numbers for this week showed a slight reduction with over 700 passengers being transported throughout the region; freight transported totalled in excess of 140 tonnes. The Hercules engineers put in a concerted effort to maintain sufficient aircraft to meet tasking. With temperatures reaching mid 40 deg C levels, maintaining serviceable aircraft becomes a doubly difficult task; the engineers coped remarkably well with these conditions. Heat Acclimatisation Training, which is a pre-requisite for all Royal Air Force personnel, ensures that all personnel deployed into this theatre of operations are able to deal with the harsh conditions faced in the Middle East.

An uneventful week for the VC10 detachment of 901 EAW; they achieved all tasking, albeit some sorties were curtailed due to external factors. However, over 140 tonnes of fuel was still offloaded to Coalition receiver aircraft.

Images: Cpl Scott Robertson, RAF.

Header Image: RAF Tornado GR4 Flares.

Image 1: 15 Squadron In Iraq.

Image 2: RAF Movers.

Image 3: RAF VC-10 Aircrew.

Image 4: RAF Regiment.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery.