OPERATION HERRICK

For the C-130 Hercules Detachment of 904 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) there were some notable successes this week for both aircrew and engineers alike. The highlight of the week was a move from Kabul to southern Afghanistan of President Karzai and other civil dignitaries. Some very slick contingency planning was required when technical problems manifested themselves half way through the mission. Fortunately the action of the operational planners and Hercules Detachment staff ensured that operational continuity was maintained with the task subsequently being completed successfully. Other activity this week included the move of personnel supporting the preparation of a Sea King helicopter to be moved by a USAF C17 transport aircraft and the dropping of supplies to Coalition troops on the ground. Hercules engineers repeatedly prove their worth; this week was no exception when they worked hard to rectify a number of technical problems. Notably there were 2 aircraft needing window replacements, a process that requires the ‘’curing’’ of sealant which is normally done in warm aircraft hangars. Such facilities on expeditionary operations are rare and the Afghanistan winter does not lend itself to this process. However, a resourceful C-130 engineering team applied great initiative in the form of an insulating cardboard box and a borrowed heater in an effort to speed up the process! This may sound slightly ‘’Heath Robinson’’ in approach but it was effective, ensuring that aircraft were available for tasking as soon as possible and reflecting the inordinate ingenuity of RAF technicians.

From an aircraft serviceability perspective, for the Harrier pilots and support team of IV(AC) Squadron it has been a much easier week. Nonetheless, it has still been a busy week, with 100% of the tasked missions being achieved. There has been no need to drop any ordnance although the Harrier’s reconnaissance capability has been fully exploited while the presence of ‘’Fast Air’’ continues to be highly valued by a range of forces on the ground. On a more sporting note, 4 officers from IV(AC) Squadron have been keeping fit in between flying operational sorties by training to run 4 marathons over 4 consecutive weekends in later this year. The four, who have been deployed to Kandahar since December, plan to run the Belfast, Edinburgh, Rutland and Windermere marathons one after another once they return from Op HERRICK. Collectively, the Squadron are calling this event IV’s 4 and are raising money for Help IV Heroes. The four officers will not be home in the near future meaning most of their marathon training will be done in Afghanistan.

The Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, operated by 39 Squadron, continue to be an air asset that is highly valued by the Coalition commanders in theatre. This week saw no let up in the exploitation of this unique capability.

During a week that saw a significant level of visits to the HERRICK Theatre, the key visit was that undertaken by the Right Honourable John Hutton, the Secretary of State for Defence. Mr Hutton was briefed on a range of issues including the capabilities of the RAF Harrier and Hercules operating over Afghanistan, as well as meeting a very wide cross-section of all three Services’ and MOD Civil Service personnel.

OPERATION TELIC

The RAF personnel of 901 EAW Forward enjoyed a successful week with their HS125 aircraft from 32(TR) Squadron remaining serviceable throughout. Among a number of moves supported, was that involving the Secretary of State for Defence who was mentioned earlier.

The VC10 Detachment of 901 EAW had a week of mixed fortune but, despite some aircraft technical and other administrative problems, still maintained their operational output, met all tasking and dispensed over 150 tonnes of aviation fuel to Coalition aircraft. A planned aircraft exchange had to be rescheduled when the replacement aircraft developed a hydraulic leak en route to Akrotiri and subsequently returned to RAF Brize Norton. The replacement aircraft will now fly to theatre next week. Certain technical preparations by the VC10 Engineering Authority back in the UK were required to ensure that the deployed K3 Tanker could remain overseas. These actions were completed in time although the UK VC10 Fleet Planners were given something else to consider when the aircraft was badly damaged during a ground incident. Ground equipment was blown into the VC10 by another Coalition aircraft’s jet wash causing damage to the fuselage skin.

903 EAW’s RAF Police and Regiment personnel from 51 Squadron RAF Regiment continue to contribute well to the overall Security situation in their area of responsibility. The focus of all security forces in this part of Iraq is to ensure that a safe environment is maintained in the in the run up to the forthcoming elections. This is extremely vital work, carried out with discretion and sensitivity, which makes a major contribution to supporting the development of the local provincial democratic process, and consequently that of Iraq at large.

Photographer: Sgt Laura Bibby, RAF

Header Image: A VC10 and a Hercules on the runway

Image 1: RAF Movements personnel unload a C17

Image 2: Two technicians unloading a bomb

Image 3: Non-destructive testing is carried out

Image 4: 1 Squadron RAF Regiment on patrol

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery.