OPERATION HERRICK

In comparison to previous weeks, this has been a relatively quiet week for the Hercules C-130 aircraft of 904 EAW. Coincident with this, aircraft serviceability has remained high with all tasking achieved successfully. Over 2100 passengers were transported throughout the region, in excess of 240 tonnes of freight was moved and one casualty evacuation carried out. By changing the crew constitution C-130 operations continue to offer optimum capacity in both passenger and freight roles, despite constraints in other areas.

Vital reconnaissance missions formed the main activity for the Harrier aircraft of 904 EAW this week and despite a slightly subdued operational tempo when compared to previous periods, they still produced essential intelligence imagery in support of key ISAF coalition operations in the Operation HERRICK region. Harrier serviceability remains high, which is due to good management of the essential rolling schedule of aircraft maintenance, coupled with a dedicated focus to maintaining serviceable assets by the ground crew.

Supporting the wider Coalition effort in both Operation HERRICK and TELIC theatres, the Communications Fleet aircraft of 901 EAW continued to transport a wide cross-section of key personnel throughout both theatres.

The mix of Coalition receiver aircraft were well supported by the Tristar aircraft of 902 EAW, with over 70 tonnes of fuel being dispensed in Air to Air refuelling operations this week.

OPERATION TELIC

With clearer weather conditions, the operational tempo for the Tornado aircraft of 901 EAW remained steady throughout this week, with a variety of fifteen different sorties being executed. These included discreet Close Air Support operations, as well as reconnaissance missions and on occasion, a mixture of both. The highly flexible nature of the Tornado GR4 aircraft allowed rapid re-role into different configurations on the request from ground commanders or through interpretation of gathered intelligence. This re-role ability is a key part of the successful execution of Air-Land Operations, and was carried out to good effect this week following very close cooperation with other Coalition forces.

A steady operational tempo kept the Hercules aircraft of 901 EAW busy covering essential passenger and freight transportation throughout the Operation TELIC region. Over 1000 passengers were transported, with 153 tonnes of freight and essential stores being delivered this week. Aircraft serviceability remained high, despite an unexpected event rendering one aircraft unserviceable for a short period; this was rectified rapidly allowing the aircraft to return to fleet operations.

Despite some significant unserviceabilities affecting the fleet, the VC10 aircraft of 901 EAW still met all tasking. Over 130 tonnes of fuel was dispensed to Coalition receiver aircraft.

Significant progress is being made in the Basrah area as 903 EAW operations draw to a close and responsibility for military operations at Basrah International Airport is handed over to US forces in the region. Positive changes and improvements can be witnessed now, with economic development gathering apace in the Al-Basrah location.

Images: RAF/MOD.

Header Image: Tornado GR4 aircraft.

Image 1: Coalition Partnerships.

Image 2: Ground Technicians at work.

Image 3: Hours Logged.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery.