OPERATION HERRICK

The operational tempo continued unabated this week for the Hercules C-130 aircraft of 904 EAW, an increase in passengers saw over 2600 passengers being transported, whilst cargo deliveries totalled in excess of 230 tonnes. A complete range of sorties was experienced this week, with the evacuation of a critically injured patient as well as numerous aeromedical evacuations. These were in addition to transportation of several compassionate cases where, like critically injured patients, timely evacuation is of critical importance. The mix of sorties continued with direct support to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Underpinning this level of flying effort, and called upon to rectify a wide range of faults, the aircraft engineers worked tirelessly to ensure that sufficient aircraft remained available to meet required tasking.

Some level of frustration impacted the Harrier aircraft of 904 EAW, with poor weather hindering the flying effort. Sorties this week included reconnaissance work intergrated with other agencies to seek out Improvised Explosive Devices on the ground. This cooperative integration included some ‘first time use’ ground-breaking capability. As well as successful prosecution of Close Air Support sorties, one Show of Presence and one Show of Force were also conducted. Engineering support on the ground experienced a particularly demanding period of activity this week, with some complicated maintenance problems to resolve. Aircraft serviceability was maintained through continuous hard work and effort from dedicated engineering and logistics support.

With preparations for the handing over of authority to the Iraqi administration entering their final stages, the Communications Flight of 901 EAW successfully carried out 39 sorties in support of this pivotal period in history.

On 902 EAW the Tristar dispensed over 230 tonnes of fuel to a wide variety of Coalition aircraft and continues to deliver mission success in support of Operation HERRICK.

OPERATION TELIC

This week’s effort from the VC10 fleet of 901 EAW was hampered by concurrent unserviceabilities. However, ceaseless support from the aircraft engineers, sufficient aircraft were generated to carry out further planned tasking.

Increasing tasking in support of the successful transition in Iraq is now beginning to impact on the Operations of the Hercules fleet of 901 EAW. However careful prior planning has allowed the achievement of all flying tasks this week. Clever management of tasking to combine tactical missions with requests, made at very short notice to transport high profile passengers is testimony to the flexibility of this Tactical Airlift team.

The trend with inclement weather has hampered 901 EAW Tornado operations even further this week. Indeed, thunderstorms and dust clouds forced many Coalition aircraft to curtail their activities. However, in testimony to their capabilities, The Tornado GR4s maintained a presence in the air over the operational area of Operation TELIC. With visibility limited by dust clouds, high-quality reconnaissance imagery proved very difficult to obtain; this had a ‘knock-on’ effect of complicating the delivery of support to convoys.

A significant level of effort has assured a successful transfer of responsibilties to US Forces at 903 EAW. This seamless transfer is the realisation of closely integrated planning and execution across the whole of the Coalition contingent in the Al-Basrah area of authority.

Images: RAF/MOD

Image 1: A Chinook in flight

Image 2: Force Protection

Image 3: A Fast Jet Pilot