RAF and Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) Weekly Ops Update 29 Aug - 4 Sep 11

ISTAR

Intelligence and Situational Awareness

This week saw V(AC) Sqn’s Sentinel aircraft supporting operations in the RC(East) area of responsibility, while continuing to provide radar reconnaissance for Task Forces Helmand and Leatherneck in RC(South West). Working alongside US JSTARS aircraft, the Sentinel team made full use of the Airborne Stand-Off Radar system to relay near-real time information and subsequent detailed analysis to ground commanders operating in both areas. One such mission saw the US Marine Corps’ 2^nd Light Armoured Reconnaissance battalion use this information to track the movement of suspected insurgents.

This week proved to be a busy period for 31 Sqn’s Tornado GR4s, operating from 904 EAW at Kandahar. Using their RAPTOR and Litening III reconnaissance pods, the GR4s provided detailed imagery support to ground commanders searching for insurgent IEDs near Nad’Ali, but also delivered close air support to ISAF troops throughout the western half of Afghanistan. Working with Spanish troops in Baghdis province, a 31 Sqn crew delivered a Show of Presence, using flares from medium level to deter possible insurgent attacks. On a separate mission, a US Marine Corps team, working with the Afghan National Army’s 215 Corps, called in a Tornado to deliver a Show of Force over a possible ambush site where suspected insurgents were gathering. After the Tornado’s high speed, low altitude pass, the suspected insurgents dispersed to the Afghan commander’s satisfaction.

The handover this week from Regimental Combat Team 1 (RCT 1) to their comrades in RCT 5 marked the continuation of the very successful relationship between the US Marine Corps of Task Force Leatherneck and the SKASaCs detachment at 903 EAW. During RCT 1’s tour, their work with the SKASaCs team yielded some significant results, including the seizure of over 7000 lbs of drugs and several vehicles, and the detention of many suspected insurgents. The work continued unabated overt the past week, with vital radar reconnaissance provided to other RCTs and the 2^nd Light Armoured Reconnaissance battalion throughout Helmand province, thus contributing to the vital effort of reducing the insurgents’ freedom of movement in the area.

Air Mobility and Lift

The 101 Sqn VC10 detachment at 902 EAW maintained their operational momentum this week, providing endurance-extending fuel to the full range of Coalition fast jets, including 31 Sqn’s Tornado GR4s and US Navy carrier-borne aircraft. During Aug, the VC10 fleet delivered almost 500 tonnes of fuel to ISAF jets, usually right overhead the action on the ground. On one mission this week, a pair of F18 Hornets took turns to take fuel from the tanker, with one refuelling while the other provided close air support to troops engaged by insurgents near Kandahar. Thanks to the support provided by the VC10, the Hornets were able to attack the insurgents with their 20mm cannon, firing over 300 rounds and achieving the ground commander’s intent.

JHF(A)

Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan)

This week saw the Army Air Corps (AAC) celebrate its 54^th birthday on 01 Sep 11. The AAC component of JHF(A), which comprises of approximately 150 officers and soldiers, saw in the day being presented with a gift of shortbread which had been sent out to celebrate the occasion by their Colonel-in-Chief, Prince Charles.

The birthday was marked with a church service and military history lesson. All junior ranks were rewarded for their hard work and efforts throughout the deployment with the gift of pizzas from their AAC officers and SNCOs.

Editor: Flt Lt E A Price

Photography: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011.