RAF and Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) Weekly Ops Update 3-9 Oct 11

Attack

The 39 Sqn Reaper detachment, operating from Kandahar airfield, struck several heavy blows against insurgents this week, while maintaining the crucial flow of detailed imagery and intelligence to ground commanders. One of a number of key successes came after a period of careful monitoring had identified the testing of IED detonators and a quantity of home-made explosives. A separate mission revisited the site and a precision strike with 2 Hellfire missiles successfully terminated the activity and 4 insurgents. The close partnering with coalition forces resulted in 4 further successful kinetic strikes.

ISTAR

Intelligence and Situational Awareness

The Royal Navy SKASaCs detachment at 903 EAW made full use of their reconnaissance and airborne command and control capabilities this week, while working with Regional Combat Team 5. Operating in the area around Marjeh, the SKASaCs crews used the aircraft’s advanced radar system to track vehicle movements. The sharing of this information resulted in the successful interdiction of a number of suspicious vehicles. The ability to deny the insurgents the freedom to move around the area contributes greatly towards improving the safety and security of the Afghan population in central and southern Helmand.

31 Sqn’s detachment at Kandahar airfield has undertaken a number of ‘shows of force’ (SoF) in support of ground based troops. On one occasion the GR4s where called upon when abnormal behaviour had been observed around a village in Paktika province. Following the SoF the coalition troops were able to enter the village and continue with their allocated mission. Additionally, the GR4s continue to successfully complete missions using the RAPTOR pod to capture imagery which is then analysed by Tactical Imagery Wing. This information is made available to ISAF elements to assist in planning activities. A SoF was carried out to support a RAF media team to capture video footage for a training video to be used as part of the training received by troops when they commence their deployment.

83 Expeditionary Air Group

83 Expeditionary Air Group hosted a two day conference involving PJHQ, IJC, Air Command, Air Warfare Centre and the Expeditionary Air Wing Commanders at its headquarters. Following an intensive programme of briefs, workshops and VTCs the conference provided the opportunity to discuss current issues, Transition, Theatre specifics and support issues. The conference was considered a great success by all participants enabling a common understanding to be reached on current and emerging issues. Visitors to the air base were also able to visit the Combined Air and Space Operation Centre and mix socially with officers and SNCOs from HQ 83 EAG.

JHF(A)

Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan)

Sgt Craig Alexander and his brother, Maj Karl Alexander, who are both deployed on Op HERRICK as part of JHF(A) and the CSS CANDAC Advisory Training Team respectively are making the most of being co-located in the same theatre.

The brothers who meet up for coffee once a week, were last co-located in Umm Qsar on Op TELIC 01.

Editor: Flt Lt E A Price.

Photography: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011.