OPERATION HERRICK

The C-130 Hercules Force is back to full working strength this week following the successful repair of the aircraft that suffered shrapnel damage during an indirect fire attack on the base. Outstanding work by the detachment engineers, supported by airframe repair specialists flown out from the UK, enabled what is known as expedient repair to be completed in Theatre. Despite being an aircraft down for a period of time, all planned operational tasking was still achieved. In addition to moving passengers and freight throughout Afghanistan, this week the Hercules was used to augment other passenger aircraft in order to transport passengers to and from Oman when the other elements of the RAF’s airlift capability were unable to accommodate the tasking. Although the Op HERRICK RiP - Relief in Place -is noticeably drawing to a close 2 ad-hoc shuttles were required to move passengers to and from Oman. Overall, over 2000 passengers and 300 tonnes of freight were moved. Tasking also included the recovery of forward-deployed Army units as well as the movement of Dutch personnel and the short-notice move of an engine to recover an unserviceable Chinook. The movement of Dutch personnel reflects the multi-national nature of coalition operations.

The final week of October has been relatively quiet for the Harriers. However, all aspects of their contribution to the effective use of air power have been demonstrated. Both Shows of Force and Shows of Presence have been used to defuse potentially dangerous situations. In addition, planned reconnaissance sorties have been flown in western Afghanistan in support of the Afghan Government Voter Registration Scheme, a small yet still significant part of Host Nation Support. Ad-Hoc reconnaissance continues to be a much-used tool. Engineering support continues to be very successful, with 100% aircraft serviceability for the majority of the week.

The UK Reaper again proved its worth this week as an invaluable reconnaissance asset by providing imagery to support a search-and-detain operation which resulted in the capture of a high value insurgent. The capture of these individuals helps to maintain the safety of both Afghan citizens and coalition forces.

904 Expeditionary Air Wing personnel, based at Kandahar, took time out of their busy schedules this week to host Air Marshal Sir Clive Loader, Commander-in-Chief Air Command and Air Marshal McNicoll, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Air Command.on their visit to the region. The party enjoyed the opportunity to engage with RAF personnel employed in different operational roles on the deployment.

OPERATION TELIC

Prior to their visit of Operation HERRICK, Air Marshal Sir Clive Loader, Commander-in-Chief Air Command and Air Marshal McNicoll, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Air Command, spent time with 901 Expeditionary Air Wing personnel deployed on Op TELIC. The visitors took the opportunity to meet crews from 31 Squadron, among others, deployed from RAF Marham, who currently provide the GR4 Tornado capability in the Gulf.

The Hercules detachment continues to carry out essential missions transporting passengers and freight throughout the Middle East. The TELIC C130 detachment again undertook a number of unscheduled taskings to cover for other air transport elements that required augmentation. Among the unscheduled tasks was the short-notice requirement to undertake VIP tasking.

The weather in the region has affected GR4 Tornado operations over the week. A mixture of thunderstorms, cloud and haze resulted in one mission being aborted. The poor weather also resulted in the first rain at Al Udeid for over 6 months. However, the fantastic achievements of the engineering team have clearly been demonstrated by a 100% launch rate over the past month. This achievement is particularly notable as 31 Sqn’s groundcrew have also had to manage an aircraft roulement and the requirement to conduct scheduled maintenance on another of their aircraft. The vital role of the GR4 in this Theatre of Operations is demonstrated by the continued expansion of reconnaissance taskings using the RAPTOR pod. Tactical Imagery Wing, who are also deployed as part of 901 Expeditionary Air Wing, then process all the reconnaissance material from the pods.

903 EAW at Basrah International Airport has been busy preparing for the Op TELIC RiP - Relief in Place - that will take place over the coming weeks. Troops from the Iraq theatre of operations will return home to family and friends via Kuwait, the first stage of the journey coming courtesy of the RAF’s Hercules Fleet.

Photographs: RAF.

Header Image: Maintenance on a Tornado aircraft.

Image 1: Hercules movements team.

Image 2: Loading a Hercules aircraft.

Image 3: Unloading a Hercules aircraft.

Image 4: Technician working on a Tornado aircraft.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery