OPERATION HERRICK

The C-130 aircraft of 904 EAW experienced a high operational tempo last week, keeping both aircrew and engineers very busy. Despite experiencing a run of aircraft unserviceabilities, the fleet still managed to deliver its vital contribution to the Coalition. A total of 240 tonnes of freight was delivered and over 1800 passengers were transported. Sorties included an air-drop sortie - ensuring vital supplies of water, rations and fuel were delivered accurately and on time to ground troops - and a leaflet drop, which delivered 200,000 leaflets in support of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force. This Task Force is working hard to ensure work is conducted to reassure, and maintain confidence within, the Afghan population. Lleaflet drops by the Hercules aircraft play a key role in conveying this message to the local population, especially in outlying regions where communication facilities are sparce and access is difficult.

The Harrier aircraft of 904 EAW were kept busy with both Close Air Support and protective overflying missions in support of ground troops. In many instances, ground troops working together consist of UK troops, those from a variety of Coalition partners and Afghan National Army members. The Harriers provided rapid and effective support of these troops with substantial weapon releases, allowing effective neutralisation of enemy activity on the ground. Three Shows of Force deterred enemy activity in situations where ground troops were in contact with enemy forces, whilst reconnaissance missions provided a comprehensive intelligence picture of further enemy activity on the ground.

The Communications Fleet provided essential transportation to key senior military and governmental members throughout the region. In a wider context, these aircraft transported some 6 tonnes of freight and over 30 passengers throughout the Joint Operational Area.

Unserviceability dictated a premature end to an otherwise successful week for the Tristar of 902 EAW, with150 tonnes of fuel being dispensed to a range of Coalition aircraft.

OPERATION TELIC

The Tornado aircraft of 901 EAW achieved all tasking planned this week, with a wide variety of sorties executed. Missions carried out included twelve Close Air Support sorties, by day and night, four dedicated reconnaissance missions and two combined reconnaissance and Close Air Support missions. All tasking was achieved successfully and even when minor crew-in aircraft faults rendered the aircraft unserviceable, planned missions were still executed in a timely manner using stand-by aircraft. Indeed, due to the efforts of the aircraft engineers the Tornado fleet has enjoyed a seamless continuation of operations, allowing the effectiveness of operations to be maintained.

The operational tempo for the Hercules C-130 aircraft of 901 EAW remained high this week, with a sizeable increase in both personnel and freight movements. Some 200 tonnes of freight was delivered throughout the theatre, with over 1400 passengers being transported. Regardless of an unserviceability issue, all tasking was achieved and the Hercules fleet remained totally flexible to the challenging requirements placed on Air Transport during this busy operational period. In these situations, the aircraft engineers have to react rapidly to maintain a high level of aircraft availability; this they achieved under arduous conditions and a demanding flying schedule.

The VC10 fleet on 901 EAW continue to achieve success with their missions, dispensing in excess of 140 tonnes of fuel to a wide variety of Coalition receiver aircraft. The VC10 aircrew constantly engage with receiver aircraft aircrew to exchange tactical information in order to improve and adjust the service they provide. This is where the post-flight debriefs form a key element in the whole mission planning cycle.

903 EAW at their Basrah International Airport location prepare to cease operations this week, after their 6-year mission comes to a close. Their contribution to the local population’s security and redevelopment has played a significant role in the stabilisation of Southern Iraq.

Photographs: Cpl Scott Robertson, RAF.

Header Image: A Tornado GR4 flys over Iraq during an Op Telic sortie.

Image 1: Royal Air Force serviceman guides a United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster to its designated parking bay at Basra COB.

Image 2: A Royal Air Force Merlin from 1419Flt on tasking in and around Basra City, Iraq.

Image 3: 15 Sqn RAF Regiment on patrol at Basra COB with the United States Army.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery: