OPERATION HERRICK

The C130 Detachment operating with 904 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) continues to deliver air effects despite some recent poor weather in the HERRICK Theatre of Operations; over 1500 passengers and 200 tonnes of freight were successfully moved over the week. Airdrop sorties continue to be regular events as the winter weather begins to make operating conditions for both aircrew and ground troops more challenging. This week over 40 tonnes of vital supplies were successfully delivered to Forward Operating Bases. Sadly, the Detachment was called upon to support the repatriation of 2 Danish troops who died in an incident late in the week.

Number IV(AC) Squadron has successfully assumed the Harrier task in Op HERRICK. On operations there is no time available to ease yourself into the task. This was especially evident on one day last week when the Squadron had all of its aircraft simultaneously airborne. This situation occurred as a result of extra tasking that was generated because of the unavailability of other Coalition assets. The week also marked the Squadron’s first live engagement in support of a ‘’Troops in Contact’’ situation. Notably, the Squadron’s most junior pilot, who was declared combat ready only 1 week before deploying to Theatre, was the pilot who carried out the operation. The use of force is sometimes necessary to protect the lives of Coalition troops on the ground and in this case there was no other option available with Friendly Forces under fire. This situation clearly indicates that the training we are giving to our new pilots is successfully equipping them for the most challenging operational situations. It also graphically illustrates what is expected of our young pilots flying on operations and how quickly they can find themselves in the thick of the action.

OPERATION TELIC

The major milestone for the Hercules Fleet of 901 EAW was the completion of the TELIC ‘’Relief in Place’’ (RIP). This major task was completed one day earlier than planned which allowed movements planning staff to cancel a number of planned sectors thus saving valuable airframe hours. As the aircraft require scheduled maintenance at specific flying hour intervals, any spare hours that can be ‘’banked’’ can offer increased flexibility in the future. All elements of the RIP worked very well. This has left a positive impression on both the outgoing and incoming brigades – 7 Brigade and 20 Brigade respectively. The whole detachment has met this relentless challenge with spirit and can take much satisfaction from a job well done. The Detachment moved over 2000 personnel and 150 tonnes of freight over the last week.

The VC10 Detachment had a quieter time than normal this week. Despite the reduced level of activity, over 130 tonnes of aviation fuel were dispensed. All tasking for the week was met despite the need to conduct an engine change on one of the tankers. Such heavy rectification is normally undertaken back in the UK. In this case the required spares and support equipment were available in theatre so the work was undertaken with minimal impact on operations.

The Tornado GR4 Detachment this week completed the usual range of Reconnaissance and Close Air Support tasking. On one occasion, the Tornado capability was used to provide support to forces on the ground following an indirect fire attack. The aircraft concerned was the first to respond to a call for air support. At the time of the incident the aircraft was not carrying any ordnance but the support that could be offered to ground troops was still invaluable. The presence of ‘’Fast Air’’ also tends to make aggressors on the ground re-think their plan of action. IX(B) Sqn continues to work hard to cover 100% of the flying task. On 2 occasions this week, crews have returned to base early due to aircraft unserviceabilities, taken the spare aircraft and still covered their tasking. It is frustrating for the crews to have to return to base part way through a mission but at least the engineers were able to provide back up aircraft so that the task could be completed.

Photographs: Sgt Laura Bibby and Sgt Gary Morgan.

Header Image: VC10 Aircraft.

Image 1: C17 Loadmaster and Captain.

Image 2: Cleaning.

Image 3: Harrier and Nimrod.

Image 4: Loading the bomb.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery.