OPERATION HERRICK – AFGHANISTAN

This week, the UK Air Component, comprising the RAF assets supporting ISAF air operations successfully completed its support to Operation OQAB TSUKA – the mission to deliver Turbine 2 to the Kajaki Dam Hydro electric plant in northern Helmand – providing support on completion of the mission to the remaining British Army units returning to their bases in the region. The secret route; followed by the long road convoy, was protected by the Harrier Force pilots providing ‘overwatch’ overhead, with Reaper and Nimrod aircraft maintaining watch from afar. Now that delivery of the turbine is complete, work can begin on the installation and provide renewable energy across southern Afghanistan.

The Harrier Force had little time to reflect on the success of the Operation, before the tempo rose once more, this time being tasked in its Tactical Reconnaissance Role to contribute to the monitoring and disruption of Taliban criminal activity across the country. Members of Naval Strike Wing did take the opportunity to meet with their land colleagues, 3 PARA, prior to their departure from ‘theatre’ to exchange their experiences and to reinforce just how important fast air support has been in defending the troops on the ground.

Meanwhile, the C-130 Force has continued to work hard delivering much needed rations, ammunition and supplies to Forward Operating Bases on Air Drop missions. Supporting the NATO effort, the Force worked tirelessly to move troops and other supplies around Afghanistan to ensure operations were maintained and any patients were evacuated to medical care quickly.

OPERATION TELIC – IRAQ

At Basrah International Airport, operations have continued successfully with numerous passenger and cargo aircraft visiting. Various infrastructure projects are now near completion; the goal of the Airport becoming independent is now in sight. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing personnel and Iraqi Airport staff were pleased to host several business leaders from Jordan, who viewed the facilities and potential for future development. It is hoped that external investment can help to secure the future of the Airport as a major asset in southern Iraq and assist the region in gaining greater prosperity.

51 Squadron RAF Regiment has continued patrols long into the night to ensure aircraft can land safely at the Airport. Despite a recent threat by local militia in their attempt to undermine Coalition progress with indirect fire from rockets – operations at the airfield continue unhindered. Whilst this is a timely reminder that a minority of insurgents continue to threaten with deadly force, the Airport continues on the path to normality as security has improved dramatically over the last few months.

617 ‘The Dambusters’ Squadron has maintained a steady tempo of operations flying ‘overwatch’ missions over Iraq and responding to Joint Tactical Air Requests from Coalition land forces patrolling for militia and enemy activity. A ‘Show of Presence’ was required to deter an enemy threat on the ground, demonstrating the potency of the Tornado Force and its flexibility to transfer to the Close Air Support role at a moment’s notice. Enabling the delivery of Fast Air over Iraq was the VC-10 tanker, on hand to provide airborne refuelling to the Tornado Force and other Coalition aircraft. With 100% sortie success, the VC-10 was able to deliver over 200 Tonnes of fuel to their ‘customers’.

In summary this week, every member of the RAF has been busy in both operational ‘theatres’ and can be proud of the operations enabled and the measurable success achieved through the delivery of Air Power.

Photographs:  RAF.

Header Image:  Harrier at Kandahar.

Image 1:  101 Sqn Ground Crew offer up the refuelling hose.

Image 2:  617 Sqn Ground Crew assist with the crewing in.

Image 3:  C-130 in Middle East.

Image 4:  Movers prep cargo for onward transport.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery.