OPERATION TELIC

Air Cdre Mike Harwood, UK Air Component Commander, and personnel of 903 EAW, joined a host of VIPs from across the military and political Coalition and Iraqi spectrum for the transfer of authority of Multi-National Division (South East) from Major General Barney White-Spunner to Major General Andy Salmon. This was held in the convivial surroundings of one of the reception areas in the main terminal at Basrah International Airport. The outgoing commander of the British Forces in Iraq has praised the progress made in Basrah in recent months, in particular the work of the Iraqi Security Forces in ridding the city of rogue militias. He also congratulated them on the doubling of house prices in Basrah (whilst UK prices, we are told, are headed downwards!), and looked forward to that day when this historic city could once again rival some of the other commercial successes of the region such as Bahrain and Dubai.

No 5 Force Protection (FP) Wing has started its tour of duty in earnest, continuing to ensure security of Basrah International Airport, under the command of Wing Commander Derek Read (yet another ‘returnee’ to this part of the world!). RAF Regiment personnel of II Squadron have maintained patrols and, much to everyone’s delight, security has certainly improved. The RAF Police have also continued to help train local Iraqi Police Forces, concentrating on such things as vehicle-checking and administering searches. Great progress continues to be made, working with people who are entirely happy to work alongside their Western counterparts, and yet ever mindful that there are still individuals, whether ideologically or financially-driven, who seek out opportunities to try to instil fear, intimidation and anything but ‘the global village’.

Commercial activity has continued at the Airport, overseen by 903 EAW, with airport staff being trained by Coalition personnel, and the handling of 28 civil aircraft and over 1200 passengers in and out of Basrah. And all of this is bringing the economy to life.

The Tornado GR4 Force has continued to do its stuff in Iraq this week even though it has had a couple of aircraft land at bases other than their normal ‘home’ – all part of life’s rich tapestry and a reminder that Air Power takes a huge team effort to deliver 24/7. It needs fit and agile-minded individuals with their finger on the pulse and a supply system ready to leap into action. Equipped with its unique RAPTOR reconnaissance pod, the Tornados have gathered imagery for exploitation by the most important people in the reconnaissance chain: our Imagery Analysts. These folk then leave no stone unturned as they search for… well… that would be telling wouldn’t it?!

Aiding the Tornado’s enduring presence in Iraqi skies was the VC-10 tanker, providing airborne refuelling. This week over 140 Tonnes of fuel was delivered to Tornado and Coalition aircraft. In addition, the Tristar, which provides air-to-air refuelling capability to our operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, provided fuel to Tornado GR4, US Navy F-18 and AV-8B Harrier aircraft.

OPERATION HERRICK

Members of 904 EAW were part of a sunset ceremony for the repatriation of Signaller Wayne Bland, from 16 Signal Regiment. Signaller Bland was providing ‘top cover’ whilst travelling in a convoy of vehicles undertaking a route familiarisation patrol in Kabul, when the vehicles were attacked by a suicide bomber. These are extraordinarily sad and poignant occasions, but there is something uplifting about sharing that pain with trusted comrades.

The C-130 Hercules Force has moved a significant amount of passengers and freight, including vehicles and supplies, throughout the Area of Operations under International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) tasking; often tasked at short notice, the Force has demonstrated its reliability and endurance. The Hercules has been involved this week with moving over 340 tonnes of freight and around 2000 passengers. In addition, numerous Air Drop taskings were completed, delivering ‘all that a soldier could need’ to Forward Operating Bases and Tactical Drop Zones for ISAF land forces. There are all sorts of ways of keeping our soldiers fully stocked and utilizing the Air dimension helps keep us that one step ahead from an enemy who is entirely land-bound.

The Harrier Force has been kept extremely busy responding to numerous ‘Troops in Contact’ events. Providing Close Air Support to ISAF land forces, the Harriers have demonstrated ‘shows of force’ and ‘shows of presence’ to suppress enemy fire. Through the use of precision attack against Taliban forces, the Harrier Force has ensured ground troops always have the odds in their favour. That said, even though overwhelming firepower has its place, one of the best aspects provided by these aircraft is information to soldiers on ‘what lies over the next hill’. Not only can we pinpoint enemy positions but we can also make sure everyone is aware, as far as possible, of where all ‘the innocents’ are – all too often, we find ourselves fighting an enemy which has intimidated local people and then used them as ‘cover’ whilst conducting an ambush. Looking down from the air, we can work out what is going on and act accordingly.

The Reaper has continued its ‘persistent reconnaissance and surveillance’ role, providing overwatch to troops on the ground, and maintaining ‘eyes on’ specific individuals. The Intelligence gathered from this vital asset is quickly processed to give land forces the picture on the ground in order for them to make their tactical decisions. The Reaper, coupled with the Nimrod MR2, has also been providing imagery Intelligence for various reconstruction projects in Afghanistan, ensuring progress can be made in stabilising the country – work and much need improvements to life which are welcomed by the vast majority of the civilian populace.

Back on the ground, 904 EAW personnel have been working hard as usual but, during a few moments of respite, they were very pleased to meet TV personality Ross Kemp during his visit to Kandahar Airfield as part of a forthcoming documentary production. Are there any other morale-boosting celebrities of his ilk willing to make the journey?! You would be most welcome – just give us a call!

Photographer: RAF

Header Image: Ground Engineer on start engine

Image 1: 5 FP departing for a 6 month tour to the Middle East

Image 2: An Engineer replenishes oil on a Tornado

Image 3: Harrier preparing to take off

Image 4: Nimrod MR2

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery