OPERATIONAL UPDATE - 22 JUNE 2008

It is with deep sadness that members of 904 EAW were part of the repatriation of Corporal Sarah Bryant of the Intelligence Corps, Corporal Sean Robert Reeve of the Royal Signals, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Paul Stout who were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 17 June 2008. All 4 soldiers were tragically killed while taking part in a deliberate operation east of Lashkar Gah when the vehicle in which they were travelling was caught in an explosion. EAW personnel conducted this sad duty with customary dignity and professionalism.

The C-130 Hercules Force moved a significant number of Afghan National Army troops this week, as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)-led commitment to supporting Afghan Forces in their duties – in this case, moving at short notice against insurgents in another part of the country. The C-130 Hercules Force was also tasked at short notice to assist with a leaflet drop in the Kandahar region. This was part of the NATO ISAF’s campaign to protect Afghan people against the effects of insurgency fighting. Furthermore, a total of 6 Air Drop missions were flown to re-supply Forward Operating Bases during the week, delivering over 50 Tonnes of water, rations and fuel to Task Force Helmand.

The Harrier Force has had a busy week with aircraft being scrambled to provide Close Air Support to Troops in Contact in a series of ground operations. The agility of the Harrier Force was tested to its full potential, demonstrating its ability to react to short notice tasking. This was in addition to the Tactical Reconnaissance role flown by the aircraft, throughout Afghanistan.

The Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle has continued to deliver as a vital Reconnaissance asset. It has assisted Coalition Forces with the identification of threats on the ground such as Suicide Bombers. Fundamentally, the Reaper’s capability has contributed to the main aim of increasing security in Afghanistan.

The 904 EAW Fire and Rescue Incident Response Team were involved in a dangerous situation in extracting casualties in a vehicle mine-strike occurrence. Faced with adversity, they displayed much courage and professionalism in assisting with this incident.

OPERATION TELIC

Tornado GR4s of 901 EAW have continued to gather Tactical Reconnaissance Imagery this week, despite challenging weather, providing excellent results. The Imagery is data-linked to a ground station where analysts can begin work. Members of Tactical Imagery Intelligence Wing (TIW) have been working hard on the ground alongside aircrew to analyse the Imagery and identify potential ground threats. This information is then communicated to Coalition Forces on the ground in Iraq.

In addition to Tornado GR4 support, 901 EAW has been busy supporting continued operations in Iraq. The C-130 Hercules Force has moved over 1200 personnel and over 220 Tonnes of freight this week alone. Tanker operations have continued with the VC-10 aircraft supplying fuel to the Tornado GR4s whilst airborne. The VC-10 is vital as a ‘force multiplier’ in support of Fast-Jet aircraft.

Photographs: MOD.

Image one: A Hercules on crew-in.

Image two: Technicians prepare a Harrier for its next mission.

Image three: Tornado GR4 aircrew arrive for their mission.