OPERATION HERRICK - AFGHANISTAN

The Harrier Force of 904 EAW experienced a high operational load this week. Numerous ‘scrambles’ of the aircraft from ground alert or requests for retasking in the air took place following calls from Coalition Land Forces to deliver ‘Shows of Force’ and ‘Shows of Presence’ to deter threatening Taliban Forces. However, often the Taliban tried to press home attacks on Coalition force but the Harriers successfully attacked them with devastating force. Delivery of the Harrier’s potency has been enabled by the personnel of Naval Strike Wing who have seen a busy start to their tenure responding to many ‘Troops in Contact’ situations.

A highly flexible Force, the Harriers have also been collecting Tactical Reconnaissance Imagery for exploitation by ground units in order to maintain Intelligence-led operations, also supported by Nimrod and Reaper aircraft. Unseen by our adversaries, the Reaper has persistently maintained a watch over numerous ground operations including the capture of Enemy Forces and seizure of a narcotics cache – in support of the Afghan Security Force-led counter-narcotics operation. Meanwhile on a separate mission, the Nimrods of 902 EAW, with their own unique intelligence gathering capability have been monitoring convoys and ensuring safety for Friendly Forces on the ground.

The C-130 Force has worked hard in a variety of roles. Numerous Air Drop missions supplying vital water and rations to Forward Operating Bases were completed. Air Dispatch personnel worked hard in the searing heat to rig the pallets during the day to ensure the aircraft were ready for each mission. As well as transporting many international passengers and freight throughout Afghanistan, aero-medical evacuation and critical care patients were flown to the appropriate medical care. On a sombre note, 2 members of the Afghan National Army that were killed in action were repatriated with due dignity.

From Bastion airfield, the RAF Fire Fighters have seen a busy week in supporting a Helicopter Landing Site on 18 separate occasions to ensure casualties were quickly evacuated. Aside from all this hard work, EAW personnel at both Bastion and Kandahar enjoyed hosting a Granada Film Crew in their preparations for a documentary on Air Operations in Afghanistan.

OPERATION TELIC - IRAQ

903 EAW at Basrah International Airport has continued to oversee much progress this week in a variety of airfield infrastructure projects and training of Iraqi airport staff. A partnership between UK and Iraqi personnel has been flourishing with the Commanding Officer of 903 EAW recently hosting a joint flight safety meeting at the Airport attended by several senior Iraqi military and civilian officials. This week nearly 1300 passengers passed in and out of the Airport on 23 passenger and 4 cargo aircraft.

No 5 Force Protection Wing, now consisting of 51 Squadron RAF Regiment following their recent hand over from II Squadron RAF Regiment, has been busy maintaining security of the Airport. Despite a recent threat by militia – attempting to undermine Coalition progress with indirect fire from rockets – day to day activities on the airfield continue unhindered. The RAF Police have also been out on patrol and conducting vehicle searches of local contractors entering the base.

903 EAW were delighted to win the Plate in the Basrah 7s Rugby ‘Touch’ competition. The tournament, held to raise awareness of the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity, saw the RAF team lose only one match to the eventual winners, the Fijian soldiers. Personnel were pleased to meet Welsh Rugby stars Ieuen Evans and Scott Gibbs who flew out especially to award the prizes for the competition.

Moving passengers and freight throughout the Middle East, the C-130 Force of 901 EAW has moved 1700 passengers and almost 120 Tonnes of freight this week. The Communications Fleet, consisting of HS125 and BAe146 aircraft, remained busy moving VIP visitors around the Middle East. Amongst their passengers were the Under Secretary of State for Defence, Mr Derek Twigg and the Chairman of the Commission for Basrah Redevelopment.

617 ‘The Dambusters’ Squadron Tornado GR4 Force has remained vigilant patrolling Iraqi skies and keeping a close watch on activities on the ground. Its RAPTOR and DJRP Tactical Reconnaissance pods captured hundreds of images for data-link to the ground, whilst the aircraft, equipped for its Close Air Support role was ready to be re-tasked at a moment’s notice to show force to any enemy threats.

All round, another busy week for every member of the RAF on operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

Photographer: Sergeant Pete Mobbs, RAF

Header Image: Reaper Aircraft.

Image 1: Nimrod MR2 prepares.

Image 2: RAF Police check their communications before departing on a patrol.

Image 3: RAF Police ready to roll.

Image 4: Technicians replace a C-130J propeller.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery