OPERATION HERRICK

The Hercules aircraft continue to operate at a steady Operational Tempo on 904 EAW, transporting a wide variety of loads throughout the Operational Theatre. This week, working in close coordination with other Coalition aircraft, they ensured the onward transportation of a ‘compassionate evacuation’ passenger who needed to return to the UK as soon as possible. In this instance, the passenger was transported within Theatre by a UK Chinook to link up with the Hercules. All parties worked effectively and cohesively to ensure this high-priority passenger could return to the UK as rapidly as possible. Over 2400 passengers and 300 tonnes of freight were transported this week by the Hercules of 904 EAW.

The Operational Tempo for the Harriers of 904 EAW remained high with some kinetic activity this week in support of UK forces on the ground. However, at times, weather caused some difficulties with aircraft operations. Tactical reconnaissance in advance of Close Air Support missions allowed high-value intelligence to be gathered. This informed the prosecution of enemy activity on the ground, resulting in successful Close Air Support missions being completed in support of friendly ground forces. Two Shows of Force were conducted by the Harrier aircraft last week.

The Communications Flight of 901 EAW transported over sixty passengers throughout the Theatre last week.

902 EAW saw the return of the Tristar into theatre after essential maintenance work and this was soon tasked with air-to-air refuelling of Coalition aircraft, offloading over fifty tonnes of fuel.

OPERATION TELIC

The final week of UK Combat Air operations for the Tornado aircraft of 901 EAW saw them carrying out a mixture of Close Air Support and Reconnaissance missions this week. The achievement of their missions took considerable engineering effort following a number of unserviceabilities.

The Hercules of 901 EAW experienced an increase in their operational tempo, with sortie rates and overall passenger movements rising last week; however, the volume of freight movements was maintained at a steady level. Regardless of multiple technical problems on the aircraft, the engineers worked round the clock to ensure sufficient aircraft remained available to meet the flying task. Juggling maintenance on the aircraft and maintaining mission output has tested both engineers and aircrew to the full,; over 1000 passengers and 150 tonnes of freight were transported and delivered this week.

As with the Tornados, the VC10 aircraft were preparing for their return to the UK after almost 19 years of continuous operations in the Operation TELIC theatre last week. Notwithstanding this, the VC10 fleet still offloaded over 140 tonnes of fuel to a variety of Coalition receiver aircraft.

Images: Cpl Scott Robertson, RAF.

Header Image: Beyond the Clouds.

Image 1: Class Apart.

Image 2: Flypast.

Image 3: Engine Start.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery