5(AC) Sqn’s Sentinel aircraft have continued their support to ISAF Blocking Operations over wide areas of some of Afghanistan’s roughest and most inhospitable terrain. They routinely help identify and monitor suspicious vehicle movements and offer dedicated support to reconstruction projects such as rebuilding roads and bridges.

Unusually this week they were able to come to the direct assistance of a USMC unit that had come under attack from insurgents. The Marines had been victims to several IEDs and had been under fire for a protracted time. Due to bad weather within Afghanistan more traditional CAS was unavailable. Hence the Sentinel was dynamically retasked to take up an over watch position and to stay overhead until short of fuel. Its impressive Comms and GMTI abilities assisted the Marines in coordinating the comms situation, assisting in the identification of a helicopter CASEVAC and reassure the Marines that no Insurgent reinforcements were moving to the location.

Editor: Sqn Ldr P R Lipscomb.

Photography: RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011.