OP HERRICK

Hercules

The C-130J Hercules from RAF Lyneham are detached to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan to support Op HERRICK. This week the aircraft moved 107 tons of freight and 1932 troops for British, ISAF and Afghanistan National Forces.

Tornado

The Tornado GR4 aircraft of number II (Army Co-operation) Squadron, also based at Kandahar Airfield, completed 30 sorties during the week. These missions included 3 using the Raptor Pod and 2 in the GCAS role; here they provided ‘Shows of Force’ for Troops in Contact. One GCAS mission involved supporting some 30 coalition troops who were under small arms fire. The aircraft provided overwatch as the troop withdrew to their Forward Operating Base. All other missions were completed successfully without the need to deliver weapons.

Reaper

The remotely piloted Reaper aircraft of number 39 Squadron flew 11 missions this week in support of Task Force Kandahar and Op MOSHTARAK. During one mission this week the Reaper successfully delivered a Hellfire missile, which was targeted at Insurgents who where in the process of planting an IED.

Nimrod R1

The Nimrod R1 of number 51(Reconnaissance) Squadron based in the Gulf flew 4 missions in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan. This platform provides a much needed boost to the intelligence gathering capability in theatre.

Sentinel

The Sentinel of number 5(AC) Squadron flew 6 missions in support of Op TOR MAKHE ZI. The Squadron was complimented by mission planners in Afghanistan on the quality and timelines of the intelligence provided.

Comms Fleet

The HS 125 and BAe 146 aircraft of number 32 (The Royal) Squadron are presently based in the Gulf. During the week the aircraft carried 9 VVIPs, including the Secretary of State and the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup. The aircraft also carried 5 VIPs and 36 other senior military personnel.

Chinook and Merlin

Both the Chinook and Merlin support helicopters have continued to provide an excellent service by moving troops and equipment between the main operating bases and outposts. The Chinook also performs an essential role for the Medical Emergency Reaction Team (MERT), which rescues injured coalition solders. During this period the Chinook and Merlin flew some 2200 passengers, including the Secretary of State, and 192 tons of freight.

VC10

A VC10 of number 101 Squadron is based in the Gulf supporting coalition aircraft on Op HERRICK. During the week the aircraft flew 6 missions and delivered nearly 139 Tons of fuel during air-to-air operations.

OPERATION TELIC

Hercules

The Hercules C-130J aircraft of 901EAW moved over 35 tons of freight 25 passengers. These missions were flown in support of both Op TELIC in the Gulf and Op HERRICK in Afghanistan.

Editor: Sqn Ldr S N Moore.

Photography: Alban Donohoe/Corporal Dave Blackburn/RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2010.