Over 350 personnel from across a wide range of branches and trades have been working in the Omani heat over the last ten days to ensure the success of Exercise MAGIC CARPET, a two-week exercise in the Air Exercise area in Dhofar Governorate, Oman.
The Air Force personnel work night and day to ensure that the jets of 2 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, 12 Squadron and the Voyager of 101 Squadron are available to fly a wide range of exercise scenarios, testing pilots, engineers and ground crew.
The medical team comprising Doctor, Nurse, Medic and Physiotherapist are on hand for any medical issues and the deployed Physical Training Instructor delivers a wide range of activities to help keep the personnel fit and active.
"It’s my first deployment and it's a completely different environment to working back in the UK. I really feel like I’m doing my job here."
Senior Aircraftman Cope
Medic, RAF Lossiemouth
While based in Oman, the team need to be able to communicate with aircraft and ground controllers as well as access to communications back to the UK. The deployed team from 90 Signals Unit, normally based at RAF Leeming, maintain the vital communications network and equipment that allows the detachment to talk in real-time between distant locations.
"It’s my first time away as a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) in charge of a small team and this exercise is a fantastic development opportunity."
Corporal Hill
90 Signals Unit
The flying programme of the Exercise will complete this week and personnel will depart from Oman over the next two weeks.
The Exercise strengthens the RAF’s role as a key partner for Oman, demonstrating its ability to deploy world class capabilities and deliver high quality training opportunities. The Exercise provides further evidence of the UK's integrated approach to defence and foreign policy and the UK’s enduring commitment to working with Oman and Gulf partners on promoting regional security and stability.
