Early October 2020 saw the return of Exercise Tartan Spirit, a biannual deployment of two C-130J Hercules aircraft to Prestwick Airport, Scotland.
C-130J Hercules aircrew of XXIV, 47 and 206 Squadrons took to the skies over Scotland to conduct a range of essential military flying training including formation flying, operational low flying and C-130J conversion course.
Wing Commander McIntyre, Officer Commanding XXIV Squadron said:
“Exercise Tartan Spirit puts us closer to mountainous terrain and remote from RAF support within the deployed setting of Prestwick Airport. The training outputs are huge, with Operational Conversion Unit students planning and flying out of an unfamiliar location alongside Operational Low Flying courses for 47 Squadron crews and vital Engine Running Offload training with No.1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW).
“We’ve been delivering under COVID-19 conditions for six months now, but it was fantastic to see the various teams at both RAF Brize Norton and Prestwick pull together to overcome some significant challenges to enable the delivery of a vital Exercise for the C-130J Force.”
Wing Commander McIntyre
Officer Commanding
Number XXIV Squadron
During the six days, XXIV Squadron Instructors delivered training to crews from 47 Squadron, 47 Air Dispatch Squadron, Royal Logistics Corps, and 1AMW in scenarios such as low-level resupply, formation flying and the utilisation of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), culminating in the aircrew completing over 40 training sorties, thus achieving 95 hours of flying training, with over 25 qualifications being awarded.
The training wasn’t just focused in the air, ground serials were completed at all stages of the Exercise, with over 20 tonnes of freight ranging from passengers, wheeled freight and numerous palletised loads engine running off/on loaded onto the aircraft.
Squadron Leader Ryllo, Officer Commanding C-130J Hercules Flight, XXIV Squadron said:
“Exercise Tartan Spirit has deployed during a challenging time, however all those involved have risen to the occasion. From the organisation phase and the preparation in the synthetic training devices, to the physical deployment, the hard work and professionalism shown by all personnel has been exceptional. I have no doubt that the training serials and activities conducted during the week will have enhanced the operational capability of the Air Mobility Force and of all those who deployed.”
Squadron Leader Ryllo
Officer Commanding
C-130J Hercules Flight
Number XXIV Squadron
