No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron from Royal Air Force Wittering in Cambridgeshire is heading to the heat of the Omani desert for a joint UK-Oman exercise.
Exercise Saif Sareea 3 (SS3) is the third UK-Oman joint exercise, with the previous two taking place in 1986 and 2001. SS3 is the UK armed forces lead exercise this year and the largest joint exercise of its kind in 17 years.
The exercise will test the UK and Oman’s ability to operate together in harsh conditions. Royal Air Force Wittering’s squadrons are making a material contribution to the exercise.
Personnel from No 2 Mechanical Transport (2MT) Squadron are already in Oman and making sure things run smoothly; ensuring the safe and timely transport of equipment and supplies. In addition to moving goods and equipment, 2 MT drivers are also operating specialist airfield vehicles and supporting deployed medical services.
Acting Sergeant Amie Curtis is a driver with 2MT. She said: “We’ve been prepping the various vehicles including the battlefield ambulance and the MAN support vehicles. It’s been busy, there’s not been a lot of time, but it’s good practice to work at a quick pace.”
2MT is not the only logistic unit from RAF Wittering participating in SS3. Personnel from No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron are already in place alongside personnel from 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, and more teams from RAF Wittering will follow over the coming weeks.
No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron was formed in Cambridge during the Battle of Britain, when it transported spares and equipment between fighter stations. Today 2MT is the RAF’s road going, heavy-lift capability; moving anything from fuel and water to aircraft towing tractors, often at short notice.
Flight Lieutenant James Eyles is second in command of 2MT Squadron. He said: “This is much more than just HGV driving. During an exercise or operation you need people who understand how vehicles are used in a military setting; how to drive safely around aircraft, what to do in a hostile environment and how to cope under real pressure – these are things RAF drivers are trained to do.”
Group Captain Tony Keeling is the Station Commander at Royal Air Force Wittering. He said: “Our aircraft deliver military effect; to do that successfully you need to have the right things in place, that’s what the A4 Force does. Saif Sareea 3 is test for the whole A4 Force; engineering, logistics and air movements. Major exercises are hard work and they are challenging, but it is only through this sort of training that we stay ready for operations.”
