OPERATION HERRICK

The sheer scale of the challenge of moving the personnel and materiel into and out of Theatre to ensure a seamless continuation of ground forces activity while relieving the existing troops has tested the Hercules of 904 EAW almost to their limit this week. Fortunately, the engineering team were able to maintain a full fleet of serviceable aircraft but very long duty days have been required and the crews responded admirably. However, they still found the extra capacity required to transport, at short notice, a serviceman to an airfield outside of Theatre when he was required to return home for urgent compassionate reasons. Midweek, a number of personnel of the Afghan National Security Forces were transported. During their flight, a fault developed that caused the crew to divert to their base. The crew landed, picked up a spare aircraft, reloaded their passengers and completed their task. In all, 2350 passengers and over 190 tonnes of freight were transported.

The continuation of routine ground activity this week has seen another week of similarly routine flying for the Tornados of 904 EAW. Early in the week, a pair of Tornados were observing supply routes looking for hostile activity. One of the pair had received fuel from an airborne tanker when the tanker was called to a higher priority task. Unable to receive fuel, the second Tornado had to return to base while the first was re-tasked to support a convoy that had been struck by a roadside bomb. The Tornado provided overwatch until the damaged vehicle had been taken in tow and the convoy had continued on its way. The following day, another pair of Tornados were called to assist a patrol from a partner Coalition nation who were pinned down by effective enemy fire. A Tornado conducted a Show of Force. With effective fire still continuing, the Tornados identified the location of enemy forces in preparation for a weapon release. However, running short of fuel, the Tornados were relieved by US fast jet aircraft before they could prosecute the target. Later, other Tornados provided support to a RAF Regiment patrol providing defence of their airfield. Later in the week, a Tornado was called to support a friendly patrol that was receiving small arms fire. A Show of Force was carried out to allow the patrol to break contact and continue with their mission. Later that day, other Tornados were providing support to a convoy delivering supplies to an Afghan National Army checkpoint. The following day, Tornados provided support to 2 British Patrol Bases and to a UK patrol that had received hostile fire. One Pair of Tornados at the end of the week had a rather varied mission. Starting with support to a UK patrol that was returning to its base, they were initially re-tasked to support a US vehicle patrol that had been immobilised during an engagement with enemy forces. The Tornados provided overwatch to both the vehicle patrol and to the reinforcements that were being sent to provide assistance. Once complete at that incident, the Tornados were tasked to provide overwatch to a Chinook helicopter that was supplying a Patrol Base. Finally, the Tornados swept a supply route looking for suspicious activity while on their way back to base. In all, the sortie provided a useful demonstration of the flexibility and swift response of air assets operating in support of ground forces. The week ended with a successful tactical reconnaissance sortie and a Show of Presence in support of Coalition troops.

Following a very successful 2 months in Theatre, the VC10 of 902 EAW returned home to the UK this week after flying 3 times and dispensing over 70 tonnes of fuel. It was replaced with a Tristar which flew twice and also dispensed over 70 tonnes of fuel to coalition receiver aircraft.

The Comms fleet carried 19 passengers this week.

OPERATION TELIC

The Hercules of 901 EAW have transported almost 40 tonnes of freight and almost 100 passengers this week.

Editor: Sqn Ldr Wood

Photographer: CPL Steve Bain ABIPP

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2009.