OPERATION HERRICK

Tasking for the Hercules of 904 EAW has risen steadily this week as the force assists a partner coalition nation with a major change over of its troops. This involves night landings at an unfamiliar Tactical Landing Zone. Early in the week a Hercules transported the Prime Minister back out of Theatre to meet his aircraft back to the UK. In all, almost 3000 passengers and over 200 tonnes of freight were moved.

It was an interesting start to the week for the Tornados of 904 EAW when they were tasked to provide armed overwatchfor the Prime Minister during his visit to Theatre. Later that day, a second pair of Tornados were tasked to support a patrol from a partner Coalition nation that was receiving small arms and RPG fire and that had taken casualties. The Tornado identified the enemy firing position and illuminated it with a laser designator allowing a UK armed helicopter to engage the enemy with cannon fire. The Tornados remained on station until the casualties had been evacuated by helicopter. The Tornados were then retasked to provide overwatch to a convoy that had suffered a strike from a roadside bomb. The following day, a pair of Tornados were supporting a convoy. Two Shows of Force and a Show of Presence were carried out as the convoy passed through an area historically favoured by enemy forces as a site for their ambushes. Midweek saw a successful tactical reconnaissance sortie while another Tornado conducted a Show of Presence in support of a convoy in order to deter enemy force interference. Later that day, another Tornado was called to support a convoy that was receiving small arms fire. A show of Force was carried out to allow the convoy to break contact. Later, other Tornados were tasked to support another convoy that was receiving fire. Taking over from a US aircraft, the Tornado conducted a Show of Force to allow the convoy to extricate themselves. The Tornado then provided directions to the convoy allowing them to follow the safest route to their destination. Later, another Tornado conducted a Show of Presence in support of a friendly patrol. The end of the week saw another successful tactical reconnaissance sortie while other Tornados provided overwatch to a helicopter insertion of troops. The Tornado remained in support until the troops were collected by their helicopters at the end of their task.

The Comms Fleet transported 25 passengers this week.

While the operational tempo for the VC10 of 902 EAW has slowed somewhat, the aircraft still flew 6 times this week dispensing almost 170 tonnes of fuel to coalition receiver aircraft. On 2 occasions, the aircraft remained on station for an extra hour to support receiver fast jet aircraft whose tasking had been altered.

OPERATION TELIC

This week the Hercules of 901 EAW moved over 130 passengers and 30 tonnes of freight. The highlight of the week came when an aircraft transported the Prime Minister on his surprise visit to Camp Bastion.

Photographs: Cpl Kryssy Lees

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2009.