Ops Update > Annual Ops Update 2009 > Ops Update - Jun 2009 > Ops Update 07 Jun 2009

Ops Update 07 Jun 2009

Sky Tanker

OPERATION HERRICK

Aircraft serviceability caused some headaches for the Hercules of 904 EAW this week although they managed to complete most RAF Hercules mainentance planned tasking; this included an airdrop of leaflets, to further Coalition engagement with the local Afghan population. Also, two critically ill patients and another serviceman leaving Theatre for compassionate reasons were collected and transported to a waiting TriStar for onward travel to the UK. Close co-operation with other units and swift engineering action mitigated serviceability issues and allowed the Hercules to move high numbers of passengers and freight; in all over 2000 passengers and over 230 tonnes of freight were transported.

Operational tasking for the Harriers of 904 EAW was steady this week, although weather again affected some operations. Aircraft serviceability remained good allowing not just all planned sorties to be flown but Outbound aircraft also deeper maintenance to be undertaken on some of the aircraft. Weapons were dropped by the Harriers on two occasions in support of friendly ground forces, while two Shows of Force and two Shows of Presence were conducted to allow friendly ground forces to move unhindered.

Despite the TriStar tanker of 902 EAW suffering continuing maintenance issues this week, over 70 tonnes of fuel was offloaded to a range of Coalition receiver aircraft. The Comms fleet transported over 20 passengers around theatre.

OPERATION TELIC

A quieter task load than normal for the Hercules of 901 EAW saw some sterling work by the engineering team early in the week to Sunset parade maintain the operational tempo while the whole detachment demonstrated its flexibility responding to a number of short-notice tasks. In all, over 100 tonnes of freight and over 450 passengers were transported.

The highlight of the week on 901 EAW was a sunset memorial service to commemorate the end of 19 years of combat air operations in Iraq; this was attended by both UK and Coalition personnel.

Following the cessation of their activities, the Tornado and VC10 aircraft of 901 EAW departed from Theatre.