Operation HERRICK

This week saw another busy period for the Hercules aircraft of 904 EAW, moving over 240 tonnes of freight and approximately 2000 passengers. The UK Hercules aircraft move British and coalition freight and passengers around the operational Theatre on a daily basis.

The Tornado aircraft of 904 EAW started the week by conducting reconnaissance missions in support of ground forces planning. They were also tasked with providing armed overwatch and search activities around coalition force patrols, to identify enemy activity or signs of suspicious activity.

Also early in the week, Tornado aircraft carried out a Show of Force to suppress an enemy attack with small arms fire. A Show of Force demonstrates to the Enemy that strike aircraft are in the vicinity and are willing to attack. Without the use of any weapons, the enemy forces will often cease their attack and allow the friendly ground forces the freedom to manoeuvre and complete their mission.

Also that day, Tornado aircraft provided search activities for ground forces conducting patrols and after potential enemy forces were spotted a Show of Presence successfully deterred the enemy forces from making an attack. A Show of Presence, makes enemy forces aware of the presence of an aircraft and their knowledge of the aircrafts attack capabilities often discourages them from attacking friendly forces.

In the middle of the week, Aircraft conducted reconnaissance missions and were also tasked with searching areas along convoy routes. The intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role of Tornado is vital in the battle against improvised explosive devices and potential attacks by insurgents.

Towards the end of the week, Tornado aircraft were involved with an armed overwatch mission in support of a patrol base which had come under small arms and rocket propelled grenade attack. A Tornado aircraft carried out a Show of Force which successfully deterred the enemy forces from making any further attack. Tornado aircraft air to air refuelled from British Tristar aircraft while supporting the missions that day.

Towards the end of the week, the aircraft were involved with armed overwatch for a convoy, providing detailed search ahead of the convoy and observation while the convoy completed its route.

Wrapping up the week, Tornado aircraft performed armed overwatch for multiple foot and vehicle patrols, including searches of routes and monitoring patterns of life. Pattern of life observation is key in determining whether local people are simply going about there normal business or conducting activities which could indicate they may be insurgents preparing an attack. They also provided valuable reconnaissance information for locations where enemy forces were known to mount attacks from. All in all a busy week for Tornado aircraft, who are at the heart of supporting British and Coalition ground forces across Afghanistan.

The Communications Fleet aircraft provided valuable service across Afghanistan and the Gulf Region again this week, they transported 20 passengers in support of Operations..

Another solid week of tanking operations from the Tristar aircraft of 902 EAW. They provided air to air refuelling for British Tornado aircraft and Coalition aircraft in support of Operations in Afghanistan. One coalition pilot was so pleased with the service that he receives from the Tristar aircraft that he commented “You guys are awesome! You’re always in the right place at the right time, ready to give us gas (fuel)!” Praise indeed. The Tristar aircraft delivered over 190 tonnes of fuel in the air this week.

Operation TELIC

The Hercules aircraft of 901 EAW experienced another busy week of tasking, delivering over 30 tonnes of freight and approximately 100 passengers, in the Gulf region.

Editor: Sqn Ldr Bruno Woods

Photographer: Cpl Steve Bain ABIPP

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2009.