OPERATION HERRICK

Despite the vast number of passengers (2700) and freight (225 tonnes) which has been moved over the past week by Hercules of 904 EAW in support of the changeover of UK forces, the aircraft have maintained an excellent serviceability record. Over the week a small number of casualties were transported and also a short notice task was completed to transport a serviceman from theatre so that he could return home for compassionate reasons. This week a unique Canadian asset was called in against a rodent on a Hercules aircraft. “Ramon” the Canadian Forces ratcatcher was loaned to the Hercules detachment so that an errant mouse could be caught on the aircraft.

Early in the week UK Tornado aircraft of 904 EAW were called to support a British Patrol which had struck a roadside bomb and come under fire. As the lead Tornado identified enemy positions, they provided target marking for a UK Apache attack helicopter. The helicopter conducted 2 strafe runs into a tree line to make the area safe for an RAF Chinook helicopter carrying the Medical Emergency Response Team to rescue casualties. The UK Tornado conducted a Show of Presence to support the Chinook and the medical team during its rescue activities. The Tornado continued to remain on station with the ground troops until the incident was over.

Later that day, another Tornado aircraft provided overwatch for British troops being moved by helicopter to a patrol base and then went on to provide overwatch for a US convoy which had struck multiple roadside bombs. Again the Tornado aircraft remained on station until the US casualties could be rescued by medical evacuation helicopter.

The next day UK Tornado aircraft were heavily utilised providing overwatch for coalition force patrols. Later that day, in support of coalition force patrols, another Tornado aircraft provided a Show of Force that successfully suppressed hostile fire. The aircraft then went on to provide valuable reconnaissance information for main supply routes.

Later in the week, UK Tornado aircraft conducted a successful reconnaissance sortie using the highly capable RAPTOR reconnaissance pod. Also that day, UK Tornado aircraft provided valuable overwatch cover to several movements of coalition forces into forward bases. The aircraft then went on to work closely with coalition force A-10 aircraft, Apache and Hercules gunships and support helicopters supporting ground troops. Later in the mission the Tornado aircraft air to air refuelled from a UK Tristar aircraft of 902 EAW.

Towards the end of the week, UK Tornado aircraft, provided support to a stranded vehicle and later performed a Show of Force in support of British Forces, suppressing small arms fire. Despite being unable to air to air refuel with their tanker aircraft, which had been moved on to another high priority task, the Tornado aircraft completed their mission, returning to base with minimum fuel.

This week, UK Comms Fleet aircraft carried a higher than average number of passengers (59), while their main focus was the movement of SofS for Defence and Home Secretary in and around Theatre.

Tristar aircraft of 902 EAW flew 4 missions this week and dispensed approximately 150 tonnes of fuel to UK Tornado GR4 and other coalition fast jet aircraft.

OPERATION TELIC

The Hercules of 901 EAW flew 6 times and carried a total of 36 tonnes of cargo and 91 passengers. Unusually, one aircraft sortie was taken up by the movement of a large piece of ground equipment supporting UK C-17 aircraft. The ground equipment completely filled the cargo bay. This short notice task tested the Movements Staff and was a key activity to maintain the airbridge during the current changeover of UK ground forces in Afghanistan.

Editor: Sqn Ldr Wood

Photographer: Cpl Steve Bain ABIPP

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2009.