OPERATION HERRICK

Hercules

The Hercules C-130J aircraft of 904 EAW moved approximately 250 tonnes of freight and over 2300 passengers this week around the Operational Theatre. In one night an Air Drop delivered nearly 50 tonnes of vital supplies to a remote Forward Operating Base. Air Drop is proving extremely valuable to ground forces as it reduces the need for convoys, which are vulnerable to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and frees up resources to concentrate on the counter insurgency.

Tornado

The Tornado GR4 aircraft of 904 EAW started the week by scrambling their ground alert aircraft, who were called to support a convoy delivering vital supplies to a Forward Operating Base. The aircraft provided Armed Overwatch and observed the route ahead of the convoy using the Litening 3 pod, checking for potential IEDs and insurgent activity.

The Tornados continued conducting Armed Overwatch through the week on planned sorties and also RAPTOR reconnaissance missions. Called to a patrol of British Forces who were receiving enemy small arms fire from a compound, the Tornado aircraft launched a Paveway 4 precision guided bomb and the small arms fire ceased. Later the aircraft carried out a Show of Force and suppressed enemy fire, allowing the ground forces to continue with their patrol.

There was a further scramble of the Ground Alert aircraft that supported ground forces who had been attacked by small arms and rocket propelled grenades. The aircraft provided Armed Overwatch while casualties were evacuated by helicopter. Later, during support to a coalition patrol, the aircraft detected a group of suspicious vehicles and passing the details to ground forces the vehicles were stopped and potential insurgents and their equipment was detained.

Later in the week, aircraft supported patrols by searching routes ahead of convoys and also conducted another successful Show of Force which suppressed enemy fire on one of the patrols. A patrol who had received intelligence that they were about to be attacked by insurgents were assisted by another Show of Force, which successfully deterred the attack and enemy forces retreated.

The Tornados wrapped up the week conducting further RAPTOR reconnaissance missions as well as Armed Overwatch and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance supporting ground forces. The aircraft are providing invaluable support to ground forces, particularly sweeping ahead of patrols and convoys for potential IEDs.

Communications Fleet

The HS125 and BAE146 aircraft of the Communications Fleet transported over 35 VIPs and Theatre Commanders this week to various locations all over the Operational Theatre.

Sentinel

Sentinel aircraft of 902 EAW continue to provide valuable assistance to ground operations using its Airborne Stand Off Radar. They are able to detect and track potential insurgent movements on the ground in Afghanistan. Significant successes were achieved in cooperation with other coalition air assets and ground forces this week.

E3D Sentry

The NATO E3D detachment based in the Gulf continued to contribute to Operations in Afghanistan this week, by providing Battlespace Management (aircraft control and tasking) in the North West of Afghanistan.

Reaper

The Reaper detachment of 904 EAW continued to provide enduring Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance support to ground forces this week. After detecting insurgents using a heavy machine gun, an aircraft employed a Hellfire missile and destroyed the weapon.

VC-10

The VC-10 aircraft of 902 EAW again provided invaluable support to US Navy assets this week, delivering over 230 tonnes of fuel. The work of the VC-10 aircraft highlights the in-depth cooperation between coalition assets over the skies of Afghanistan.

OPERATION TELIC

The Hercules C-130J aircraft of 901 EAW moved over 17 tonnes of freight and approximately 80 passengers in support of Operation TELIC. The aircraft also provided support to Operations in Afghanistan, highlighting the flexibility of this vital air transport asset.

Editor: Sqn Ldr Bruno

Photographer: Cpl Steve Bain (RAF) ABIPP

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2010.