Operation Herrick

The Hercules aircraft of 904 EAW have enjoyed a week of good serviceability and heavy utilisation, moving people and cargo around the Operational Theatre. Passenger and cargo totals remained high this week, the aircraft moved over 330 tonnes of freight and more than 2600 passengers. The Hercules detachment built on the successes of last week’s air drop, conducting a further one, delivering well received food and supplies to a remote Forward Operating Base.

Once again this week, Tornado aircraft of 904 EAW were busy supporting ground forces in a host of roles across large areas of Afghanistan. Early in the week aircraft were tasked with supporting troops who had come under fire from enemy forces and also for searching areas around a patrol on the ground. The aircraft air to air refuelled with Tristar aircraft from 902 EAW.

The next day, Tornado aircraft were involved with searching the ground and observing insurgent movements around a coalition force patrol which had received enemy fire. Later that day, aircraft were tasked with armed overwatch of a patrol and later carried out a Show of Force, which successfully suppressed an enemy force who were targeting the patrol. The observation carried out by Tornado aircraft is invaluable to the ground forces, enhancing their effectiveness, reducing the likelihood of attack by enemy forces and improving their freedom of manoeuvre on the ground. Again, Tornado aircraft refuelled from Tristar aircraft of 902 EAW.

In the middle of the week, in conjunction with coalition ground forces, aircraft were tasked with searching areas ahead of and around patrols and observe movements on the ground for suspicious activity. They provided armed overwatch to a patrol who were clearing a compound and searching for enemy forces.

The next day an aircraft provided detailed reconnaissance imagery which was exploited and analysed by ground forces. This data is invaluable for planning operations and patrols for ground forces. Later that day an aircraft provided armed overwatch for a British patrol which had been contacted with small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire. Another, UK Tornado aircraft performed a Show of Force which suppressed the enemy and allowed the ground forces to continue their patrol. Later, an aircraft provided armed overwatch to a convoy who had come under heavy machine gun fire and escorted them safely to their destination.

Later that week, Tornado aircraft provided overwatch and valuable airborne surveillance of a British patrol who were engaged by enemy fire. An aircraft performed a Show of Force, which successfully suppressed the enemy and allowed the patrol to continue with its task.

At the end of the week, Tornado aircraft were again employed searching areas ahead of and around patrols and providing armed overwatch. The Tornado aircraft are providing invaluable support to ground forces. Their surveillance capabilities and the real time information passed to ground commanders is highly valued and improves the safety, capability and pace of manoeuvre on the ground. The threat of a precision attack by Tornado aircraft significantly limits the insurgent’s capabilities, which is why the Show of Force is so effective when ground forces come under fire.

The Comms Fleet aircraft of 901 EAW carried out 2 tasks this week carrying 5 passengers in the HS125 aircraft.

Tristar aircraft of 902 EAW flew several missions this week supplying approximately 220 tonnes of fuel to coalition and UK aircraft. The Tristar provided invaluable support to UK Tornado aircraft by locating with them and providing fuel as they directly supported ground forces who were engaged with the enemy.

Operation Telic

The Hercules aircraft of 901 EAW, was again busy this week flying 5 missions, transporting approximately 40 tonnes of freight and over 70 passengers.