HERRICK

Although passenger numbers were up on last week’s figures by 10% and freight figures up a massive 40%, it has still been a relatively unremarkable week for the Hercules of 904 EAW. In all, over 2550 passengers and 250 tonnes of freight were transported. One aircraft gave the engineering team a number of headaches when it suffered a fault that necessitated an engine shut down in flight. A prolonged, in-depth investigation was required but, eventually, the engineers triumphed and rectified the fault.

It has been a relatively quiet and routine week for the Tornados of 904 EAW mirroring the situation on the ground. At the start of the week, a Tornado provided overwatch for a patrol whose purpose was to confirm that a route was clear of roadside bombs. Later, a Tornado provided overwatch for a UK patrol moving to their Patrol Base while another supported a vehicle convoy. During this later sortie, the Tornado crew observed a large crowd of people gathered round a much smaller group. As they watched, they saw that the smaller group were dancers and the crowd was celebrating Eid al-Fitr. The following day, a Tornado was called to provide overwatch while a broken down vehicle was recovered. Later, a Tornado was tasked to support a UK patrol that had been taking fire; a Show of Presence was conducted. Shortly afterwards, the Tornado was retasked to support a patrol moving to the site of a reported explosion; a Show of Force was undertaken to deter any enemy activity. Towards the end of the week, a Tornado pair conducted a successful tactical reconnaissance sortie while another pair supported a ground operation explicitly designed to increase confidence in the Afghan Government.

The VC10 of 902 EAW has flown 6 times and dispensed over 130 tonnes of fuel to Tornado and other Coalition aircraft.

The Comms Fleet transported a total of 10 passengers this week.

Op TELIC

A quieter week this week for the Hercules of 901 EAW. In total they transported over 140 passengers and 50 tonnes of freight.

Editor: Sqn Ldr Iain Houghton

Photographer: Cpl Kryssy Lees, RAF

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2009.