OPERATION TELIC

Delivering essential Close Air Support, Strategic and Tactical Air Mobility in support of Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-national Coalition Forces, 901, 902, and 903 EAWs have had yet another challenging and demanding week.

Close Air Support was the main theme of this week for the Tornado GR4 Detachment, supported by 901 EAW. Supporting numerous Joint Tactical Air Requests by Iraqi and Coalition Forces on the ground, the Tornado GR4 provided Fast Air for shows of force, despite challenging desert weather conditions.

Engineering personnel on the Wing have worked hard to maintain the sophisticated equipment carried by the aircraft, ensuring that each mission was launched on time and successfully.

Careful asset management by logistics personnel has ensured that aircraft availability was maintained whilst being dependent on an extended supply chain.Despite a strain on assets, the Communiciations Fleet has continued to transport VIPs and passengers throughout the Theatre.

Lateral thinking and flexibility have enabled the Fleet to discharge its duties, maintaining the necessary information links vital to these intense operations. Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup was amongst the VIPs to be transported this week as part of his operational visit.

903 EAW has continued to support the development of Basrah International Airport. This last fortnight has seen the airport handle 42 civilian aircraft, demonstrating that much progress has been made in developing the potential of the Airport and increasing security in the vicinity of Basrah.

The hard work put in by the Wing in terms of Force Protection, working with local Iraqis and training of Airport staff has started to pay dividends, despite the regular threats from those bandits who wish to undermine the aims.

OPERATION HERRICK

The C-130 Hercules Force of 904 EAW has continued to work night and day to move people and freight across Afghanistan. Providing the life-blood to personnel located in Forward Operating Bases, Air Drop missions were successfully completed, dispatching water, rations and ammunition. Pathfinder Patrols were also re-supplied allowing them to be deployed forward for longer periods of time.

The C-130 Hercules Force was also involved in the medical evacuation of a critical-care patient, a member of the Estonian Armed Forces, from Camp Bastion to meet medical care at Kandahar Airfield.

The Harrier Force, whilst airborne conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance duties over Afghanistan, were highly flexible in being re-tasked to provide overwatch whilst Afghan National Army troops were recovered from enemy engagement.

Their job was to act as a deterrent to enemy forces, providing shows of force and presence, with the ability to engage those adversaries who ‘don’t get the message’. The work is intensive and demanding for the aircrew and support personnel that prepare the aircraft. However, Wing personnel remain focussed on the task in hand, with the knowledge that the effect delivered by the Harrier is helping to increase security for the all in Afghanistan.

The Reaper UAV has been ever-present, persistent, hour after hour, unseen and providing Overwatch to Troops in Contact and notably with Task Force Kandahar engaged in enemy contact. The Reaper was also involved in identifying and targeting Taliban fighters with its offensive capability.

Supported by 902 EAW, the Nimrod MR2 Force, away from its traditional maritime role, has provided Electro-optic Imagery Intelligence in support of operations on the ground. Its presence ensures land forces can operate with more safety and security. Part of its tasking has helped Counter-IED teams to avoid potential ambush sites.

This week has seen the Operation HERRICK Strategic Airbridge start its re-routing (via RAF Akrotiri) as part of a new trial. It is hoped that this will increase capacity to move more personnel and freight, providing benefits to operational commanders and personnel deployed to and from Afghanistan. With around 1000 people being moved by Air every week, no effort is spared to provide a better service.

Summary

A successful week, that has seen our personnel stretch to the many challenges faced. Short notice taskings, demands for flexibility and re-tasking of our aircraft and personnel have certainly made life on deployed operations very interesting. The key enablers here have been the personnel that belong to each EAW.

Communication, lateral thinking and shear hard work have made this all happen, despite the set-backs and attempts by our adversaries to undermine the progress made, the motivation of our personnel is what will overcome adversity.

Photographs: Sgt Pete Mobbs.

Image one:  Technicians work on a Tornado GR4.

Image two:  An Afgan National Policeman injured on operations has been transported by RAF aeromed staff to get treament for his injuries.

Image three: A Tristar with an ambulance.

Image four: A Harrier prepares to taxy.