For Air Commodore Mike Harwood, his long awaited return to the UK was in sight as his successor conducted a ‘whistle-stop’ tour of the Joint Operational Area. Having the perfect opportunity and pleasure to meet the commanders and personnel of 901, 902, 903 and 904 Expeditionary Air Wings, Air Commodore Anthony Barmby took the reins as the UK Air Component Commander and Air Officer Commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group.

OPERATION TELIC

The Tornado GR4 Force Element provided by 617 Squadron, DAMBUSTERS on detachment from Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, Scotland has continued to provide valuable air presence in Iraqi airspace. As Coalition partners fulfil their tasking on the ground, the Tornado GR4 Force is agile and capable providing Close Air Support, Tactical Reconnaissance and ISR overwatch whenever the need arises.

To maintain their range and presence in the Iraqi skies, crews from 101 Squadron, usually based at Royal Air Force Brize Norton, delivered over 168 tonnes of fuel to Tornado GR4 and other Coalition aircraft.

Passenger movements within the TELIC area were a monumental task that required co-ordination of several ground and air assets. The Hercules C-130 Detachment moved some 1367 passengers this week. For some, it was the start of their journey home whether at the end of their detachment or just for a short spell of rest and recuperation. In addition, the Hercules Detachment, usually based at Royal Air Force Lynham, moved over 117 tonnes of freight throughout the same operational area.

Should you be passing through Basrah International Airport you may notice that most of the staff who facilitate your transition will be Iraqi. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing and Coalition training provided to the Iraqis has seen them demonstrate confidence and ability to manage all the day to day tasks expected at any airport.

OPERATION HERRICK

Similar to the role of the VC10, the TriStar, also from Royal Air Force Brize Norton, dispensed over 87 tonnes of fuel to Tornado GR4, AV-8B and EA-6B aircraft.

In Kandahar, the operational tempo continued during the week, despite the first Indirect Fire attacks since 01 July 2008. The Indirect Fire attacks caused no damage or long-term disruption to 904 Expeditionary Air Wing operations but serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat.

The Harrier GR7/9 Force Elements continued to provide kinetic and non-kinetic air effects in support of Coalition ground units. Tasking for the Harrier included demonstrating a Show of Force and Show of Presence. The UK Reaper co-operated to great effect with the Harrier, demonstrating its integration into Joint operations.

More good stuff from the Hercules C-130 Force Elements saw them successfully transport 2609 passengers and 328 T of freight throughout the HERRICK area. In addition, the C-130 Force Element completed multiple Air Drop missions, delivering significant quantities of fuel, ammunition, food and water to established and manoeuvre Drop Zones.

Photographer: Sergeant Pete Mobbs, RAF

Header Image: Ground crew marshal a 617 Sqn Tornado

Image 1: 617 Sqn Tornado personnel prepare before a sortie

Image 2: Local Approach at Basra International Airport

Image 3: TriStar Engineer preparing instruments prior to take off

Image 4: Personnel arrive in Theatre

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery