OPERATION HERRICK – AFGHANISTAN

The C130s from 904 Expeditionary Air Wing have had a busy week during which they moved over 230 tonnes of freight and 1300 passengers. Air Drops continue to provide vital supplies to troops on the ground that are operating in remote regions and rely heavily on support from the air to enable them to continue to support operations. This task continues to grow and the use of the latest equipment now allows the aircraft to consistently and accurately deliver materiel into drop zones while avoiding the threat from small arms fire from the ground. The onset of winter will generate an increase in the demand for this sort of support.

Achievement of this week’s tasking was made more difficult due to one aircraft being unavailable having suffered damage during an indirect fire attack by insurgents. Sadly the Force were also involved in the repatriation of Trooper Munday of The Household Cavalry who was killed on operations earlier in the week. Trooper Munday made the last leg of his journey back to the UK by C17.

The Naval Strike Wing Harriers had a relatively uneventful week but continued to provide invaluable support to ground forces by conducting close air support and reconnaissance missions. The Harriers were also tasked to conduct ‘Shows of Force’ where their mere presence deters the insurgent from pursuing their intention to attack coalition or Afghan forces.

No 1 Air Control Centre continued with their task of managing the Air Battlespace by controlling 1724 events that included a number of ‘Troops in Contact’ situations and several Medevac missions.

OPERATION TELIC – IRAQ

The Tornado GR4s of 31 Sqn have had a routine week and have continued to fly a mix of Close Air Support and Reconnaissance sorties. The weather in country this week - thunderstorms and associated weather systems - has again made it difficult to conduct some reconnaissance tasks however Close Air Support is still required and the Tornadoes has been instrumental in maintaining appropriate levels of support. The presence of RAF Tornadoes in the region contributes significantly to reducing the threat from insurgent activity and on a number of occasions this month the mere presence of a Tornado has been enough to convince the insurgent to change his intent.

The C130 Hercules component of 901 EAW have had an extremely busy week conducting routine tasking in their area of operations. Once again the Hercules crews were subject to short notice changes and amendments to their programme to accommodate the need to provide support to the Op Herrick theatre of operations. The flexibility of the force has been magnificent and has contributed significantly to the UK’s military effort in the Middle East.

No 5 Force Protection Wg continue have had a very successful week as they continue their task of providing security to Basra International Airport. Working closely with the Iraqi Police Service is proving to be particularly productive and has lead to a number of successful operations. Joint patrols with the Iraqi army continue, as does the provision of training to the Iraqis by the RAF Police.

Photographs: RAF.

Header Image: 617 Sqn, Tornado detachment see in on the line.

Image 1: Flying Log.

Image 2: Technicians replenishes LOX on Hercules.

Image 3: Loading C130.

Image 4: Tornado Aircraft.

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery