OPERATION TELIC

This week 901 and 903 EAWs were pleased to host several VIP visitors. Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, accompanied by Com (Air), Air Marshal Sir Barry Thornton visited both detachments as part of their operational theatre visit. Of particular note, they met Iraqi Fire fighters at Basrah International Airport and enjoyed lunch at the new dining facility, opened last week by Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), with personnel of the Wing. 903 EAW were also privileged to host Senator Obama as part of his theatre tour. CAS and Com (Air) then travelled to 901 EAW where they spent time visiting the various supporting sections and the Force Elements. CAS also took the opportunity to spend valuable time with the Combined Forces Air Component Commander (CFACC), Lt Gen Gary North.

The Tornado Force completed all of their taskings this week, providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Close Air Support for Coalition Forces on the ground. The Force also provided an essential Show of Force against Malitia that threatened the security of the surrounding area of Basrah International Airport.

The Communications Fleet has been extremely busy maintaining the necessary communications links between both the Middle East and Afghanistan theatres, with many passengers, including VIPs being transported.

The C-130 Force has been working hard throughout the Middle East, moving over 300 Tonnes of freight and 2000 passengers, proving its reputation as the RAF’s ‘workhorse’. Despite increasing temperatures in the hot Middle Eastern summer, the small team of engineering and support personnel have worked hard to prepare each aircraft for its vital mission – moving freight and personnel for the Coalition effort.

OPERATION HERRICK

The Harrier GR7/9 Force has experienced a high workload this week due to ground operations and Joint Tactical Air Requests. Supporting Afghani and Coalition forces on the ground, the Force has provided ‘Overwatch’ (with its Tactical Reconnaissance Capability) to logistics convoys operating throughout the Country. The Harrier’s offensive capability was called upon to remove an immediate threat to Coalition ground forces, showing that Fast Air is effective in acting as a deterrent to enemy aggression.

The C-130 Force has been busy moving freight, passengers of all nationalities, aeromedical and critical-care casualties, within and outside Afghanistan. Of note, the C-130 Force moved 80 Afghan National Police (ANP) recruits through Afghanistan in support of the Focus District Development Programme. This programme is central to the ANP’s transition to an effective service. This very short-notice task provided direct support to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The Force has also continued its support to troops occupying Forward Operating Bases, with numerous Air Drops of essential ammunition, food, water and fuel.

The Reaper has been watchful in the skies, providing ‘Overwatch’ for a fuel convoy by providing Tactical Reconnaissance to keep troops on the ground secure. The Nimrod MR2, which continues to scope similar operations with its unique imagery Intelligence-gathering capability, has been in the thick of ‘helping us to see’, which in turn helps us to understand, and then make the right decisions.

Photographs: RAF.

Header Image:  The Trooper is in.

Image 1:  GR 4 takes on fuel.

Image 2:  Delivering a Bomb.

Image 3:  101 Sqn pre flight checks.

For more images view the Gallery