Show of strength for Helmand ops

[Anth]

The full deployment of the Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) on Operation Herrick has seen the fusion of potent RAF and Army Air Corps helicopters into a formidable and cohesive unit.

A Chinook helicopter takes on more fuel.
[Picture: RAF]

Since it declared an operational capability, the force has been in almost constant action with its Chinooks of 1310 Flight and the Army Air Corps' Apache and Lynx. The lift capability of the Odiham Chinooks is, of course, not recent news. This new deployment, however, has seen the aircraft and crews operating in a far more 'joint' way.

The Army's new attack helicopter, the Apache Longbow, armed with rockets, Hellfire missiles and a 30mm cannon, offers Chinook crews a new level of capability, through its deterrence and firepower.

Recently, Operation Mountain Thrust has seen a concerted effort by coalition forces to try to flush out Taliban still remaining in the volatile Helmand region of Afghanistan.

This operation has seen the soldiers of the 3 Para Battle Group 'air assaulted' into action to conduct combat missions by day and night. A recent phase of the operation saw troops delivered by Chinook to an area where they came under fire almost immediately.

The formidable sight of an RAF Chinook escorted by two Army Air Corps Apaches.
[Picture: RAF]

The Apache 'gunships' provided supporting fire that saw the Paras able to complete their task, while the Lynx provided an essential airborne command and control function. The soldiers were later extracted, mission accomplished, from the area by the RAF Chinooks. On an almost daily basis, the Chinooks and Apaches are called upon to take part in hazardous missions for coalition and government of Afghanistan forces.

From extracting casualties, undertaking routine passengers and freight moves, providing fire support or re-supplying troops with food and water, the force is fulfilling an essential job in the hope of building a lasting peace in this war-torn country. In addition, the Chinooks, with top cover from the Apache, have recovered more than 15 battle casualties from a number of different nations.

The flight is manned by personnel from 18 and 27 Squadrons and the Expeditionary Chinook Engineering Squadron. The commander of the force, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Felton, said:

A 'dustdevil' winds its way past a Chinook. The weather in Southern Afghanistan can be extreme for both the helicopters and personnel.
[Picture: RAF]

"The Joint Helicopter Force concept on Op Herrick is working in providing essential battlefield helicopter operational capability to UK and coalition forces.

"It has already exceeded my expectations and I suspect those of many others. I believe that the model we have developed in Afghanistan is the way we should do things in the future. There is still a lot to learn and we will need to look closely at how we train and prepare for future operations.

"I salute the professionalism and the bravery of the Chinook crews, who have shown great courage in the high threat missions that I have asked them to undertake. As for the Apache, even on its first deployment, it has proven its worth and value for money in spades.

"It has saved British and coalition lives already, and is now deemed essential to operations in theatre. I am convinced that the new founded camaraderie of all elements of the force has been a multiplier."

This article, by Sqn Ldr Steve Bell, first appeared in the August 18 2006 issue of RAF News.

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