I SS
UE
4, 2
01
0
T H E j H c - d E l i v E r i n g j o I n t s u c c E s s o n o p E r a T i o n s
j o u r n a l o f T H E j o i n T H E l i c o p T E r c o m m a n d
lZdZ
covEr sTory
ApAchE
forcE
mArItImE
cApAbIlIty
656 Squadron army air
corpS on exerciSe
joint warrior
plEasE Turn To
pagE 22
joinT HElicopTEr command
pHoTograpHErs ArE chAmpIonS
commemoration of the famouS Battle of arnhem
EXErcisEmArKEt GArDEn
EXErcisE jEBEl saHara 2010
hot&hIGh trAInInG
EXErcisE SolEntowl
EXErcISE EaglE sTrikE
Tony Johnstone-Burt
Commander JHC
commandEr’s forEworD
above: Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt
All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.
‘I wish to thank everyone within the command for their contribution to the
outstanding performance I have witnessed from all elements during my tenure.’
T his is, in part, attributable to
the force multiplying effect
of having 16 Brigade within
the JHC and the superb
support provided by our own aviation. This
synergy is already paying dividends with
the increased use of Air Manoeuvre which
is demonstrably dislocating the insurgent.
The most significant event to have occurred
recently is publication of the Strategic Defence
and Security Review. Fortuitously, the strengths
of JHC as a Joint organisation were justifiably
recognised and, thanks to the tenacious and
skilful engagement of our staff, we have achieved
exactly what we wanted; we have emerged intact
and with 16 Brigade still under command.
Finally, as this will be the last foreword that
I will write prior to relinquishing command in
March 2011, I wish to thank everyone within
the command for their contribution to the
outstanding performance I have witnessed
from all elements during my tenure. Whether
on operations, or exercise, I have continually
found myself humbled by the professionalism
and stoicism of our personnel. It is therefore
perhaps little surprise that over the past two
conTEnTs ISSUE 4, 2010
editorial Ê Editor: Sqn Ldr Chris Coombes
01264 381 122
advertising ÊSales Manager: Christina Mclean
01536 526 679
design ÊDesigner: Chris Keller
01536 521 126
Cover PHotograPHY ÊPhotographer: Crown Copyright
disClaimer ÊThis publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited
and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form
in whole or in part without prior written permission
of Lance Publishing Limited. While every care has
been taken during the preparation of this magazine,
Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held responsible
for accuracy of the information herein or for any
consequence arising from it.
Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily
those of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force or the
Ministry of Defence.
PUblisHed ÊLZDZ is published by
Lance Publishing Limited
1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road,
Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NL
01536 512 624
www.lancepublishing.co.uk
Company Registration Number 3253372
Printed ÊLance Print Limited, Unit 2, Haydock
Park Road, Osmanton Park Industrial
Estate, Derby, DE24 8HT
01332 221 440
www.lanceprint.co.uk
I SS
UE
4, 2
01
0
T H E j H c - d E l i v E r i n g j o I n t s u c c E s s o n o p E r a T i o n s
j o u r n a l o f T H E j o i n T H E l i c o p T E r c o m m a n d
lZdZ
covEr sTory
ApAchE
forcE
mArItImE
cApAbIlIty
656 Squadron army air
corpS on exerciSe
joint warrior
plEasE Turn To
pagE 22 joinT HElicopTEr command
pHoTograpHErsArE chAmpIonS
commemoration of the famouS Battle of arnhem
EXErcisEmArKEtGArDEn
EXErcisE jEBEl saHara 2010
hot&hIGh trAInInG
EXErcisE
SolEntowl
EXErcISE EaglE sTrikE
arTiclEs wAntEDsUbmission date for issUe 1, 2011 of lZdZ Ê Friday 18th February 2011, Please submit all items to;
Sqn Ldr Chris Coombes (SO2 Media JHCHQ)
[email protected] 94391 7122 or 01264 381122 or
[email protected] 94391 7518 or 01264 381518
fUrtHer information Êhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/AirSafetyandAviation/JHC/
Honours & Awards .........................................................
Distinguished Flying Cross ........................................
Exercise Eagle Strike .....................................................
Motivated? (or Merely Moved)? ..........................
Exercise Market Garden ..............................................
NEW Caption Competition .....................................
216 Parachute Signal Squadron
Rear Party Parachute Jump .......................................
70th Anniversary of The Airborne Forces ........
Exercise Jebel Sahara 2010,
Hot & High Training ....................................................
Merlin in Moroccan Rescue .....................................
Chinook Development Flight ..................................
Communications Ear Plugs .......................................
Apache Force Maritime Capability .......................
JHC Photographers are Champions ......................
Exercise Pashtun Sabre .................................................
T he Royal Air Force has celebrated
the production of some of its
finest imagery during the annual
Royal Air Force Photographic
Competition 2010, culminating in an awards
ceremony on 12th October 2010 at the historic
Royal Air Force Club in London. A large
number of the entries in this year’s competition
reflected the broad range of operational and
pre-deployment training activities that are
undertaken by the Service in preparation for
Operation HERRICK, such as JHC’s Chinook
and Merlin helicopters that provide essential
mobility, moving personnel and equipment and
undertaking medical evacuations crewed by RAF
medical teams.
SAC Stier, a 27 year old reservist who
serves as the Squadron Photographer with
606 (Chiltern) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air
Force (RAuxAF), won a total of three awards
including the prestigious “PR Photograph of
the Year” award. The winning image was taken
during his deployment to Exercise MERLIN
VORTEX in El Centro, California. He obtained
Pictured & right: SAC Stier’s
winning PR photographs,
entitled “Over the Desert”
JHC PHOTOGRAPHERSARE CHAMPIONSSenior Aircraftsman Andy Masson of RAF Odiham and Senior Aircraftman James Stier of RAF Benson, have celebrated considerable success in the annual RAF Photographic Competition.
a significant number of images reflecting the
environmental and tactical pre-deployment
training that the Merlin Force was undertaking
prior to its deployment in support of Operation
HERRICK in Afghanistan. Described as
“a talented young reservist” by his Officer
Commanding, SAC Stier also won the video
category for the 606 Squadron promotional video
filmed during a Squadron training exercise.
Originally from Barnsley in South
Yorkshire, James joined the RAuxAF in
July 2008 and currently commutes to his
commitments with 606 Squadron from his
home in Sheffield. James was motivated to
join the RAuxAF to challenge himself further
than he can outside the Armed Forces: “After
I got back from working in Asia on a project that
saw the production team walk from east to west
of the Himalayas in some really tough conditions,
I knew that I wanted to push myself in similar
ways, and the RAF provides those challenges.
The full time regular forces did appeal to me but
the reserves allows me to keep developing my
business, without sacrificing all that I’ve worked
for. Plus working with helicopters is cool.”
James is a photographer in his civilian life
but, as he explains, the role he completes in the
RAuxAF can be quite different: “It’s hard to
compare as both roles bring vastly different challenges.
As a civilian my role is always changing, especially
now with moving image. In the RAF it’s great to
know I can always be hands-on with the camera, doing
what I enjoy the most, without having to focus on
some of the downsides to running your own company.
My RAF career also pushes me in different ways;
the motivation isn’t business-focused, it’s more about
the people and the way the public interpret the work
they undertake. I see firsthand what an amazing
job all military personnel do, and being able to show
that through my work is constant motivation.”
JHC Photographers are Champions is continued on the next page with SAC Andy Masson and his winning portfolio. Ê
24 JOuRnAl Of THE JOinT HEliCOPTER COmmAnd » LZDZ » iSSuE 4, 2010 THE JHC - dElivERinG JOINt SuCCESS On OPERATiOnS 25
6
7
8
10
12
13
14
14
16
17
19
21
22
24
27
28
30
31
32
34
35
35
36
38
40
41
D uring the Autumn of 2010, aircrew from across the Apache Helicopter Force, attached to 656 Squadron AAC, embarked onto HMS ARK ROYAL to reinvigorate the Apache maritime capability. Three hard weeks of demanding training in a tough, unforgiving environment alongside a highly professional Ship’s Company followed. This was the first significant embarkation of Apache Helicopters since 2005.The marinisation of the aircraft is the most significant part of pre-embarkation preparation. An airframe originally designed for land operations requires a detailed schedule of works to ready it for flight over sea. Initial flying training took place on the south coast with long days and nights of deck landing to attain the required qualifications. A total of 320 deck landings were logged during the deployment. Once the initial training was complete, it was time to sail north to operate predominantly off the Hebrides where the calm weather of week one was replaced with rough seas and high winds. The combination of a pitching, rolling carrier platform and high winds made deck handling and aircraft maintenance a real challenge. Perseverance and imagination on the part of the Arming Teams and REME engineers achieved exceptional aircraft availability. 95% of the 60 or so planned sorties were achieved.
6,000 rounds of 30mm were fired by day and night in support of Joint Fires training on the Cape Wrath range. As part of the exercise several focused kinetic strikes were launched against targets ashore. In addition the Apache was
656 Squadron army air CorpS, on ExErCiSE JOINT WARRIOR
Written By Major Mike Neville, Officer Commanding 656 Squadron, AAC
All
ph
oto
s co
urte
sy o
f HM
S A
RK
RO
YA
L P
hoto
grap
hic S
ectio
n
656 Squadron Army Air Corps have embarked onto hMs ArK royAl to coincide with an annual
multinational exercise Joint WArrior. Fifteen nations took part with sub-surface, surface, aviation
and fast air involvement.
heavily involved in the training for countering Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC) and counter shipping missions. All sorties involved planning in and flying from the ship, conducting the mission, then finding the ship again – sometimes up to 100 miles from the original take off point. Flying a five hour multi-task mission covering northern and western Scotland, flying through Skye, refuelling on land before tracking out across the sea to strike a ship, and finally returning to the ‘Mother Ship’ at night was a standard sortie in the last third of the exercise. Another mission included a pair of Grippen aircraft cueing AH via E3D for a target handover to a high value, time sensitive target strike.
With the Harrier fleet soon to be retired and Joint Strike Fighter still some years from coming into service the Apache Helicopter Force have, potentially, been presented with an opportunity. The Apache has performed above expectations, and has the capability to operate from the platforms of HMS OCEAN and ILLUSTRIOUS. 656 Squadron Army Air Corps has established a battle rhythm for enduring ops and the aircrew have experienced some of the most demanding and rewarding flying of their careers. The maritime environment offers new challenges, and as proven, no problem seems insurmountable.
ApAche FORce MARITIMe cApAbIlITy
22 journal of thE joint hEliCoptEr Command » lZDZ » iSSuE 4, 2010
thE jhC - dElivEring JOINT SuCCESS on opErationS 23
24Ê
UK Joint Aviation Group ...........................................
Op Herrick 13 Training, 3 PARA
Battlegroup Unearth a Surprise ...............................
Be Prepared ........................................................................
Royal Visit to 1 Regiment
Army Air Corps ...............................................................
Army Gliding Association’s
Champion Glider Pilot .................................................
Army Gliding Association’s Wyvern
Gliding Club Supports Battle Back .......................
Junglies Visit Cardiff ......................................................
Exercise Solent Owl .......................................................
My First Flying Tour .....................................................
Fencing at the Commonwealth
Championships 2010 .....................................................
Megavlanche 2010,
Going Rapidly Downhill ...........................................
E ven though 3rd MAW (Fwd)
arrived in southern Afghanistan
well-prepared and equipped for the
year-long deployment, Marines
and sailors know all too well that even the most
organized plan does not survive very long. The
command structure recently shifted, as the 1st
Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) transitioned
to Regional Command (South West). With
the majority of ISAF forces based in southern
UK Joint AviAtion GroUpJoins Forces with 3rd Marine air wing (Forward) in aFghanistan
Written By: 1st Lt. Cassandra Gesecki, PAO
Since taking over from Marine Aircraft Group 40 at Camp Leatherneck in April 2010, 3rd MAW (Fwd) has provided air support to over 40 forward operating bases spread across various Afghan communities, keeping those ground forces well supplied, fed, fueled and taken care of in times of emergency. 3rd MAW (Fwd), under BGen O’Donnell, now boasts a hefty historical account, having supported more than 18 named operations in Helmand province, throughout the Marines’ ever changing area of responsibility.
Afghanistan, the new structure now permits
ground commanders in the south to focus on
geographically smaller areas. The change also
helps to ensure greater partnering between the
Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF.
The re-organization roughly doubled
the Marine area of responsibility. “This
is a natural military progression based on the
number of troops serving here and the priority
placed on Helmand and Nimruz provinces,”
commented Maj Gen Mills, Comd RC
(SW), when news of the transition was
announced during the second week of June.
The new command structure now allows
3rd MAW (Fwd) improved means to support
ISAF forces operating in both Helmand and
Nimruz provinces. 3rd MAW (Fwd) also
adds to this portion of the fight by affording
movement for troops and government officials
and providing increased levels of aerial security
28 Journal oF the Joint helicopter coMMand » LZDZ » issue 4, 2010 the Jhc - delivering Joint success on operations 29
required for governance and development
to continue throughout the region.
The latest transition that the Wing has
undergone marked another historical milestone
for Gen O’Donnell and his Marines: the
United Kingdom’s Joint Aviation Group came
under control of 3rd MAW (Fwd) on June 1st.
By pooling the UK’s aviation resources, 3rd
MAW (Fwd)’s capabilities to support ground
forces expanded in several capacities. Both
forces are capitalizing on a greater unity of
effort and increasing efficiency with the US
and UK aircraft now under one command.
One example of the UK’s advanced air
support comes in the form of their state-of-
the-art MEDEVAC abilities. Their specially
configured CH-47 Chinook helicopters
bring the capabilities of a flying hospital to
the friendly forces in need on the ground.
When seconds count, these helicopters
increase the chances of wounded warriors
recovering from their battlefield injuries.
With all aviation units now being managed
under Gen O’Donnell’s leadership, the UK
assets compliment the Marine collection of
aircraft and bring increased firepower and
assault support capability to the fight.
The leadership from both 3rd MAW (Fwd)
and JAG insist it is really just business as usual.
The integration, through a step-by-step process
employed over six months, has gone flawlessly
and the US and UK military members are
working together like a well-oiled machine.
“We are totally integrated now,” said Gen
O’Donnell. “Here at the operational level as a Wing
Headquarters, we have more than a dozen UK staff
officers who work inside of, and are incorporated with
the Wing. It’s very important to note that these British
members of our team are not liaison officers - they are
action officers. They’re staff officers who work side-by-
side with Marines in the 3rd MAW (Fwd) staff.”
28Ê
CaptionCompetitionPlease send your caption comments to the Editor before Friday 6th February 2011 and the best ones will be included in the next edition of LZDZ
Exercise MARKET GARDEN 2010 was a multinational commemoration of the famous Battle of Arnhem, which took place in September 1944. The battle was part of the bold attempt by the Allies to capture bridges across the Rhine, during the largest airborne operation ever undertaken. Elements from 16 Air Assault Brigade contributed to the Exercise, including personnel from 16 Medical Regiment and 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault).
EXERCiSE
mARKetGARDen17th - 18th SEptEMBER 2010
24 airborne soldiers of 23
Engineer Regiment
(Air Assault) including
members of 299 Para
Sqn set off for the historic town of Arnhem
for their contribution to Exercise MARKET
GARDEN 2010. Departing early on Friday
morning we reached the astonishing town of
Arnhem in Holland by early afternoon and
stopped first in the Airborne Museum, where our
tour guide SSgt T (Burnie) Burns educated us on
some of the breathtaking WWII battles that had
taken place only yards away.
After a short battlefield tour we headed for
Harskamp where we were accommodated in
a Dutch training camp. That evening the four
participating nations came together in order to
sort out details and manifests. After 2 hours we
departed knowing which nations’ parachutes we
WRiTTEN by: L/Cpl Danny Rix
were going to be jumping - either American or
German. It turned out be a 50/50 split.
At 4am we made our way to Eindhoven
International Airport to prepare for the jump.
A dozen of us had been manifested to jump
German parachutes but got rerouted to jump
with the Dutch. However, 3 of the group did
manage to acquire German ‘chutes.
‘P’ hour was approaching and we boarded our
aircraft. Upon the command we stood up and
moved into position, hooking ourselves up and
checking our equipment. The next thing we saw
was the beaming red light and then the bellowing
of a siren through the aircraft, at which men
dispatched at an alarming rate. The same DZ
(Drop Zone) was used 66 years ago by the men
of 4 Para Brigade when they jumped into battle
on Operation Market Garden. On that day the
German SS Panzer Troops lay in wait covering
three sides of the DZ. The allied forces took
heavy losses whilst still in the air from heavy
German machine gun fire.
T he 16 Medical Regiment jump
marked 66 years to the day of
181 Airlanding Field Hospital
descending onto the same spot
in support of 16 Field Ambulance, who had
landed nearby the previous day.
On Friday 17th September, six members
of 16 Medical Regiment had an early reveille
to start the Exercise. Soldiers from 144
Para Med Squadron were also deployed,
providing medical cover. The UK was
the lead nation, but the exercise was run
alongside a number of allied nations, which
encourages interoperability. It was an excellent
opportunity to maintain parachuting skills
and currency ahead of 16 Air Assault Brigade’s
return to contingency operations. The Exercise
also gave paratroopers an opportunity to earn
WRiTTEN by: Captain Alan Parry, Unit Welfare
Officer, 16 Medical Regiment.
foreign wings for successful descents, thus
tightening bonds with our airborne allies.
The almost static flow of traffic on the
journey through Eindhoven and Nijmegen
gave the group a small, if somewhat less
dangerous insight into the struggle that
XXX (30) Corps had faced 66 years ago as
they tried to make their way up the single
road to their objective: Arnhem.
On Saturday the group moved to
Eindhoven: the mounting airfield. The aim: to
practice a small-scale parachute insertion from
a foreign airfield into an unfamiliar DZ. Two
waves were emplaned for the jump.
With over 620 parachutes descending,
the scale of the drop was far in excess of
what many of the more junior soldiers had
experienced. However, keeping their cool in
unusually packed airspace, all six members of
16 Med Regiment descended successfully, with
five of the party earning their US wings and
one their Dutch wings.
Pte Jewell, who was deployed on his first
Exercise MARKET GARDEN, said: “It was
amazing to see parachutes in every direction; above,
below and to the sides.”
Sgt Griffiths, who earned the Dutch wings,
was met on the DZ by his grandfather, an
original member of the Glider Pilot Regiment
during the operation itself in 1944. He said:
“it was an honour to commemorate something
of such significance to my grandfather and my
whole family. For him to be able to see me jump
makes that event all the more meaning ful.”
Later the group undertook a thoroughly
enjoyable battlefield tour of the landmarks and
sites that were significant to the original battle
of Arnhem Oosterbeek, and to pay respects,
gaining considerable awareness of the history
of the unit and the medical paratrooper.
To finish, the group attended a service
at the cemetery of Oosterbeek, giving all
Our jump was a complete success. After
landing in front of the many spectators we joined
the locals in celebrating and commemorating
our airborne forefathers. We headed into the
centre of town shortly after landing to see the
streets lined with maroon. All the houses where
flying the Pegasus emblem high and proud. It
was evident that everyone in the town had the
utmost respect for those soldiers that made the
treacherous descent 66 years ago. A parade of
around 500 re-enactors, in old school military
attire, drove past in assorted vehicles. It was an
incredible sight to see.
The following day we attended a full
memorial service at the local graveyard.
Thousands of people turned out to
commemorate the fallen heroes. We paid
our respects along with the other nations in
attendance and then headed off to the Engineer
Memorial to lay a 23 Engineer Regiment
wreath. Overall, it was an exciting, highly
enjoyable yet very moving visit to Arnhem.
23 enGineeR ReGiment
12 jouRnal of thE joint hEliCoptER CoMMand » LZDZ » iSSuE 4, 2010 thE jhC - dElivERing Joint SuCCESS on opERationS 13
16 meDiCAL ReGiment
those present the opportunity to reflect
on the efforts and sacrifices that had been
made 66 years earlier, instilling yet more
pride and esprit de corps in the
history of the paratrooper.
216 Parachute Signal Squadron Rear Party Parachute Jump article is on the next page. Ê
12Ê
T he Merlin helicopter
was one of a number
of RAF Merlins and
Chinooks training in
Morocco as part of Exercise JEBEL
SAHARA. The Exercise is chiefly in
support of Moroccan troops from le
2eme d’Infanterie Parachutiste, and
also allows aircrew and support staff
to undertake essential environmental
training for current operations.
The dramatic rescue began rather
bizarrely with an off-duty Officer in the
Royal Air Force. He was taking part in
a paragliding expedition in the area and
was aware of a paragliding incident that
required urgent medical assistance. Due
to the location of the incident, it could
have been some time before ground
assistance could reach the injured man.
The off-duty Flight Lieutenant then
spotted a Chinook flying overhead.
Recognising it as a UK asset, he
called back to the home base for the
Chinooks in the UK, RAF Odiham,
in an attempt to get a message to
the detachment in Morocco.
The Moroccan Services gave
close assistance and co-operation
MERLIN IN MOROCCAN RESCUEA Royal Air Force Merlin helicopter from RAF Benson was involved in the dramatic rescue of an injured paraglider in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco whilst training in the country.
and the Merlin was quickly re-tasked and
launched to the incident location. Their
task was to locate the injured paraglider,
deliver Royal Air Force medical personnel
to his location, and then extract all to the
nearest hospital. This is very similar to the
Medical Evacuation or Casualty Evacuation
role the Merlin has previously undertaken
in operational theatres such as Iraq.
Flight Lieutenant Sherry Conway, the
Intensive Care Nurse who was deployed
as part of the medical team on the Merlin,
explained, “The patient had sustained serious
injuries and had been on the ground for about an
hour before we got to the scene, so had deteriorated.
With our medical intervention his condition was
optimised for transfer (to medical facilities).”
Speaking of the rescue, Commander Joint
Helicopter Force (Morocco), Wing Commander
Reg Barker, said, “It’s fantastic to be able to use
Royal Air Force helicopters here for a real rescue. It
also allowed us to test our emergency procedures in
the Exercise Headquarters. There was a real buzz
and a feeling of a worthwhile job well done by all
of the Operations staff, Medics and the crew.”
A year in the planning, the exercise,
mainly in support of exercise
troops from le 2eme Brigade
d’Infanterie Parachutiste and the
Royal Gibraltar Regiment, was an important
opportunity for aircrew and support staff to
undertake vital Op HERRICK environmental
training. Morocco offers excellent exposure to
flying hot and high, giving crews and ground
staff good experience in dealing with the harsh
conditions that prevail in desert environments.
First led by RAF Odiham in 2007, Exercise
Project Officer Flight Lieutenant Jen Lavender
Written By: Flt Lt Anna Davies, RAF Odiham Media Communications Officer
EXERCISE JEBEL SAHARA 2010
HOT&HIGH TRAINING
the Merlin crews is vital; it reduces the demand on
the enabling support elements and shares the manning
burden between the two units.”
The Exercise is a pivotal training
element of the Chinook OCF course.
Flight Lieutenant Giles Edwards, an OCF
Instructor shared his thoughts: “It is important
that, rather than using simulators to replicate
the hot, high and dusty environment, students
are able to experience it for real, with the added
benefit and realism of troop movements.”
He went on to explain that three each of the
ten crewmen and pilots undergoing training on
the OCF would be deploying to Afghanistan
within two weeks of their graduation in
November. Realism of training therefore must
be second-to-none.
Keeping the Chinooks serviceable is the
job of Junior Engineering Officer Flight
Lieutenant Joe Reynolds and his team from
18/27 Engineering Squadron. Operating in a
desert environment brings with it significant
engineering challenges; learning to deal
with and adapting to these challenges has
to be practised. Joe, already with one Op
HERRICK tour under his belt explained: “It
is essential that personnel, especially young ‘techies’,
understand the way that the Chinook operates
in a desert environment. This kind of exercise is
particularly important for the young guys who have
yet to deploy.”
Learning how to operate from an austere
environment is also good practise, as is learning
about the importance of team work and
camaraderie. SAC Dan Sharratt, an Aircraft
Maintenance Mechanic based at RAF Odiham,
is due to deploy to Afghanistan in February
2011 and feels that the detachment has been a
good opportunity to forge friendships: “It’s good
fun and has made us all closer mates.”
Logistic support to the Exercise was
provided by Flight Lieutenant Lindsay Clark
and her team. A week prior to the main
deployment, a road convoy carrying all the kit
required for set up made the 1,900km move
from the UK. With 26 articulated lorries,
the convoy provided an excellent training
opportunity for newer members of the team.
Logistics personnel ensured that the detachment
ran smoothly – they set up camp and provided
ongoing assistance. By the end of the Exercise,
the Movements Team had dealt with over 500
personnel movements in and out of Morocco
and the Catering Team had provided 450
meals a day at three separate sittings, plus
duty meals and packed lunches. The logistic
chain from the UK to North Africa is long,
which inevitably resulted in communication
difficulties; the team worked hard to ensure
that disruption was kept to a minimum. Flight
Lieutenant Clark said, “The Exercise required
an extensive logistics effort. Different logistic
elements have worked well together to find innovative
measures to solve problems as and when needed.”
With the number of personnel deployed
on the Exercise peaking at 220, dealing
with administrative and personnel issues
became a top priority. Heavily involved in
the planning for the Exercise and working
solidly to ensure that all personnel needs
were met were Flight Lieutenant Sarah
Dickson and Sergeant Helen Fryett. Arriving
with the advance party and last to leave, the
responsibilities of the administrative team
were varied and ranged from the glamorous
task of sorting out the laundry, tackling the
complex and ever-changing accommodation
plot and accommodation bill to dealing with
personnel welfare issues. The team worked
hard to establish good working relationships
with local business; most importantly the
bank manager! Sarah sees cutting costs as
a main factor contributing to the success
of the Exercise: “We have been reducing costs
where we can. It has been a main priority; the
way we accommodate personnel and how we
provide them with food - cost has been a factor.”
Wing Commander Reg Barker, Commander
Joint Helicopter Force (Morocco), summed up
the Exercise: “Exercise JEBEL SAHARA hones
all of the skills we need to operate helicopters effectively.
Operating from a tented site, our Headquarters, aircraft
engineering and all elements of ground support have
been tested. It has been a fantastic experience and has
provided vital training to keep us on top of our game
ready for modern-day operations.”
16 jOuRNaL Of THE jOINT HELIcOpTER cOMMaNd » LZDZ » ISSuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dELIvERING JOINT SuccESS ON OpERaTIONS 17
Exercise JEBEL SAHARA 2010 kicked off in October 2010 with up to 220 personnel from RAF Odiham and RAF Benson deployed to Morocco with four Chinooks and three Merlins.
explained that Exercise JEBEL SAHARA is
one of three major training exercises organised
and conducted by the Support Helicopter
Force Headquarters (SHFHQ). Operational
Flights from RAF Odiham, 18(B) Squadron,
A Flight and 27 Squadron, A Flight deployed
for the first phase of the Exercise with the
Chinook Operational Conversion Flight (OCF)
deploying in the later half. Joining the Chinook
crews were personnel from 28 Squadron, RAF
Benson. Exercise Chief of Staff, Squadron
Leader James Parker explained the importance
of working with the Merlins, “Deploying with
Pictured & ABove: The Merlin helicopter approaches
the location of the casualty, RAF Medics offer emergency
assistance to the casualty and prepare him for transit to hospital
16Ê 22Ê
4 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions �
As this edition goes to print, 16 Air Assault Brigade will be approaching the midway point of their tour in Afghanistan. The feedback that we have received so far is that they are performing exceptionally well.
and a half years the JHC has been awarded: 5
CBEs, 13 OBEs, 40 MBEs, 3 CGCs, 11 MCs, 2
AFCs, 7 DFCs, 2 QGMs and countless citations.
However, perhaps more impressive, has been
the resilience and fortitude of our families, for
without their support and encouragement we
would arguably have achieved considerably
less. It has been a constant source of frustration
that I have not had the means to address their
key concerns as much as I would like, such as
the quality of accommodation or the services
provided at base locations. That said, we
recently launched the JHC Personnel Strategy
and I am hopeful that this will help to make
tangible improvements to their quality of life.
Thank you all for your hard work
and I look forward to meeting as many
of you and your families as I can prior
to relinquishing command.
Very many thanks,
F light Lieutenant Ian Fortune,
from 27 Squadron was given
the honour for his actions
whilst on operations in
Afghanistan during January 2010. As
Commander of the Immediate Response
Team (IRT) Chinook helicopter, Flight
Lieutenant Fortune was scrambled to
conduct an emergency medical evacuation
of six casualties with gunshot wounds.
Whilst manoeuvring into the emergency
landing site the aircraft came under enemy
fire. Ian continued to hold his position to
allow the casualties on board despite the
aircraft being hit several times. One of
the rounds affected the flight stabilisation
system, making the aircraft much harder
to control and even when a round came
through the cockpit and hit the front of
Ian’s helmet shattering his visor and causing
deep lacerations to his face he retained
control and continued to take evasive action
managing to keep the aircraft stable enough
to enable the medical team to work on the
casualties. All of the casualties survived
and the assessment of the doctors was that
one of them would have died had he not
been evacuated in such a timely fashion.
On hearing the news of his award
Flight Lieutenant Fortune said: “I feel truly
honoured to have been awarded a DFC and
Two Royal Air Force Odiham personnel have been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for their bravery and service in Afghanistan.
am filled with a sense of immense pride. However,
similar deeds occur unnoticed on an almost daily
basis in Afghanistan and it is my privilege to serve
and operate with fellow military aircrew and ground
troops to whom this award is also a tribute.”
Flight Lieutenant Timothy Pollard from 18
Squadron, RAF Odiham also received the DFC
for his actions in Afghanistan. As the handling
pilot for the Immediate Response Team (IRT)
Chinook, Flight Lieutenant Pollard and his crew
were scrambled to recover five casualties that had
been sustained as a result of a motorcycle borne
suicide improvised explosive device. Due to
problems with the intercom system, the Captain
had to shout to make himself heard above the
cockpit noise. Acknowledging the seriousness of
the casualties, Pollard quickly assumed command
of the situation and in consultation with the
rest of the crew elected to continue the mission.
During the final stages of his approach towards
the incident site, a bullet entered the aircraft
shattering the Control Cylinder for the Rotor
Brake, covering Pollard in highly flammable
hydraulic fluid. Having quickly and calmly
ascertained the nature of the fluid leak, Pollard
was satisfied that the aircraft was still reasonably
serviceable and elected to land and pick up the
casualties. Whilst on the ground the aircraft
continued to come under sustained, effective
enemy fire so fierce that it initially prevented
the stretcher parties getting to the aircraft.
disTinguisHEd flyInG croSS
� journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions �
PiCtUred: Flight
Lieutenant Timothy
Pollard (left) and
Flight Lieutenant Ian
Fortune (right).
oPerational HonoUrs list 2010 air force CrossFlight Sergeant A R Davey, RAF,
RAF Odiham
distinguished flying CrossFlight Lieutenant A M Nethaway, RAF,
RAF Odiham
Flight Lieutenant I A Fortune, RAF,
RAF Odiham
Flight Lieutenant T R Pollard BEng (Hons),
RAF, RAF Odiham
Queen’s Commendation for braveryFlight Lieutenant A N R Townsend, RAF,
RAF Odiham
Queen’s Commendation for valuable serviceWarrant Officer Class 2 P J Lindsay, AAC,
3 Regiment AAC
Commander Joint operations’ CommendationCaptain N C W Purdy, R SIGNALS,
21 Sig Regt 220 Sig Sqn (2AS)
QUeen’s birtHdaY HonoUrs list 2010
ROyAl NAvyobeCaptain P K Shawcross
Commando Helicopter Force
mbeLieutenant J R Bevan
Mutli Engine Rotary Wing Training
Lieutenant Commander R M J Sutton
845 Naval Air Squadron
Lieutenant Commander D J Thorne
Special Duties Squadron
meritorious service medal, Royal NavyWarrant Officer 1 (AET) Landeryou
Commando Helicopter Force
Chief petty officer AEM(M) Munn
845 Naval Air Squadron
ARmyobeColonel D P Turner, Late Army Air Corps
Lieutenant Colonel G P Wilkinson
Royal Regiment of Artillery
mbeMajor G Muirhead, The Parachute Regiment
Major J M Pott, The Parachute Regiment
Commander-in-Chief’s Certificate for meritorious serviceCaptain R Hinton
Royal Army Medical Corps
Warrant Officer Class 2 C Brooks
Corps of Royal Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers
Warrant Officer Class 2 G Drury
Army Air Corps
meritorious service medal, Army Captain P M Carpenter
The Royal Logistics Corps
Captain M M G Nicol, Army Air Corps
Warrant Officer Class 2 K J Bridge
Army Air Corps
Warrant Officer Class 1 M A Chadwick
The Parachute Regiment
Warrant Officer Class 1 S R English
Corps of Royal Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers
Warrant Officer Class 1 D L Hyland
Corps of Royal Electrical
and Mechanical Engineers
Warrant Officer Class 2 D W Maxwell
Royal Corps of Signals
ROyAl AiR FORCeobeGroup Captain D J Torianti MBE
Ex RAF Odiham
mbeSergeant A D Bowman
JHC FS Aldergrove
Flight Sergeant W Draper
RAF Odiham
Flight Sergeant A M Fry
RAF Odiham
Warrant Officer G D Grimshaw
RAF Odiham
Mrs S O’Flaherty-Hobbs
RAF Odiham
Warrant Officer L G Hotson,
JHC FS Aldergrove
Reverend D Weir, JHC FS Aldergrove
Commander-in-Chief air Command CommendationsSquadron Leader J J Turner, RAF Benson
Warrant Officer N Burton, JHC FS Aldergrove
Flight Sergeant M J Daly, JHC FS Aldergrove
Sergeant M Foulds, RAF Odiham
Corporal P H McGilton, RAF Benson
meritorious service medal, Royal Air ForceWarrant Officer R W Burke Smith
RAF Benson
Flight Sergeant M J Adams, RAF Odiham
air officer Commanding CommendationsSergeant C A Curran, RAF Benson
Senior Aircraftman (T) M A Brown
RAF Benson
Honours & AwArDS
marshalling helicopters in the hover and
hooking and unhooking loads. Trooping drills
were also completed to practice quick and safe
embarkation and disembarkation and over 50
troops from 7 Regt Royal Signals enjoyed a
local area familiarisation flight.
The third day started with a dawn
departure in three ship formation to Vliehors
Range, a sand island off the north coast of
Holland, for live firing. The REBRO was
deployed to Dutch Naval Air Station De Kooy
to maintain effective communication with
the CP. The weather had been forecast to be
windy but the exposed range was feeling the
full force of North Sea winds that day. The
windspeed increased over the limit for the
safe conduct of Air to Ground firing and, as
we departed back to Bruggen, the wind was
gusting to 42kts (over 50mph) meaning no
live firing was achieved.
For the final exercise, the 652 Sqn QHTI
had prepared “the worst day in Afghanistan”.
The three hour scenario included many
situations that the aircrew could expect to face
on operations: vehicle over-watch and route
cover, vehicle interdiction, applying the rules of
engagement, dynamic re-tasking, calling for fire
and a downed aircraft scenario. The day proved
to be good preparation for what lies ahead for
the Squadron over the next 12 months.
The final night was spent in a harbour area,
giving the aircrew some field living practice.
The dry weather enjoyed through the week did
not continue and rain fell until the early hours
of the morning, a good reminder of what kit
should be routinely carried when flying in case
a night under the stars is required.
After a warming breakfast the FARP
and CP were closed down and the Squadron
Group returned to Gutersloh. Ex Eagle
Strike had provided 661 Sqn-Gp the
opportunity to deploy and deliver aviation
capability before being committed to the
SSCBG (the main effort of the week). The
exercise also started the integration of MSS
B Flight and REME into 661 Sqn-Gp.
The training provided a very relevant and
realistic scenario for continued combat ready
training but less windy conditions have
been requested for future live firing.
T he 661 Squadron Group deployed
with 44 personnel, three Lynx
Mk7 helicopters and associate
support during 13th - 17th
September 2010 to prepare for the role of Small
Scale Contingency Battlegroup (SSCBG) Lynx
Squadron Group. The training objectives were
to conduct Air to Ground Live Fire Tactical
Training, practice the establishment and
operation of a Forward Air Refuelling Point
(FARP), Command Post (CP) and Rebroadcast
Facility (REBRO), and to rehearse Op
HERRICK style tactical scenarios under
the coordination of the 652 Sqn Qualified
Helicopter Tactics Instructor (QHTI).
After a four hour road move from Princess
Royal Barracks, Gutersloh to the exercise area
(significantly longer and less comfortable then
the equivalent air move) the 661 Squadron
Group established its FARP and CP at the old
12 Flt AAC facilities at Javelin Barracks and had
completed its airborne recce of the local area by
the end of a long day’s work.
The second day was used for underslung
load training with the ground crew practicing
E X E r c i s E
EAGlEsTrikE
661 Squadron group rehearse op Herrick style tactics during deployment to Javelin Barracks (the late RAF Bruggen).
� journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions �
10 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 11
W ork motivation is currently
a growing topic within
the realm of organisational
behaviour. Indeed, the
value of human capital is more important
than ever especially given the looming impact
of the Defence reviews. In such times, it is
vital that every organisation ensures that its
members are delivering to the utmost of their
potential. Given the challenges that we face as
an organisation this rings true. However, the
strength of the JHC lies within its people; we
possess much of the same equipment as many
other nations (no need for cynicism!), yet we
deliver to an exceptional level, regardless of the
task and in the face of some extreme challenges.
But times are changing. This is borne out
of the changing attitudes and behaviours of the
new entrants to our organisation, ‘Generation
Y’. For those unfamiliar with this term,
generational theory seeks to understand the
impacts that societal changes have on different
age groups or ‘cohorts’. Every generation is
different to the next, but the rapid advances
in modern life are challenging some of the
assumptions that we hold about our ability to
motivate our personnel.
so to motivationThere is a vast array of literature regarding this
subject and many valid theories. However,
during my research in to the ‘Motivation of RAF
Aircrew in the JHC’, I chose a theory developed
by Fredrick Herzberg in 1968. In his seminal
article ‘One more time: How you motivate your
employees’ in the Harvard Business Review
he stated that motivation is a matter of who is
motivated. Explained in the terms of a Kick
in the Rear, he stated that it is the kicker who
is motivated, the kicked is merely moved.
Therefore, the goal of any organisational system
should be to generate intrinsic motivation;
that is, each employee is self-motivated to
achieve the task. Herzberg’s Two-factor
Theory identified a number of factors relating
table 1: Hygiene, Satisfaction and Motivation Factors (adapted from Herzberg (1968))
moTivaTEd? (or mErEly movED)? ‘the goal of any organisational system should be to generate intrinsic motivation;’
to employment. He determined that hygiene
factors were necessary to prevent dissatisfaction,
but not to motivate whereas motivation
factors could not prevent dissatisfaction.
With the help of over 70 Generation Y RAF
Aircrew in the JHC, I was able to develop
this to create a working model based on
Herzberg’s original theory (figure 1, below).
the resultsThe results of the study can be seen in Table
1 (right). It tells us that it in order to prevent
dissatisfaction aircrew should be given
recognition for their achievements and have a
potential to grow (clear opportunities) within
the organisation. Interpersonal relationships
are also important and that work should not
impact on their personal life. To increase their
satisfaction, they should be given responsibility,
but can help to contextualise the challenge that
‘the management’ faces. However, whilst some
issues cannot be changed, others can be acted on
quite easily. The Chartered Institute of Personnel
Development (CIPD) studied a number of high
performing companies to determine how they
achieved discretionary (above what was expected)
behaviour from their employees. They found that
the most important factor in achieving this was
the vital role of the Front-line manager; to us,
the Flight Commander. They must praise their
staff and also know what motivates each of them
individually. Moreover, they must be prepared to
listen to them and engender the respect of those
in their command.
It is impossible to cover the entire scope
of the study in the space available in LZDZ.
However, it is an important area for the JHC;
have good working conditions and progress
professionally. Finally, they are specifically
motivated by achievement and to a lesser
degree status. However, the most important
factor in their motivation was ‘the job itself ’.
If it is interesting, varied and challenging, they
will be motivated.
What this meansViewed against the current operational backdrop,
the stresses of deploying could impact their
personal life and was identified in the research.
The reduction of flying hours via the AFT on
some fleets could impact the potential to grow
and the ability to progress professionally. Finally,
the focus on a single mission could provide plenty
of challenge, but may lack variety and cease to
be interesting after a while. This is merely a
small snapshot of a very wide range of issues,
will the assumptions on which it bases its ability
to motivate its staff remain valid in the future?
This can only be answered if those assumptions
are continually challenged. Finally, a big ‘thank
you’ to all the aircrew who gave their time
to participate in the research. If you have any
questions about this or would like a copy of the
study, please contact Sqn Ldr Steve McCann
(230 Sqn, 95261 Ext: 8059).
Factors characterising 1,844 events on the job that led to extreme dissatisfaction
Factors characterising 1,753 events on the job that led to extreme satisfaction
Percentage frequency
Achievement
Recognition
Work Itself
Responsibility
Advancement
Growth
Company policy and administration
Supervision
Relationship with Supervisor
Work Conditions
Salary
Relationship with Peers
Personal Life
Relationship with Subordinates
Status
Security
All factors contributing
to job dissatisfaction
All factors contributing
to job satisfaction
Ratio and Percentage
80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80
Hygiene
Motivators
figUre 1: Herzberg’s Two-factor Theory (source: Harvard Business Review)
Hygiene (Remove dissatisfaction) satisfaction (Increase satisfaction) motivation (Increase performance)
‘Policies and administration’, ‘Growth Potential’, ‘Recognition for achievement’, ‘Personal life’ and ‘Interpersonal relationships’
Responsibility’, ‘Working conditions’ and ‘Advancement’.
‘The job itself ’, ‘Achievement’ and ‘Status’
Written bY: Sqn Ldr Steve McCann, 230 Squadron, RAF Benson
capTion compEtItIonPlease send your caption comments to the editor before Friday 6th February 2011 and the best ones will be included in the next edition of lZDZ
exercise marKet garden 2010 was a multinational commemoration of the famous Battle of Arnhem, which took place in September 1944. The battle was part of the bold attempt by the Allies to capture bridges across the Rhine, during the largest airborne operation ever undertaken. elements from 16 Air Assault Brigade contributed to the exercise, including personnel from 16 medical Regiment and 23 engineer Regiment (Air Assault).
EXErcisE
mArKEt GArDEn17TH - 18TH sEpTEmBEr 2010
24 airborne soldiers of 23
Engineer Regiment
(Air Assault) including
members of 299 Para
Sqn set off for the historic town of Arnhem
for their contribution to Exercise MARKET
GARDEN 2010. Departing early on Friday
morning we reached the astonishing town of
Arnhem in Holland by early afternoon and
stopped first in the Airborne Museum, where our
tour guide SSgt T (Burnie) Burns educated us on
some of the breathtaking WWII battles that had
taken place only yards away.
After a short battlefield tour we headed for
Harskamp where we were accommodated in
a Dutch training camp. That evening the four
participating nations came together in order to
sort out details and manifests. After 2 hours we
departed knowing which nations’ parachutes we
Written bY: L/Cpl Danny Rix
were going to be jumping - either American or
German. It turned out be a 50/50 split.
At 4am we made our way to Eindhoven
International Airport to prepare for the jump.
A dozen of us had been manifested to jump
German parachutes but got rerouted to jump
with the Dutch. However, 3 of the group did
manage to acquire German ‘chutes.
‘P’ hour was approaching and we boarded our
aircraft. Upon the command we stood up and
moved into position, hooking ourselves up and
checking our equipment. The next thing we saw
was the beaming red light and then the bellowing
of a siren through the aircraft, at which men
dispatched at an alarming rate. The same DZ
(Drop Zone) was used 66 years ago by the men
of 4 Para Brigade when they jumped into battle
on Operation Market Garden. On that day the
German SS Panzer Troops lay in wait covering
three sides of the DZ. The allied forces took
heavy losses whilst still in the air from heavy
German machine gun fire.
T he 16 Medical Regiment jump
marked 66 years to the day of
181 Airlanding Field Hospital
descending onto the same spot
in support of 16 Field Ambulance, who had
landed nearby the previous day.
On Friday 17th September, six members
of 16 Medical Regiment had an early reveille
to start the Exercise. Soldiers from 144
Para Med Squadron were also deployed,
providing medical cover. The UK was
the lead nation, but the exercise was run
alongside a number of allied nations, which
encourages interoperability. It was an excellent
opportunity to maintain parachuting skills
and currency ahead of 16 Air Assault Brigade’s
return to contingency operations. The Exercise
also gave paratroopers an opportunity to earn
Written bY: Captain Alan Parry, Unit Welfare
Officer, 16 Medical Regiment.
foreign wings for successful descents, thus
tightening bonds with our airborne allies.
The almost static flow of traffic on the
journey through Eindhoven and Nijmegen
gave the group a small, if somewhat less
dangerous insight into the struggle that
XXX (30) Corps had faced 66 years ago as
they tried to make their way up the single
road to their objective: Arnhem.
On Saturday the group moved to
Eindhoven: the mounting airfield. The aim: to
practice a small-scale parachute insertion from
a foreign airfield into an unfamiliar DZ. Two
waves were emplaned for the jump.
With over 620 parachutes descending,
the scale of the drop was far in excess of
what many of the more junior soldiers had
experienced. However, keeping their cool in
unusually packed airspace, all six members of
16 Med Regiment descended successfully, with
five of the party earning their US wings and
one their Dutch wings.
Pte Jewell, who was deployed on his first
Exercise MARKET GARDEN, said: “It was
amazing to see parachutes in every direction; above,
below and to the sides.”
Sgt Griffiths, who earned the Dutch wings,
was met on the DZ by his grandfather, an
original member of the Glider Pilot Regiment
during the operation itself in 1944. He said:
“it was an honour to commemorate something
of such significance to my grandfather and my
whole family. For him to be able to see me jump
makes that event all the more meaning ful.”
Later the group undertook a thoroughly
enjoyable battlefield tour of the landmarks and
sites that were significant to the original battle
of Arnhem Oosterbeek, and to pay respects,
gaining considerable awareness of the history
of the unit and the medical paratrooper.
To finish, the group attended a service
at the cemetery of Oosterbeek, giving all
Our jump was a complete success. After
landing in front of the many spectators we joined
the locals in celebrating and commemorating
our airborne forefathers. We headed into the
centre of town shortly after landing to see the
streets lined with maroon. All the houses where
flying the Pegasus emblem high and proud. It
was evident that everyone in the town had the
utmost respect for those soldiers that made the
treacherous descent 66 years ago. A parade of
around 500 re-enactors, in old school military
attire, drove past in assorted vehicles. It was an
incredible sight to see.
The following day we attended a full
memorial service at the local graveyard.
Thousands of people turned out to
commemorate the fallen heroes. We paid
our respects along with the other nations in
attendance and then headed off to the Engineer
Memorial to lay a 23 Engineer Regiment
wreath. Overall, it was an exciting, highly
enjoyable yet very moving visit to Arnhem.
23 EnGInEEr rEGImEnt
12 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 13
1� mEDIcAl rEGImEnt
those present the opportunity to reflect
on the efforts and sacrifices that had been
made 66 years earlier, instilling yet more
pride and esprit de corps in the
history of the paratrooper.
216 Parachute Signal Squadron Rear Party Parachute Jump article is on the next page. Ê
T he Drop Zone was at Weston
On The Green. Once airborne
we immediately prepared for
action by removing seatbelts,
stowing the seats and rechecking our
equipment. The door was already open and
the red light was on. We waited for the
Green Light and the thumbs up from the
dispatcher… GO! Cpl Dunseith ducked to
avoid hitting his head on the back of the
plane and stepped out, with the rest of us
following. After about three seconds I felt
my chute opening and looked up to check
everything was in order. I pulled one of
the risers to steer away from Cpl Disney. I
checked below before operating the handle
to release my kit so that it dropped away
onto the 12ft of rope attached to me. As
there wasn’t much wind I didn’t really
need to adjust my drift, so I spent the next
20 seconds enjoying the view and feeling
grateful I was the last man out, as I had less
distance to walk to get off the DZ!
I kept my body tight and accepted the
landing, this time a kind of-side right, and
immediately carried out a roll. A quick check
let me know all my body parts were where they
should be, and therefore, it had been another
successful jump!
Written bY: Cpl Wood
216 paracHuTE signal squadron rEAr pArty pArAchUtE jUmp
Seven members of the Rear Party, 216 Parachute Signal Squadron completed a parachute jump from a Skyvan aircraft. Capt Jordan, WO2 (SSm) Robertson, SSgt Fyfe, SSgt marshall (Nail), Cpl Dunseith (Bartez), Cpl Disney (Spanner) and Cpl Wood arrived at RAF Brize Norton to complete it. The Skyvan is a pretty amazing piece of technology. it looks like a caravan with wings but can actually fly!
14 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 1�
royal HospiTal cHElsEa
70TH annivErsary of thE AIrbornE forcES
T he idea of ‘Sky Soldiers’
is by no means a recent
thought; Benjamin
Franklin envisioned a
time when soldiers would be delivered
from the sky, with a crude, rudimentary
understanding of parachutes: On a
beautiful mid-summer’s evening in,
indeed perfect parachuting conditions,
a small delegation from 7 Para RHA,
21 Bty RA and 289 Bty RA were given
the highest honour of representing the
airborne gunners at a chapel service and
dinner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
This prestigious event on Thursday
24th June was to celebrate the 70th
anniversary of the airborne forces whose
history dates back 70 years and two days,
to the day when Sir Winston Churchill
signed the memorandum calling for a
force of 5,000 paratroopers. It was
attended by a number of high
profile guests including HRH
Prince of Wales and Baroness
Thatcher. 7 Para RHA were
represented by the Honorary
Colonel, Maj Gen WH
‘Where is the prince who can afford so to cover his country with troops for its defense, so that ten thousand men descending from the clouds might not, in many places, do an infinite deal of mischief before a force could be brought together to repel them?’
Moore CBE, past members of the regiment
including Mr Sam O’Neill and Mr Simon
Clegg OBE, Chief Executive of Ipswich Town
Football Club, a number of regimental officers
and a selection of Battery Sergeant Majors. The
regiment also provided two 105mm light guns
with crews and fired to signify the call to dinner.
The evening was a true airborne event
attended by many airborne legends. The type
of men so fittingly described by Field Marshal
The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein as thus:
‘What manner of men are these who wear the maroon
red beret? They are firstly all volunteers, and are
then toughened by hard physical training. As a result
they have that infectious optimism and that offensive
eagerness which comes from physical well being.
They have jumped from the air and by doing so have
conquered fear. Their duty lies in the van of the
battle: they are proud of this honour and have
never failed in any task. They have the highest
standards in all things, whether it be skill
in battle or smartness in the execution
of all peace time duties. They have
shown themselves to be as tenacious
and determined in defence as they are
courageous in attack. They are, in fact,
men apart – every man an Emperor.’
T he Merlin helicopter
was one of a number
of RAF Merlins and
Chinooks training in
Morocco as part of Exercise JEBEL
SAHARA. The Exercise is chiefly in
support of Moroccan troops from le
2eme d’Infanterie Parachutiste, and
also allows aircrew and support staff
to undertake essential environmental
training for current operations.
The dramatic rescue began rather
bizarrely with an off-duty Officer in the
Royal Air Force. He was taking part in
a paragliding expedition in the area and
was aware of a paragliding incident that
required urgent medical assistance. Due
to the location of the incident, it could
have been some time before ground
assistance could reach the injured man.
The off-duty Flight Lieutenant then
spotted a Chinook flying overhead.
Recognising it as a UK asset, he
called back to the home base for the
Chinooks in the UK, RAF Odiham,
in an attempt to get a message to
the detachment in Morocco.
The Moroccan Services gave
close assistance and co-operation
mErlin in moroccAn rEScUEA Royal Air Force merlin helicopter from RAF Benson was involved in the dramatic rescue of an injured paraglider in the Atlas mountains of morocco whilst training in the country.
and the Merlin was quickly re-tasked and
launched to the incident location. Their
task was to locate the injured paraglider,
deliver Royal Air Force medical personnel
to his location, and then extract all to the
nearest hospital. This is very similar to the
Medical Evacuation or Casualty Evacuation
role the Merlin has previously undertaken
in operational theatres such as Iraq.
Flight Lieutenant Sherry Conway, the
Intensive Care Nurse who was deployed
as part of the medical team on the Merlin,
explained, “The patient had sustained serious
injuries and had been on the ground for about an
hour before we got to the scene, so had deteriorated.
With our medical intervention his condition was
optimised for transfer (to medical facilities).”
Speaking of the rescue, Commander Joint
Helicopter Force (Morocco), Wing Commander
Reg Barker, said, “It’s fantastic to be able to use
Royal Air Force helicopters here for a real rescue. It
also allowed us to test our emergency procedures in
the Exercise Headquarters. There was a real buzz
and a feeling of a worthwhile job well done by all
of the Operations staff, Medics and the crew.”
A year in the planning, the exercise,
mainly in support of exercise
troops from le 2eme Brigade
d’Infanterie Parachutiste and the
Royal Gibraltar Regiment, was an important
opportunity for aircrew and support staff to
undertake vital Op HERRICK environmental
training. Morocco offers excellent exposure to
flying hot and high, giving crews and ground
staff good experience in dealing with the harsh
conditions that prevail in desert environments.
First led by RAF Odiham in 2007, Exercise
Project Officer Flight Lieutenant Jen Lavender
Written bY: Flt Lt Anna Davies, RAF Odiham Media Communications Officer
EXErcISE jEbEl SAhArA 2010
HoT&HigH trAInInG
the Merlin crews is vital; it reduces the demand on
the enabling support elements and shares the manning
burden between the two units.”
The Exercise is a pivotal training
element of the Chinook OCF course.
Flight Lieutenant Giles Edwards, an OCF
Instructor shared his thoughts: “It is important
that, rather than using simulators to replicate
the hot, high and dusty environment, students
are able to experience it for real, with the added
benefit and realism of troop movements.”
He went on to explain that three each of the
ten crewmen and pilots undergoing training on
the OCF would be deploying to Afghanistan
within two weeks of their graduation in
November. Realism of training therefore must
be second-to-none.
Keeping the Chinooks serviceable is the
job of Junior Engineering Officer Flight
Lieutenant Joe Reynolds and his team from
18/27 Engineering Squadron. Operating in a
desert environment brings with it significant
engineering challenges; learning to deal
with and adapting to these challenges has
to be practised. Joe, already with one Op
HERRICK tour under his belt explained: “It
is essential that personnel, especially young ‘techies’,
understand the way that the Chinook operates
in a desert environment. This kind of exercise is
particularly important for the young guys who have
yet to deploy.”
Learning how to operate from an austere
environment is also good practise, as is learning
about the importance of team work and
camaraderie. SAC Dan Sharratt, an Aircraft
Maintenance Mechanic based at RAF Odiham,
is due to deploy to Afghanistan in February
2011 and feels that the detachment has been a
good opportunity to forge friendships: “It’s good
fun and has made us all closer mates.”
Logistic support to the Exercise was
provided by Flight Lieutenant Lindsay Clark
and her team. A week prior to the main
deployment, a road convoy carrying all the kit
required for set up made the 1,900km move
from the UK. With 26 articulated lorries,
the convoy provided an excellent training
opportunity for newer members of the team.
Logistics personnel ensured that the detachment
ran smoothly – they set up camp and provided
ongoing assistance. By the end of the Exercise,
the Movements Team had dealt with over 500
personnel movements in and out of Morocco
and the Catering Team had provided 450
meals a day at three separate sittings, plus
duty meals and packed lunches. The logistic
chain from the UK to North Africa is long,
which inevitably resulted in communication
difficulties; the team worked hard to ensure
that disruption was kept to a minimum. Flight
Lieutenant Clark said, “The Exercise required
an extensive logistics effort. Different logistic
elements have worked well together to find innovative
measures to solve problems as and when needed.”
With the number of personnel deployed
on the Exercise peaking at 220, dealing
with administrative and personnel issues
became a top priority. Heavily involved in
the planning for the Exercise and working
solidly to ensure that all personnel needs
were met were Flight Lieutenant Sarah
Dickson and Sergeant Helen Fryett. Arriving
with the advance party and last to leave, the
responsibilities of the administrative team
were varied and ranged from the glamorous
task of sorting out the laundry, tackling the
complex and ever-changing accommodation
plot and accommodation bill to dealing with
personnel welfare issues. The team worked
hard to establish good working relationships
with local business; most importantly the
bank manager! Sarah sees cutting costs as
a main factor contributing to the success
of the Exercise: “We have been reducing costs
where we can. It has been a main priority; the
way we accommodate personnel and how we
provide them with food - cost has been a factor.”
Wing Commander Reg Barker, Commander
Joint Helicopter Force (Morocco), summed up
the Exercise: “Exercise JEBEL SAHARA hones
all of the skills we need to operate helicopters effectively.
Operating from a tented site, our Headquarters, aircraft
engineering and all elements of ground support have
been tested. It has been a fantastic experience and has
provided vital training to keep us on top of our game
ready for modern-day operations.”
1� journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 1�
Exercise JEBEL SAHARA 2010 kicked off in October 2010 with up to 220 personnel from RAF Odiham and RAF Benson deployed to morocco with four Chinooks and three merlins.
explained that Exercise JEBEL SAHARA is
one of three major training exercises organised
and conducted by the Support Helicopter
Force Headquarters (SHFHQ). Operational
Flights from RAF Odiham, 18(B) Squadron,
A Flight and 27 Squadron, A Flight deployed
for the first phase of the Exercise with the
Chinook Operational Conversion Flight (OCF)
deploying in the later half. Joining the Chinook
crews were personnel from 28 Squadron, RAF
Benson. Exercise Chief of Staff, Squadron
Leader James Parker explained the importance
of working with the Merlins, “Deploying with
PiCtUred & above: The Merlin helicopter approaches
the location of the casualty, RAF Medics offer emergency
assistance to the casualty and prepare him for transit to hospital
T he Chinook Mk2/Mk2As will
be designated as Chinook MK4s.
The eight Chinook MK3s will
be designated as Chinook Mk5s
and any new build Chinooks which come off
As a result of the recent Strategic Defence & Security (SD&SR) Review announced on 19th October 2010, the Prime minister David Cameron confirmed that the RAF will receive an additional 12 Boeing Chinook Helicopters. The existing fleet of Chinook mk2/2As and mk3s will be upgraded with more powerful Honeywell T-55-l-714A engines along with a new Thales Primary Flight Display (PFD) ‘Glass’ cockpit, under Project JUliUS.
1� journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 1�
cHinook DEvElopmEnt flIGht
the Boeing CH-47F production line, and fitted
with Thales Project JULIUS cockpit, will be
designated as Chinook MK6s.
The first of an initial eight upgraded RAF
Chinook Mk2s designated as Mk4s should be
entering a Trials Programme by early 2011
with delivery to RAF Odiham in autumn 2011.
The first of 12 new build RAF Chinook Mk6,
equipped with ‘JULIUS’ cockpit, are due for
delivery in 2012/2013.
In 2010, the RAF Chinook fleet was bolstered
by the introduction into service of the twelve
Chinook Mk3s which had remained grounded
due to software problems. By September 2010,
eight of the twelve RAF Chinook Mk3s were
operating at RAF Odiham and together with
the new build aircraft the RAF Chinook Fleet
numbers will increase to sixty aircraft.
wrIttEn by: paTrick allEn
raf odiHam prEparEs for nEW & upgradEd aircrafT
Chinook Development Flight is continued on the next page. Ê
Much of the success with the introduction
into service of the RAF Chinook Mk3,
and for the delivery of the Project JULIUS
fleet together with numerous other Urgent
Operational Requirements (UORs), has
been the work of the Chinook Development
Flight (CDF) based at RAF Odiham.
Formed on 18th June 2008 to initially
oversee the smooth introduction into
service of the RAF Chinook Mk3, CDF
has now expanded to a ‘One-Stop-Shop’
for all things Chinook. With the successful
introduction into service of the Chinook
Mk3, they are today concentrating on the
imminent arrival of the ‘JULIUS’ aircraft.
CDF’s early involvement in the Chinook
Mk3 reversionary programme helped with the
successful integration of the Chinook Mk3 into
the RAF Chinook Wing at RAF Odiham in
record time. They not only assisted with the
aircraft release to service, but also wrote and
prepared the engineering documentation, the
flying training syllabus, and acted as the conduit
between outside agencies and the RAF Chinook
Wing to provide the logistics and capability to
fully integrate these aircraft into the existing
fleet. By late August 2010 six of the eight
Chinook Mk3s were operating on the flight
line at RAF Odiham, as operational crews and
engineers continued their conversion to type
using the training syllabus written by CDF.
CDF was formed as a directive from the
UK’s Joint Helicopter Command ( JHC)
and UK Chinook Force Commander (then
Group Captain Andy Turner) to configure
the Station for the arrival of the Chinook
Mk3 and Project JULIUS from within
existing resources. Their remit was to capture,
co-ordinate, synchronise and support all
elements of Chinook development. This
included all extant and planned work on
the development of the aircraft, its systems,
role equipment and associated impacts on
RAF Odiham across all Defence Lines of
Development. These included: Training,
Equipment (aircraft and ancillaries), Personnel,
Infrastructure, Concept and Doctrine,
Organisation, Information and Logistics.
Today CDF provides support and liaison
between RAF Odiham and JHC, Rotary Wing
Operational Evaluation and Training Unit
(ROWETU) & Support Helicopter Standards
& Evaluation (SH STANEVAL) Wing,
Chinook Project Team, industry and any other
interested parties, such that CDF has become
the sole and singular node of RAF Odiham
involvement in development work for the
RAF Chinook aircraft and associated systems.
Their priority rests with providing front-line
crews with the correct capability, at the correct
standard and within the correct timescales.
Some of this is beyond their control, but where
possible the input they provide has a secondary
benefit of directing the focus of effort towards
meaningful and realistic development work,
which can often help reduce project timelines.
The early success of CDF with the
Chinook Mk3 programme quickly drove
the requirement for them to take on other
development work concerned with the
Chinook Mk2/2As and ‘Project JULIUS’.
Having successfully seen the introduction
into service of the Chinook Mk3, ‘Project
JULIUS’ is the next major project for CDF.
As well as engineering, logistical and other
planning, they have already written the
Conversion to Type training syllabus for
‘Project JULIUS’ Chinook Mk4, and are
working to complete the Computer Based
Training (CBT) and simulator training
packages. They are also involved in all aspects of
co-coordinating the arrival of the first Chinook
Mk4s (Fielding Plan), and exploiting their
combined Chinook operational experience.
The CDF team has also been helping to
perfect the cockpit Human Machine Interface
(HMI), working with Boeing and Thales
in the final design of the avionics layout.
The Chinook Wing and CDF are now
preparing for a fleet wide upgrade programme.
The first eight Chinook Mk4s will arrive as
full specification aircraft ready for operations,
allowing the remaining fleet to enter the
upgrade in a phased programme similar to that
which the RAF used during the Chinook Mk1
to Mk2 mid-life upgrade programme between
1992 and 1995. This allowed the RAF Chinook
Force to operate, albeit at a slightly reduced rate,
for the entire period of the upgrade programme.
Project JULIUS is in two parts; the upgrade
of the existing fleet of Chinook 2/2As/3s
(Mk4s and Mk5s) and the twelve new build
CH-47F Chinooks designated as Chinook
Mk6s. The upgrade includes the Thales ‘Glass’
cockpit and Night Enhancement Package
(NEP) including D-NVG and Albion nose-
mounted FLIR, plus Honeywell T55-L-
714A engines ( 3,750 shp @ 4,000ft a 16-20
percent increase over the existing T55-L-
712F engines) , updated Platform Protection
System and secure communications,
with all the aircraft equipped to the
same Theatre Entry Standard (TES).
The second part of ‘Project JULIUS’
involves the twelve new build CH-47F
Chinooks designated as Chinook MK6s
being built by Boeing, which will receive
their Thales ‘Glass’ cockpit and be fully
integrated by Boeing in Philadelphia. The
CDF is involved is all aspects of ‘Project
Julius’ as they prepare RAF Odiham for the
arrival of these upgraded and new aircraft.
The Chinook Mk6 will differ from the
updated RAF Chinook Mk4/Mk5 by being
equipped with a Digital-Automatic Flight
Control System (D-AFCS). It is hoped, that
subject to funding, the entire RAF Chinook
Mk4/Mk5 fleet will receive a D-AFCS at a
later date. These updates will see the RAF
Chinook fleet operating well beyond 2025.
When handing over command to
Squadron Leader Stan Butler in October,
outgoing Office Commanding CDF,
Squadron Leader Simon O’Brien, told LZ/
DZ: “This has been an incredibly busy period
for the CDF at a time of significant Chinook
development work across both civilian and
military organisations. The successful delivery
and integration of the Chinook Mk3 to RAF
Odiham has been achieved as a result of the close
partnerships and working principals the CDF
have shared with colleagues from JHC, DE&S
and R&S Wing. The depth of experience within
the Flight has proved to be a key enabler for the
development of the Chinook Mk3 and Project
JULIUS, which has freed up valuable capacity
for the Station to focus on its operational output.
There is still considerable work to be done and
we will continue on the principals of ‘Teamwork
and Partnerships’ – we are all delighted with
the arrival of Chinook Mk3 to RAF Odiham
and look forward to similar successes with Project
JULIUS in the coming months ahead.”
Squadron Leader O’Brien has
now taken over as OC Quality &
Continuous Improvement Team
(QCIT) at RAF Odiham.
The Chinook Development Flight
continues to be at the forefront of RAF
Chinook operational capability. Originally
created as a ‘Fielding Flight’ the CDF
has quickly expanded and grown. Today
it provides a unique capability within
the UK’s Joint Helicopter Force.
Ê
20 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 21
History:The Communication Ear Plug was developed by
the US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory
(USAARL) at Fort Rucker, Alabama, for use in
helicopter helmets.
Tests conducted by USAARL with aviation
units in the field, demonstrated the capabilities
of the CEP. These tests showed significant
reductions in noise frequency spectra that are
prevalent in helicopters. In addition, speech
intelligibility was rated higher with the CEP
system than with any other noise protection
system, including active noise reduction systems.
As a result of these extensive tests, the US Army
chose the CEP system as the only ancillary noise
protection device for use in helicopter helmets
for US Army Aviators. The UK rollout will
start early next year, although some units such as
ETPS Boscombe Down have been using them
for eighteen months after trialling them and
then refusing to give them back. They have also
been in use with the Apache fleet for over a year
due to previous US clearances.
How they Work:The CEP Kit consists of a pair of miniature
speakers or transducer elements to provide
monaural signals to each ear. Expandable
foam earplug tips are attached to these
elements to provide a noise barrier, while
incorporating an aural tube through
the earplug tip to transmit the desired
communications. The elements are
connected to small wires which are plugged
into the CEP comms adapter. When worn in
The clarity of sound that small mP3 style ear buds/phones can provide is well known to most of us. To aid aircrew hearing, the UK rollout of the Communication ear Plug (CeP) for helicopter helmets is scheduled to begin in Spring 2011.
communicaTions
EAr plUGS
combination with the hearing protection
provided by the helmet the CEP system
provides the highest level of hearing
protection available by any method,
including active noise reduction systems.
features:• Passive noise protection
rivals ANR systems
• Noise attenuation ranges from
30dB in the low frequencies
and 45dB near 4kHz.
• Robustly built for use in hostile
military environments
• No failures due to complex
electronic circuits or sensor
microphones used in ANR systems
• Replaceable foam ear-tips. Can be
washed and re-used many times
• Compact - Fits easily into
flight case or flight bag
downside:CEPs can take a little getting used to and
there will be a trial period for everyone to
find the right ear tip for them (3 choices).
A small minority cannot tolerate the
foam plugs and there will be a special
fit programme for these few at the RAF
Centre for Aviation Medicine (CAM).
There have been some issues in trials with
wires snagging and plugs falling out but
redesign should minimise these in the
production version.
This has been an incredibly busy period for the CDF at a time of significant Chinook development
work across both civilian and military organisations. The successful delivery and integration of
the Chinook Mk3 to RAF Odiham has been achieved as a result of the close partnerships
and working principals the CDF have shared with colleagues from JHC, DE&S and R&S Wing.
D uring the Autumn of 2010,
aircrew from across the Apache
Helicopter Force, attached to
656 Squadron AAC, embarked
onto HMS ARK ROYAL to reinvigorate the
Apache maritime capability. Three hard weeks
of demanding training in a tough, unforgiving
environment alongside a highly professional Ship’s
Company followed. This was the first significant
embarkation of Apache Helicopters since 2005.
The marinisation of the aircraft is the most
significant part of pre-embarkation preparation.
An airframe originally designed for land
operations requires a detailed schedule of works
to ready it for flight over sea. Initial flying
training took place on the south coast with
long days and nights of deck landing to attain
the required qualifications. A total of 320 deck
landings were logged during the deployment.
Once the initial training was complete, it was
time to sail north to operate predominantly off
the Hebrides where the calm weather of week
one was replaced with rough seas and high winds.
The combination of a pitching, rolling carrier
platform and high winds made deck handling
and aircraft maintenance a real challenge.
Perseverance and imagination on the part of the
Arming Teams and REME engineers achieved
exceptional aircraft availability. 95% of the 60 or
so planned sorties were achieved.
6,000 rounds of 30mm were fired by day
and night in support of Joint Fires training on
the Cape Wrath range. As part of the exercise
several focused kinetic strikes were launched
against targets ashore. In addition the Apache was
656 squadron army air corps, on EXErcisE joInt wArrIor
Written bY Major Mike Neville, Officer Commanding 656 Squadron, AAC
all
PH
oto
s co
urte
sy o
f HM
S A
RK
RO
YA
L P
hoto
grap
hic S
ectio
n
656 Squadron Army Air Corps have embarked onto Hms arK roYal to coincide with an annual multinational exercise Joint Warrior. Fifteen nations took part with sub-surface, surface, aviation and fast air involvement.
heavily involved in the training for countering
Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC) and counter
shipping missions. All sorties involved planning
in and flying from the ship, conducting the
mission, then finding the ship again – sometimes
up to 100 miles from the original take off
point. Flying a five hour multi-task mission
covering northern and western Scotland, flying
through Skye, refuelling on land before tracking
out across the sea to strike a ship, and finally
returning to the ‘Mother Ship’ at night was a
standard sortie in the last third of the exercise.
Another mission included a pair of Grippen
aircraft cueing AH via E3D for a target handover
to a high value, time sensitive target strike.
With the Harrier fleet soon to be retired
and Joint Strike Fighter still some years from
coming into service the Apache Helicopter
Force have, potentially, been presented
with an opportunity. The Apache has
performed above expectations, and has the
capability to operate from the platforms of
HMS OCEAN and ILLUSTRIOUS. 656
Squadron Army Air Corps has established
a battle rhythm for enduring ops and the
aircrew have experienced some of the
most demanding and rewarding flying of
their careers. The maritime environment
offers new challenges, and as proven, no
problem seems insurmountable.
ApAchE forcE mArItImE cApAbIlIty
22 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 23
T he Royal Air Force has celebrated
the production of some of its
finest imagery during the annual
Royal Air Force Photographic
Competition 2010, culminating in an awards
ceremony on 12th October 2010 at the historic
Royal Air Force Club in London. A large
number of the entries in this year’s competition
reflected the broad range of operational and
pre-deployment training activities that are
undertaken by the Service in preparation for
Operation HERRICK, such as JHC’s Chinook
and Merlin helicopters that provide essential
mobility, moving personnel and equipment and
undertaking medical evacuations crewed by RAF
medical teams.
SAC Stier, a 27 year old reservist who
serves as the Squadron Photographer with
606 (Chiltern) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air
Force (RAuxAF), won a total of three awards
including the prestigious “PR Photograph of
the Year” award. The winning image was taken
during his deployment to Exercise MERLIN
VORTEX in El Centro, California. He obtained
PiCtUred & rigHt: SAC Stier’s
winning PR photographs,
entitled “Over the Desert”
jHc pHoTograpHErs ArE chAmpIonSSenior Aircraftsman Andy masson of RAF Odiham and Senior Aircraftman James Stier of RAF Benson, have celebrated considerable success in the annual RAF Photographic Competition.
a significant number of images reflecting the
environmental and tactical pre-deployment
training that the Merlin Force was undertaking
prior to its deployment in support of Operation
HERRICK in Afghanistan. Described as
“a talented young reservist” by his Officer
Commanding, SAC Stier also won the video
category for the 606 Squadron promotional video
filmed during a Squadron training exercise.
Originally from Barnsley in South
Yorkshire, James joined the RAuxAF in
July 2008 and currently commutes to his
commitments with 606 Squadron from his
home in Sheffield. James was motivated to
join the RAuxAF to challenge himself further
than he can outside the Armed Forces: “After
I got back from working in Asia on a project that
saw the production team walk from east to west
of the Himalayas in some really tough conditions,
I knew that I wanted to push myself in similar
ways, and the RAF provides those challenges.
The full time regular forces did appeal to me but
the reserves allows me to keep developing my
business, without sacrificing all that I’ve worked
for. Plus working with helicopters is cool.”
James is a photographer in his civilian life
but, as he explains, the role he completes in the
RAuxAF can be quite different: “It’s hard to
compare as both roles bring vastly different challenges.
As a civilian my role is always changing, especially
now with moving image. In the RAF it’s great to
know I can always be hands-on with the camera, doing
what I enjoy the most, without having to focus on
some of the downsides to running your own company.
My RAF career also pushes me in different ways;
the motivation isn’t business-focused, it’s more about
the people and the way the public interpret the work
they undertake. I see firsthand what an amazing
job all military personnel do, and being able to show
that through my work is constant motivation.”
JHC Photographers are Champions is continued on the next page with SAC Andy masson and his winning portfolio. Ê
24 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 2�
all PiCtUres: SAC Masson’s ‘Royal Air
Force Photographer of the
Year’ winning portfolio
SAC Andy Masson, Station Photographer at
RAF Odiham has won the esteemed title of
‘Royal Air Force Photographer of the Year’ at
the prestigious competition. Andy won the title
with an outstanding portfolio of four images
taken over the past year. The portfolio consisted
of images from Exercise JEBEL SAHARA,
Exercise DESERT VORTEX, and the
Basingstoke Remembrance Parade.
The awards were presented by Chief
of the Air Staf f, Air Chief Marshal Sir
Stephen Dalton. He said “The competition
entries this year are fantastic and showcase
not only the talent of our Royal Air Force
Photographers but also the tremendous capability
of our people and equipment. These dynamic
images ref lect the breadth of Service life and
the critical contribution that our personnel
are making to global operations, in particular
our support to operations in Afghanistan.”
The competition is open to all Royal Air
Force Photographic personnel, MoD civilians
and MoD contractors who work in Royal Air
Force Photographic Sections as well as staff and
cadets of the Air Training Corps, Combined
Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Reserves and all
other Royal Air Force Personnel.
2� journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010
Ê
THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 2�
Ex PASHTUN SABRE was
conducted on Otterburn Training
Area for 7 Para RHA during mid-
June as the Joint Fires finalé for
all force elements preparing to embark on Op
HERRICK 13. The training was primarily
targeted at the gun groups and the tactical parties,
with the facilitation setup being coordinated by
3 (UK) Div and the Gunnery Training Team. It
enabled the Regiment to incorporate all its force
multipliers in order to facilitate and embrace
the complete joint fires process, allowing full
synchronisation to occur when coordinating
the application of force. The additional training
audience included Lightweight Counter-Mortar
Radar (LCMR) personnel from 5 Regt RA,
� pArA rhA prEpArE for op hErrIcK 7TH – 17TH junE 2010
EXErcisE pAShtUn SAbrE7 Para RHA is in a unique position to experience the development of mission Specific Training (mST), which has evolved to encompass the required Soldier First training supplemented by specific-to-role Gunnery training. This has resulted in the Regiment being better prepared than it has ever been prior to an op HerriCK deployment.
Unmanned Air Vehicle operators from 21
(Gibraltar) Bty, 47 Regt RA and Guided Multiple
Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) from 39 Regt
RA. From an air perspective, Tornados and Hawks
provided the CAS element whilst AH and Puma
reinforced the aviation aspect of the exercise.
The primary training audience were the
Battery Commanders Tactical Party (BC’s Tac)
, Fire Support Teams / Fire Support Elements
(FSTs/FSEs) and Gun Groups from 7 Para RHA.
This was supplemented by the Joint Fires and
ISTAR Cells and TACP providing the Command
and Control throughout the exercise, whilst
enabling these cells to execute and coordinate
Battlespace Management and ISTAR, as well as
their primary role of Fires.
Gunners from The Royal Australian
Artillery (RAA) and a Supporting Arms
Liaison Team (SALT) from 2d Air and Naval
Gunfire Liaison Team (ANGLICO) USMC
supplemented the exercise. The Australians
are welcome augmentees that have a long
standing affiliation with the Airborne
Gunners and have been operational allies
with us for previous Op HERRICK tours.
The ANGLICO attachment is a result of
the HELMAND force generation laydown,
which sees 16 Air Assault Brigadede flanked
by elements of the 2nd Marine Division.
7 Para RHA benefited hugely from
Ex PASHTUN SABRE, proving that
the exercise aim of enabling integration
in preference to deconfliction was a sound
mantra on which to base the endstate. The
complexities of an ever-changing Afghan
tactical and operational theatre prove that
an exercise such as PASHTUN SABRE
allows all elements of the Regiment to
face these issues: the latest in-theatre
TTPs were incorporated into the training
cycle. The true benefit of this training
will only truly be appreciated when the
Airborne Gunners again step into the
breach that is Helmand Province.
E ven though 3rd MAW (Fwd)
arrived in southern Afghanistan
well-prepared and equipped for the
year-long deployment, Marines
and sailors know all too well that even the most
organized plan does not survive very long. The
command structure recently shifted, as the 1st
Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) transitioned
to Regional Command (South West). With
the majority of ISAF forces based in southern
UK joInt AvIAtIon GroUp joins forcEs WiTH 3rd marinE air Wing (forWard) in afgHanisTan
Written bY: 1st Lt. Cassandra Gesecki, PAO
Since taking over from marine Aircraft Group 40 at Camp leatherneck in April 2010, 3rd mAW (Fwd) has provided air support to over 40 forward operating bases spread across various Afghan communities, keeping those ground forces well supplied, fed, fueled and taken care of in times of emergency. 3rd mAW (Fwd), under BGen O’Donnell, now boasts a hefty historical account, having supported more than 18 named operations in Helmand province, throughout the marines’ ever changing area of responsibility.
Afghanistan, the new structure now permits
ground commanders in the south to focus on
geographically smaller areas. The change also
helps to ensure greater partnering between the
Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF.
The re-organization roughly doubled
the Marine area of responsibility. “This
is a natural military progression based on the
number of troops serving here and the priority
placed on Helmand and Nimruz provinces,”
commented Maj Gen Mills, Comd RC
(SW), when news of the transition was
announced during the second week of June.
The new command structure now allows
3rd MAW (Fwd) improved means to support
ISAF forces operating in both Helmand and
Nimruz provinces. 3rd MAW (Fwd) also
adds to this portion of the fight by affording
movement for troops and government officials
and providing increased levels of aerial security
2� journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 2�
required for governance and development
to continue throughout the region.
The latest transition that the Wing has
undergone marked another historical milestone
for Gen O’Donnell and his Marines: the
United Kingdom’s Joint Aviation Group came
under control of 3rd MAW (Fwd) on June 1st.
By pooling the UK’s aviation resources, 3rd
MAW (Fwd)’s capabilities to support ground
forces expanded in several capacities. Both
forces are capitalizing on a greater unity of
effort and increasing efficiency with the US
and UK aircraft now under one command.
One example of the UK’s advanced air
support comes in the form of their state-of-
the-art MEDEVAC abilities. Their specially
configured CH-47 Chinook helicopters
bring the capabilities of a flying hospital to
the friendly forces in need on the ground.
When seconds count, these helicopters
increase the chances of wounded warriors
recovering from their battlefield injuries.
With all aviation units now being managed
under Gen O’Donnell’s leadership, the UK
assets compliment the Marine collection of
aircraft and bring increased firepower and
assault support capability to the fight.
The leadership from both 3rd MAW (Fwd)
and JAG insist it is really just business as usual.
The integration, through a step-by-step process
employed over six months, has gone flawlessly
and the US and UK military members are
working together like a well-oiled machine.
“We are totally integrated now,” said Gen
O’Donnell. “Here at the operational level as a Wing
Headquarters, we have more than a dozen UK staff
officers who work inside of, and are incorporated with
the Wing. It’s very important to note that these British
members of our team are not liaison officers - they are
action officers. They’re staff officers who work side-by-
side with Marines in the 3rd MAW (Fwd) staff.”
I n Battalion HQ the staff managed
the training process as well as
preparation for operations. The
planned deployment of 3 PARA
has switched from Sangin to Nad e Ali,
effectively moving from relative isolation,
to rejoin other British Battlegroups under
command of Task Force Helmand. We
are looking forward to the challenges
of operations and there is a great deal of
optimism about what 3 PARA can achieve,
in its newly designated area of operations.
During the summer the Battalion as
a whole undertook a variety of activities
as part of Mission Specific Training
(MST) in the run-up to deployment. This
op HErrick 13 Training
3 para BaTTlEgroup UnEArthS A SUrprISEAs you read this, 3 PARA Battlegroup will have deployed on operations to Afghanistan for the third time since 2006. This will be the first time that an infantry Battlegroup has returned to Helmand Province for a third tour of duty and as usual, the Parachute Regiment is leading the way.
included Confirmatory Field Exercises and
Combined Arms Live Fire Exercises.
For C Company, the Confirmatory
Field Exercise tested their ability to operate
in as close a replication of Afghanistan as is
available in the UK. The recently constructed
Afghan compounds and village on Stanford
Training Area, Norfolk, served as an excellent
opportunity to run serials that assessed their
ability to operate in such an environment. It
also gave a lot of the new Toms the chance
to develop their clearance techniques in
a more mission specific environment.
The exercise also served to practise the
embedded partnering of Afghan National Police
and Afghan National Army soldiers that we
would work with on Op HERRICK 13. The
theory of working for and alongside these Afghan
groups in order to assist their missions, rather
than the other way around, was easier said than
done. It proved to be an invaluable lesson in some
of the frictions and tensions that can easily arise
in moving toward an Afghan lead in operations
and tasks in Afghanistan.
The formal MST package for 3 PARA
culminated in the Battlegroup Formation
Training Exercise (FTX) on Salisbury Plain,
which provided an excellent opportunity for
the Companies to put their skills to the test,
iron out any weaknesses, and most importantly
integrate as groups.
Counter-IED drills were put to the test
during the FTX. Realistic IEDs had been buried
around various vulnerable points surrounding
the village, enabling each Company the chance
to practice scanning ground sign, as well as
maintaining situational awareness. All IEDs were
found, which inspired confidence among the
men. A Company in particular had an interesting
IED drill: a suspect device was discovered on a
track near their Forward Operating Base, which
turned out to be a live WWII-era anti-tank
mine! (It was rapidly made safe).
30 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 31
BE prEpArEDThe Scouting Association is well known throughout the world for their abilities to overcome a wide variety of problems and situations, but there was one predicament which they required a little help from a helicopter.
T he Chief Scout for the UK
is the British adventurer and
TV presenter, Bear Grylls,
well known to the public for
his own survival skills. He is now passing
them onto the next generation of scouts and
young explorers. He kindly donated the use
of his island off the coast of North Wales for
the scouts to improve their skills and learn
new ones. But the island was missing one of
the main components of survival - a fresh
water source.
Despite investigating many options to
overcome the lack of fresh water on the
island, drilling for fresh water was the
only real solution. The main challenge was
challenge of something a little different
and importantly, the task made for some
invaluable training.
With the introduction of the Mk3
at RAF Odiham, and with 18(B)
Squadron, B Flight qualified to take
on the task, the crew were able to put
the new Chinook through its paces.
The crew briefed at 6am, then
transited to the garden of a hotel on the
Welsh Coast, surrounded by spectators
and equipment. Having landed, the
team inspected the task at hand. After a
comprehensive the brief, a cup of tea and
a bacon sandwich, JHSU and JADTEU
personnel started on rigging the loads,
whilst the crew utilised the location and
Snowdonia to get some more training out
of the day.
With everyone ready, the crew
returned to three very well rigged
loads, and quite a few more spectators!
Wasting no time they identified the
loads, taking the lightest first and the
heavy drill last. All of the loads went
without a snag. Once all of the loads
were de-rigged, the aircraft refuelled and
everybody ready, the crew departed back
to RAF Odiham, knowing they would
have to return to recover the drill back
to the mainland in a few days time.
A week later the same crews returned,
knowing how to rig the loads, which were
all completed in a third of the time. With
all of the loads on the mainland, and some
very grateful scouts, everyone was happy
and the task had provided some unique
and invaluable training for the Chinook
crew. If only Bear Grylls could call in a
Chinook every time he needed to escape a
survival situation.
delivering the heavy drilling equipment
(a substantial drill, a generator plus
accessories) to the island.
Due to the islands characteristics, only
one option was feasible - to air lift the
equipment across. Because the drill weighed
nine tonnes, and the generator was also
heavy, there are very few helicopters that
have the performance to lift the equipment.
The challenge was taken on by
the Helicopter Support Unit ( JHSU),
headed up by Sergeant Jeff Alleyne, Joint
Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit
( JADTEU), by Lieutenant Paddy and 18
(B) Squadron, B Flight led by Squadron
Leader Hammond. They were all up for the
W hilst at the PRB the Prince
met the families of the
soldiers and also presented
OP HERRICK medals to
members of 652 and 661 squadron AAC who
had recently returned from Afghanistan. A few
of the more senior members of 1 Regiment
were also awarded their Long Service and Good
Conduct (LS&GC) medals after completing 15
years of ‘undetected crime’ whilst serving in the
British Army - one of those being myself, SSgt
‘Windy’ Gale.
It is not every day that our Colonel-in-
Chief visits Germany and many families and
local dignitaries accompanied by press turned
out for the occasion. The Families’ Day was a
great success with plenty of bouncy inflatables
royal visiT To 1 rEGImEnt Army AIr corpS Written bY: SSgt B J (Windy) Gale
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales visited 1 Regiment Army Air Corps at Princess Royal Barracks (PRB), Gutersloh Garrison on their annual Families’ Day on monday 26th July 2010.
32 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 33
and games for the children, flying for the older
ones and once again the Master Chef laying on a
great BBQ for all to enjoy.
It was a proud day for my family and I
when I received the LS&GC medal from our
Colonel-In-Chief. I am sure it was also a proud
day for all the families and soldiers who were
also receiving their medals. Significantly,
following the presentations, the Prince took
the time to focus on the families who continue
to support the soldiers whilst being deployed
on Operations. Serving with 1 Regiment has,
without doubt, been one of the busiest periods
in my career. It is important for the families to
be recognised for their role in keeping house
and looking after our little ones in our absence,
whether it be on Ops or pre deployment
exercises and training. Without their continued
support we would not be as effective as
individuals or Sqn groups.
M ajor Allan Tribe, a REME
Aircraft Engineer, now
working at JHC HQ,
triumphed over 45
other competitors during nine days in late
Summer. He flew from Husbands Bosworth
army gliding associaTion’s wyvErn GlIDInG clUb SUpportS bAttlE bAcK
During the Autumn, a new group
of student pilots attended one of
seven basic courses run each year,
from the club at Upavon, with
participants drawn from various service areas
including a number of patients from DMRC
Headley Court under the ‘Battle Back’ scheme.
Battle Back exists to ensure that seriously
injured personnel have access to the same
opportunities in sport and adventurous training
that are currently available to the able-bodied,
with skiing and canoeing firm favourites.
The sport of gliding is well placed to
give them the opportunity to participate
on level terms with the able bodied
- meaning the soldiers can leave their
disabilities on the ground and fly their
glider using specially modified controls.
A specially adapted K21 glider is available
where the foot pedals are replaced with a
hand lever, which means pilots with varying
injuries, including amputees and other lower
limb disabilities, can develop into competitive
glider pilots flying against all-comers.
The recent course was blessed with good
weather allowing the syllabus to be completed
and the students to develop their flying.
Four of the pilots progressed to fly their first
solo flights, including triple amputee Private
Kingsley Ward, Parachute Regiment, and
Dale Messenger of the Royal Engineers,
who is recovering from leg injuries.
One of the three Army Gliding Association Pilots competing in the Club Class National Gliding Championships has taken Top Spot.
The sky really is the limit for a group of soldiers who have just passed the basic gliding course with solo flights. Thanks to the Army Gliding Association’s Wyvern Gliding Club the student pilots soared to success, including some soldiers who are recovering from severe injuries.
airfield (former Coventry Gliding Club)
in south Leicestershire, where the weather
gave five days of competitive flying.
Gliding contests are held over a number
of days with a race being flown over courses
typically between 120-300km. Each race is
scored and the points aggregated over the
week to decide the champion. The Pilot
who uses the weather to get round the
course fastest gets the most points and those
who do not finish the course (normally
landing in a field) are scored less on distance
flown. It is a test of navigation, endurance,
concentration, stamina and importantly,
the pilots ability to extract the most energy
from the atmosphere.
Leading the event into the third and
final day, Allan noted the varying weather
conditions were difficult and there was real
potential for pilots to be caught out and
end up landing in a field. After a solid flight
Allan finished the task but needed to better
the second place pilot by 25 minutes to be
sure of victory. After a nail biting wait it was
confirmed that the nearest challenger was in
a field and he was indeed Champion.
Major Tribe, who is Captain of the
Army Gliding Team, has been gliding
since he was 16, where he learnt to fly with
the Air Cadets, and competing for over
25 years. He flies at the Army Wyvern
Gliding Club at Upavon where he is also an
instructor. Allan Said: “I am thrilled to have
won this competition. The standard of opposition
was very high; I was competing against previous
British team members. I am extremely grateful to
the Army Gliding Association for their support
over many years, who have helped me develop
as a competition pilot. I now look forward to
representing Britain in the European Champs, in
Slovakia, next year.”
34 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 3�
army gliding associaTion’s chAmpIon GlIDEr pIlotmajor allan TriBE
A Squadron Sea King
Helicopter, training in the
local area, also landed within
the castle walls for an hour to
enable the public and local media to speak
to the pilots and engineers about their role
in Theatre.
Pilots, aircrewmen and engineers from
B Flight, 846 NAS paid a flying visit to
South Wales between 28th - 29th July. 846
NAS, is normally based at the Royal Naval
Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset and for
many of the crew this was the first time
they have visited the Capital city of Wales
and the surrounding area.
Recently returned from Afghanistan,
846 personnel took part in a number
of Adventurous Training activities that
included canoeing, rock climbing and hill
walking, but also took time out to meet
jUnGlIESvisiT cardiffOn Thursday 29th July personnel from 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) were hosted by the staff of Cardiff Castle, where they enjoyed a tour of the new ‘Firing line’ exhibition and on completion a visit to the millennium Stadium.
members of the public and to speak with the
local media.
The Flight has spent the last three months
in Helmand Province Afghanistan, flying the
Royal Navy’s Sea King helicopter. This busy tour
saw the ‘Junglies’, a nickname for Commando
Sea King aircrew earned in Borneo during
the 1960’s, providing much needed aviation
support to British forces during the summer
months as temperatures soared to almost 50˚C.
Royal Navy Sea King pilot, Lieutenant
Tom Burrows, who has just completed his 2nd
flying tour in Afghanistan explained, “The visit
to Cardiff rounded off a challenging tour of duty for
our men and women who have worked extremely
hard and deserve some well-earned R&R. The
majority of our missions were flown over the volatile
Helmand region and were extremely challenging,
not least due to the threat from insurgents and rocket
attacks but due to the difficulties of maintaining,
and operating a heavy aircraft in this mountainous,
hot and high environment. In addition to this, most
of our flying is done at night using Night Vision
Goggles, which adds to the challenge considerably”.
For Leading Air Engineering Technician
Mark Pamment, 28, one of the Flight’s engineers,
Cardiff is his home town. Mark added, “As for
the visit to Cardiff, we were on a real high the moment
we arrived; the guys had heard so many positive things
about the city. They were excited about the prospect of
visiting Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium
and were especially pleased by the warm welcome
and the overwhelming Welsh hospitality.”
PiCtUred & above: Sea King lands at Cardiff Castle, 846 at Cardiff Castle
3� journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 3�
W ith good weather upon us,
the shorts stayed on. Upon
arrival at the Joint Services
Adventurous Sail Training
Centre (Gosport) we discovered our allocated
pair of yachts were old but in good condition.
We checked and stowed the usual stack of
equipment (with odd names) before loading
our own kit on. Before long though we were
all under sail.
EXErcisE SolEnt owl
Written bY: Capt Dave Jones, SO3 J3 Indiv Manning/Coord
A bright and very early start saw ten land and air loving members of JHC HQ J3 depart the safety of Andover for five days of adventure on the high seas. Some of the staff were evidently more optimistic than others about the weather given the smattering of nobbly knees that were on show. The Assistant Director Operarations (AD), no fool to the Solent’s capricious ways and always prepared, brought along his full complement of foul weather gear.
The first couple of days were spent learning
the ropes and figuring out our ports from our
starboards. By Wednesday both crews were
confident enough to race each other. The
Skippers agreed a four mile course around
three bouys. At a designated time the boats
crossed the start line. The Trochus was faster
yet her failing to identify the next mark
correctly meant that, approaching the 2nd bouy,
the Victoria had the lead. However Poseiden
had the final say and Victoria fouled our sheets
on the winch as we came about. To make
matters worse we were forced to abandon our
course as Trochus’s Skipper Davenhill ordered
ramming speed and stubbornly used the rules
of the road to his advantage. With our boat
nearly dead in the water we were hard pressed
to catch them as they took the chequered flag.
With banter flying between the two boats,
both crews headed into the beautiful scenery
of Chichester Harbour on a sun lit summer’s
evening to pick up Lt Col Hutchinson and Sqn
Ldr Webber, who had escaped from the HQ for
a few days.
The Solent is a busy place and so at Itchenor
we moored together on a single buoy in mid-
channel. The upside was that we got to deploy
the tender to get ashore. Capt Kerrigan kindly
volunteered to inflate the rubber dinghy before
we watching the various attempts at rowing.
The amount of circles being described made it
appear that some of the crew were practising
their aircraft holding patterns. Oddly enough,
after some refreshment at the local pub,
everyone’s rowing improved. Something to do
with the coriollis (or is that Coronna?) effect!
Still smug from their previous day’s victory,
the crew of the Trochus were feeling quite
buoyant the next morning, which was more
than could be said for their vessel. Just after
lunch as they did the hourly log and pumped
the bilges, they discovered they were taking on
lots of water from somewhere. It seemed water
was coming in through the boat’s exhaust
and had already ruined their engine. With
no power other than sail, and a boat getting
lower in the water, there was nothing for them
to do but head back to Gosport where the
engineers announced Endex as the boat needed
a complete engine re-fit. Victoria on the
other hand headed for the delights of Cowes
and a run ashore to round off a good week’s
Adventure Training.
Overall a great week spent on the high seas.
JSASTC has some fantastic facilities that are
there to be taken advantage of. Expeditions
like this, where four novices were introduced
to off-shore sailing, is after all one of the
reasons we all joined the Services. Planning has
started for 2011’s event already.
left: The Trochus
with her spinnaker up
left, inset: Capt
Kerrigan tests out the dingy
toP left, CloCKWise: Enjoying
Lasagna at Bucklers Hard
Marina, Maj Johnstone and
LCpl Mushakwe enjoying
the view, Moored to a buoy
at Chichester, Looking across
from Victoria to Trochus
my firsT flyInG toUrlynx Crewman, lance Corporal lovett gives an invaluable insight into his first flying tour.
L t Talmage’s journey began back
in June when, with an air of
trepidation, he boarded an RAF
TriStar aircraft at RAF Brize
Norton for the first leg of the journey to Camp
Bastion, via Kandahar. The flight gave a lot
of time to consider what lay ahead, trying to
understand what sort of environment he would
be working in for the next three months: “Just
as you have convinced yourself that you will be able
to cope with the pressures ahead, you find yourself
putting on helmet and body armour for the final
descent into Kandahar. There is a tension in the
aircraft but everyone soon relaxes when the wheels
touchdown on the runway.”
After a quick connecting flight, Lt
Talmage arrived at Bastion and was straight
into three days of briefings on subjects as
varied as air traffic control procedures to
battlefield hygiene. For the aircrew it is a
welcome relief when the briefings finish and
the flying begins. Lt Talmage says: “It’s why
I have been training for four years - to actually do
the job which the Junglies have been doing here in
Afghanistan for three years. But it’s a shock to the
system the first time you strap into the aircraft with
the cockpit temperature above 50ºC.”
A fter completing my Aviation
Crewman’s course at the end of
March 2009, I was posted as a
Lynx Aviation Rear Crewman
to 672 Sqn, 9 AAC. Here I had a steady year to
consolidate what I had learned before starting
Mission Specific Training in January 2010.
After Christmas leave we all received a short
Lynx Mk9a conversion course before deploying
on exercise to Kenya for two weeks. This
detachment proved to be as much about learning
how the Mk9a would cope in the dust and the
heat as it was the training. As expected there
were a few issues but our REME engineers soon
learned to adapt.
Of the exercises we undertook following
our return from Kenya it was the work we
completed in and around Kirkcudbright that
was the highlight for the Crewmen. Whilst
maintaining our competency on the GPMG we
were informed the Mk9a would be fitted with
the M3M Machinegun, a very capable weapon
system that would not only give us better
protection but provide excellent support to the
troops on the ground. In the end we had just
48hrs to learn all about the weapon system and
pass the mandatory Weapon Handling Test in
preparation for the ranges. We only completed
lieutenant Charlie talmage rn 846 Naval Air Squadron
lieutenant Charlie Talmage, 30, has spent the last three months living at Camp Bastion, flying his Sea King mk4 helicopter in and around the Green Zone in Helmand province. He is a member of 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) which, with her sister squadron 845 NAS, has been operating in Afghanistan for the last three years.
The first flights Lt Talmage completed
were in-theatre training sorties consisting of
day and night dust landings, allowing him
to get used to flying the Sea King Mk4 in
Afghanistan’s challenging environmental
conditions. “Out here you are always flying
the aircraft on the edge of its envelope. You
trust what you have learnt during operational
flying training back home and your confidence
is boosted massively by the training sorties.”
With training complete, the job begins in
earnest. Lt Talmage found his first few operational
flights are a real experience: “It all looks so peaceful
from altitude, but when you fly into the patrol bases at low
level you can see close-up how professional the ISAF ground
troops need to be to go about their daily business of bringing
peace to the area.”
On average, a Royal Navy Sea King Mk4
pilot will fly about 120 operational hours during
his tour, and will face challenges of landing
in confined spaces by day or night, with the
potential to lose their visual references as the
Afghan dust blows around the cockpit.
Lt Talmage concludes: “I learnt a lot, both about
flying and the problems faced in helping the Afghan
government, and have really enjoyed contributing
personally to assist the effort on the ground.”
the range package a week before we were to
deploy and none of us wanted to consider the
consequences of failing.
At the end of April, with a brief delay
due to the ash cloud blowing in from
Iceland, we deployed on Op HERRICK
12. I was excited, this being my first
flying tour, whilst a bit anxious as to what
to expect. Apart from Mission Specific
Training, my only other references were
all the books I had read on Afghanistan
and the countless war movies I had seen.
On completion of our theatre qualifications,
we began receiving tasks, mainly in the form of
troop movement: pick up personnel at Bastion
and take them to their drop-off point; pick up
two from the drop-off point and take them back
to Bastion and so on. I was surprised at how
much I was enjoying flying and working in and
around the area. I saw and met real Afghans,
which I had never experienced as groundcrew.
Camp Bastion has some awesome facilities
but I don’t think I would have enjoyed being
confined to camp for my whole tour.
As the tour progressed we began to receive
more escort tasks for the larger support
helicopters, dropping troops and equipment into
the various Forward Operating Bases. Thankfully
I didn’t have to work in the Ops room trying
to deconflict all of the support requests received
form the various troops on the ground.
Some of our most important tasks were
working in support of the re-supply convoys.
Initially, we did not have the latest Battlefield
Surveillance Camera fit and so, a lot of the
time, we had to remain above the threat band.
But being this high meant it was a few degrees
cooler, for which the crew was grateful.
I would recommend my job as a Lynx
Aviation Rear Crewman to anyone. It’s a
very busy and demanding job on operations
but extremely rewarding. I thoroughly
enjoyed my tour and all of our crewmen
managed to utilise the weapon system
in some way to support others.
lance Corporal lovett lynx Crewman, 672 Sqn, 9 Regiment AAC
3� journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 3�
E ach fencing season lasts for 11
months from September to July
and culminates with the British
Championships. However,
in order to be in the selection bracket for
a competition like this, you need to be
travelling the circuit for at least two years.
For me there have been the added challenges
of injury and crutches to contend with,
which made the process just that little more
complicated, but it was definitely worth it!
While many sports were part of this
year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the
Fencing Championships were held in the
Victoria State Fencing Centre in Melbourne,
Australia from 29th September to 5th October
2010. The Military has a long and prestigious
history in the sport of fencing, indeed the
Gymnasium at the Army School of Physical
Training is named after Olympic Pentathlete
Jim Fox. In this tradition, the military, and
in particular the Army, had a number of
fencers competing for the Home Nations. The
Commonwealth Veterans’ Championships were
held at the same time and there was military
representation in this competition as well.
As fencers gathered in Melbourne for the
competitions, and we caught up with friends we
had not seen in a while, the excitement grew.
Since there was a team from each of the Home
Nations, anyone walking in to the hall could have
easily mistaken it for a domestic competition back
home, but there was plenty of opposition waiting
in the wings to pounce on the hopeful Brits!
My event, the Ladies Sabre, was on the
second day, so I spent the first supporting the
Written bY: Capt Naomi Lee REME, OC Fwd Pl, 5AAC Wksp
fEncing aT THE commonwEAlth chAmpIonShIpS 2010‘Being selected for the Commonwealth Fencing Championships is probably the biggest achievement of my life so far.’ Any fencer will tell you that to get selected for a competition such as this takes great commitment over a long period.
other members of my Northern Irish team and
getting a feel for the venue. On the day of my
competition, nerves were high. After almost ten
months with very little training due to injury,
I was never going to be competing at the top,
but my aim was not to be bottom. Well I won’t
go into the details, but suffice to say, I achieved
my aim. I was knocked out in Round Two by a
very strong girl from Singapore who went on to
finish in the top eight and I successfully avoided
the wooden spoon. There was more success
from other members of the military with one
individual and three team bronze medals in the
main Championships and an individual gold and
team bronze in the Veterans’ Championships. For
the rest of the week, I supported the others and
got out and about to see the sights of the region.
Now, unlike many of those who travelled
6,000 miles for the event from the UK, I don’t
believe that you should go somewhere and not
have a look around. Consequently, I had the
best trip of my life seeing Singapore, much
of Australia and New York. Though I missed
out on seeing a wild kangaroo, I did get to see
Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, the world smallest
penguins and climbed the Statue of Liberty.
The trip to the Championships would not
have been possible without the continued support
that is given to Army Athletes by BAE Systems,
which I have been lucky enough to receive over
the last few years, and also the Army Sports
Lottery. Now it is time to get back to it and start
to prepare for the next Commonwealths in 2014!
For anyone interested in giving fencing a
go, the Army Championships will be held at
the ASPT, Aldershot, over 4th - 8th April 2011
and all beginners are welcome. Please contact
Capt Lee on: [email protected].
40 journal of THE joinT HElicopTEr command » lZDZ » issuE 4, 2010 THE jHc - dElivEring joInt succEss on opEraTions 41
T he race starts at 3,300 metres on
the top of a glacier, which this
year due to the heat turned to a
big slush puppy, therefore saw
many riders running with the bike for about
two miles before hitting technical rock fields,
which as you can imagine was very slippery.
Prior to the main race were training
days and qualifying races. Each qualifying
race consisted of 200 riders all starting
at once and heading for a bottleneck,
before descending 18 km to the bottom
to gain a place in one of the main races.
The terrain changed from ice to rock to
meadows of lush green grass, to forest single
track with steep tight switch backs (which
caught many people out) and finishing up
at the bottom of the ski run. During my
qualifying descent I had a good start, even
though I was in the second to last line of
25 riders. Unfortunately my chain came
off twice losing me many places, ending
up in 94th position after gaining back a
few places once the chain was replaced.
I had qualified for the Mega 1, consisting
of approximately 300 riders, and had a
timed run of 1hr 42 mins over the 32km
course, managing to finish 42nd overall.
The course was tough, and although it
is classed as a downhill race there were
many ascents and contouring, which
felt like climbing due to the bike set-up
and full armour that I was wearing.
The RLC had a team entered in to
the Megavlanche and there were many
other military personnel taking part. I am
now looking at entering next year and
anyone interested in competing as a team
should contact me on: 94873 2894 or
1AAC-661-SQMS (Gale, Ben SSgt).
megavlanche is one of the biggest downhill mountain bike races in the world. While on leave earlier this year i headed down to the mountain resort of Alpe du’ez, in the French Alpes, to take part in this year’s event.
mEGAvlAnchE 2010
going rapidly DownhIllWritten bY; SSgt BJ (Windy) Gale, 661 Squadron, 1 Regt AAC
Top Related