THE JHC delivering joint success on operations - LZDZ · THE JHC delivering joint success on operations ... 16 29 equipment Major ... “This delivery milestone marks another important

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

i ss

ue

4, 2

01

2

pl

Ea

sE

Ta

kE

yo

ur

fr

ee

Co

py

op olympic spECialex asKari thunder 6

ex cougar 12

helicopter masterclass

for airborne medics

848 Nas training hard to

fight easy

major milestone iN puma HC mk2 programmE

visiT: www.lzdzonline.co.uK issue 4, 2012 | lzdzmagaziNE 3

editorialeditor: Sqn Ldr Tom Drapere: [email protected]: 01264 381 122

sub editor: Matt Cartere: JHC-J9SecGov-SO2

@mod.ukt: 01264 381 638

salessales manager: Laurence Rowee: laurence@

lancepublishing.co.ukt: 01536 526 678

designerdesigner: Chris Kellere: [email protected] t: 01536 521 126

publisherLZDZ is published by Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8NLt: 01536 512 624e: [email protected]: www.lancepublishing.co.ukCompany Registration Number: 3253372

printerLance Print Ltd, Unit 3 Houghton Hill Industries, Houghton Hill Farm, Houghton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2DHt: 01480 492 183e: [email protected]: www.lanceprint.co.uk

further informationw: www.mod.uk/

defenceinternet/aboutdefence/whatwedo/airsafetyandaviation/jhc

air vice-marshal Carl Dixon CB OBE FRAeS RAFCommander Joint Helicopter Command

mEssagE from the commander

THE JHC delivering joint success on operations visiT: www.lzdzonline.co.uK

editorial submission date for next issue: Friday 15TH FEbruary 2013Please submit all entries for the next issue by no later than the date stated above.

4 lzdzmagaziNE | issue 4, 2012 issue 4, 2012 | lzdzmagaziNE 5

11

19

6

9

16 29

equipmentMajor Milestone in Puma HC Mk2 Programme ............................. 6Defence Secretary Unveils Odiham’s Gate Guardian ................................ 8Magic Moment for CHF Merlin Aviators ........................................ 8

charityAirborne Soldiers March for Charity .............. 9

operationsOp Olympic Special ......................................... 11Hover Refuelling with TSW .............................. 15

peopleRAF Units in the Spotlight .............................. 16333 Days in the Sky & Still Going Strong ........................................ 16Junglie Aircrew on the Coast 2 Coast ........... 17Army Musician’s Long Service Recognised ..... 18Change in Command ...................................... 18

training & exercises CoNTiNuEd Airborne Supply Experts Train for Rapid Reaction Role ......................... 27Ex Cougar 12 ................................................... 29 Pumas in Composite Air Exercise .................. 34Wildcat Prowls on Salisbury Plain .................. 35Helicopter Masterclass for Airborne Medics ............................................. 36Police Dogs Help Airborne Gunners Broaden Their Horizons ................... 37Airborne Brigades Plan for Joint Operations ....................................... 38

Issue 4

, 2012

sport PARAs Outbox Marines for Charity ............... 19

honours & awardsCHF Honours ................................................... 20Benson 73 Awards .......................................... 20TSW Airman of the Year Award ...................... 22606 Sqn Awarded the Inspectors Cup .......... 22Operational Honours List 39 .......................... 23Flt Lt Wyatt Awarded DFC ............................. 23

training & exercises Ex Askari Thunder 6 ........................................ 24848 NAS Training Hard to Fight Easy ............ 26

I am constantly impressed by how hard JHC people work to extract the absolute most from the available training

opportunities, and the generous and unselfish way everyone gives of their own time to support our many charities.

The next year is sure to be every bit as challenging as the last, we

Welcome to the last LZDZ for 2012. This edition contains a really good sweep-up of our recent exercise activity, as well as coverage of many other exciting extracurricular activities.

are introducing new and upgraded aircraft, and will try hard to explore new themes in our exercise programme while maintaining a strong focus on preparedness for Afghanistan and other contingent operations. If we keep working with the usual spirit and team ethic of the JHC, then I am sure that 2013 will be another year to be proud of.


Eq

uipm

ent


lift capability, as well as deploying it in support of UK ground forces across the globe much as its predecessor - the puma Mk1 – has been utilized”

“This delivery milestone marks another important accomplishment in a programme that is vital for the UK’s combat capabilities, and it results equally from Eurocopter’s commitment to its success and our close cooperation with the Ministry of Defence,” said Markus Steinke, the Managing Director of Eurocopter UK.

Enhancements for the Puma HC Mk2 include major performance and safety improvements with the use of new Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines; the integration of a full glass cockpit, instead of an analogue one, incorporating modern avionics and a flight management system; the implementation of a digital automatic flight control system; as well as the incorporation of a secure communications suite, new defensive aids and ballistic protection for crew and passengers. Additionally, the helicopter’s greater onboard fuel capacity and lower fuel consumption will increase the Puma Mk2’s operating range. The Puma HC Mk2 will be able to carry twice the payload over three times the range than its predecessor even in the most demanding of environmental conditions.

of the UK’s medium battlefield support helicopter capability, and will be deployed for tactical troop and load movement by day and night. The new Puma with its low rotor downwash and twin cargo doors makes it ideal for insertion and extraction of personnel in urban operations and its ability to be rapidly deployed by C17 (two airframes can be transported and rebuilt within four hours) make

it the ideal platform for fast moving contingent combat and humanitarian operations.

Brig Illingworth, Dep Cdr JHC said “Puma 2 will provide a significant capability enhancement to Defence’s Battlefield Helicopter fleet. Both the JHC, RAF Benson and the Puma Force greatly look forward to fielding this ‘new’ platform with its vastly improved modifications,

T he Puma Life Extension Programme (LEP) will significantly enhance the aircraft’s performance,

mission capability and safety, particularly in hot and high environments. The LEP offers a more capable aircraft for both the RAF who operate it and the Army formations supported by it.

The LEP work is being undertaken by Eurocopter France for the first four aircraft and the remaining 20 aircraft are being converted at a Eurocopter facility in Romania. The Combined Test Team have successfully completed over 150hrs of test flying on the Puma HC Mk2 in Marignane, France and Boscombe Down. The MoD has seen a major step towards an improved battlefield helicopter capability with the first modified aircraft recently delivered to QinetiQ’s Boscombe Down facility where it will support trials. The first modified production aircraft in Romania has also recently made its first flight.

The Puma HC Mk1 was first purchased by the MoD in 1971 and has since been commonplace on many operations and in recent years in the skies over Oxfordshire, near their RAF Benson base. The RAF has deployed it to Northern Ireland, Belize, Mozambique, Gulf War 1, Bosnia, Zaire, Kosovo and Op Telic as well as on many exercises home and abroad. It has proven to be a key battlefield helicopter and has provided one third of the JHC medium battlefield support helicopter capability.

The Puma Mk2 programme is primarily for life extension and will see unsustainable equipment replaced in order that it remains in service until 2025. In mitigating the obsolescence issues associated with an old airframe, the programme has significantly upgraded the aircraft’s capabilities. The Mk2 helicopters will remain a key element

Whilst it may be called a Puma and even look like a Puma, the Puma HC Mk2 is a wholly different beast!

major milestone in puma hc mK2 programme

upgrades1. Defensive Aids

Suite Upgrade2. Main Gear Box

Transformation3. Structural

Modification Upper Section

4. Engine to Gear Box Shaft Coupling

5. New Engines - Makila 1A1

6. Multipurpose Air Intake Modification

7. Engine Controls and Extinguishing System

8. Cockpit Modification

9. Electrical Modification

10. Fuel System Modification

11. Tail Boom Reinforcement

12. Composite Tail Blades

23

4

56

7

8

9

10

11

12 1

Eq

uipm

ent


A nine-strong team of sappers from 23 Engr Regt (Air Assault) from Woodbridge, shouldered 20kg rucksacks to march on treadmills outside Tesco Extra in Martlesham for 24 hours, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

airborNE soldiErs march for charity

T he endurance challenge, called Exercise Aquila Endurance, saw each of the nine soldiers walk 1.5

miles every hour, covering 36 miles each and a total of 324 miles. Proceeds from the event exceeded £3,000.

Organiser L/Cpl Longden said: “It was hard work to keep going, particularly in the small hours of the morning, but the generosity and encouragement from shoppers and staff kept us motivated. Almost everyone who came into the shop across the 24 hours threw money in our bucket. The public do huge amounts of fundraising for military charities and, as soldiers, we wanted to challenge ourselves to raise money for a cause for everybody. Most people have a friend or relative affected by cancer and the charity does excellent work researching cancer treatments.”

L/Cpl Longden helped raise £5,000 for the charity through a similar challenge last year while training at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent.

In a similar event soldiers marched more than 300 miles round the clock to raise money for a statue of an eagle – the symbol of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

The Iron Eagle Challenge saw 36 soldiers from HQ 16 Air Assault Brigade shoulder 20kg rucksacks and rifles to tab on three treadmills for 24 hours. Each soldier ran a minimum of eight miles over two hours, with 324 miles covered by the end of the event. The event raised £1,500 which will be used to buy a six foot high statue of an eagle to stand outside the HQ building at Colchester’s Merville Barracks. Participants names will be engraved on a plaque on the statue.

WO1 Oakes, who is in charge of physical fitness and sport for the brigade, was behind the fundraising challenge. He said: “I saw the statue in a salvage yard and thought it was a perfect match for the eagle on

the brigade badge. I paid a deposit on it straight away, got approval for the idea of a statue and then came up with a way to raise the money. The tab has

been a good challenge for everyone, particularly those who had to stay

motivated in the middle of the night, and a good teambuilding exercise for the headquarters.”

The striking eagle design on 16 Air Assault Brigade’s badge was adopted from the Special Training Centre in Lochailot, Scotland, which trained paratroopers and commandos during the Second World War.

Ch

arity

magic momENTfor chf merlin aviators

T he flight was a routine training sortie as part of their ongoing conversion course. Lt Hodgkinson

said after the flight, “It is rewarding to be the first of many RN crewed green Merlins and to be part of an exciting period of change for CHF.”

The venerable Commando Sea King Mk4 helicopter of CHF will gradually be retired from service by April 2016.

RN crews based at RAF Benson have completed another milestone in the future transfer of the RAF’s Merlin helicopters to the CHF. Lt Sam Hodgkinson’s crew has completed the first Merlin Mk3 sortie flown entirely by RN personnel.

Its intended replacement, the Merlin Mk4 will be derived from Merlin Mk3 airframes currently in service with the RAF’s 28 and 78 Sqns based at Benson. 65 RN personnel, including Pilots, aircrewmen, engineers and support staff are now permanently based at Benson and numbers are progressively growing with time. With the assistance and support of RAF personnel on the Squadron they are making significant progress.

With CHF Sea Kings deployed on Exercises within the UK and in the Mediterranean the pressures on CHF to ensure a smooth transition are immense. CHF Sea King Qualified helicopter Instructors (QHIs) from 848 NAS have already started to fly the Merlin Mk 3/3a operationally in Afghanistan and also on the first RN training course.

Lt Cdr Rob Stephens PRO for CHF added, “There have been a number of

dEFENCE sECrETary

uNvEils odiham’s

gate guardian

A new Chinook gate guardian has been unveiled at RAF

Odiham, by the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.

personnel, past and present who support Chinook Force at home and on operations.”

During his visit, Mr Hammond was given a tour of the new Mk4 Chinook before being flown in one of the aircraft by 7 Sqn.

The gate guardian was a generous gift from Boeing Rotorcraft UK, to mark the role played by RAF Chinooks during 30 years

of continuous deployment on operations. Personnel who have served with

the Chinook Force in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan were invited to Odiham for the ceremonial unveiling along with representatives from Boeing.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “RAF Chinooks have made a vital contribution to the defence of the UK for decades and continue to do so in Afghanistan. They will also play a role over the coming months, supporting the security operation in place during the London Olympic Games. With the Mk4s and twelve new Mk6 Chinooks, the force will be one of the vital components of Future Force 2020. I would like to pay tribute to the supreme dedication and loyalty of all


challenges facing RN and RM personnel transitioning to the Merlin Mk3 at RAF Benson, but the atmosphere at the base has been superb and a great learning environment for CHF to transfer their skills and experience onto the Merlin. CHF’s primary role is amphibious aviation operations, and the Force’s current Sea King Mk4s are optimised for this role. Many of its aircrew, engineers and support personnel have a great deal of experience of embarked aviation and fully understand the maritime and littoral environments. The challenge is now to migrate this capability using the new Merlin aircraft and continue to support the Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade at sea and on land. The Commando Merlin will provide CHF with a much more capable helicopter than the Sea King as it promises more payload, range and speed.”

When speaking about the Chinook Force Gp Capt Dom Toriati, Stn Cdr RAF Odiham said “There is no force that has been deployed in the same way as this helicopter has. It really is a story of where

the UK’s military has been over the last 30 years.” Cpl Freya Lees, based at RAF Odiham said: ”I felt very privileged being a part of the ceremony and to be a part of this historical day.”

visiT: www.lzdzonline.co.uK

Operation

s

op olympic

s p E C i a lJHC personnel and assets were instrumental in this summer’s Op Olympics. We

were integral to the Air Security Plan; the Venue Security Force was manned with many from JHC, and when G4S were unable to fulfil their contract, much

of the additional manpower came from various areas of the Command.

the warm upTraining began early in the year for the crews and aircraft of 661 Sqn AAC and 33 Sqn RAF, who had been tasked with providing Air-to-Air (A2A) Interdiction capability to help secure and police the skies of the capital during the Games as part of the larger Air Security Plan (ASP).

The Op Olympics deployment would see Lynx Mk7s of 661 Sqn Group, including four crews from 672 Sqn, working their Lynx alongside the Navy Lynx Mk8s based on HMS Ocean in Greenwich, where they provided the Very High Readiness air intercept capability. The Pumas from 33 Sqn based at Benson would be based out of Ilford TA Centre in residential East London, providing a similar capability.

A series of exercises took place to initially develop this new capability. Trial

work began at Manorbier range, Wales. Unmanned drones fitted with a complex suite of sensors and indicators were used as targets to help validate the capability and

ensure further development of safe and effective training, tactics and procedures. The trials were directed by the OETU and SH Standards team at RAF Benson,

Airborne troops are all about adapting to the unexpected with limited resources, but still getting the job done. Working alongside civilians at a public event in the centre of London is very different

for us, but we have responded well.

issue 4, 2012 | lzdzmagaziNE 11


Operation

s

in conjunction with HQ JHC Trg Branch. As an emerging capability and non-standard range practice, considerable work was undertaken to ensure regulatory compliance and robust safety and risk assessment. On successful completion of the trials, the

main area of concern highlighted was the unsuitability of the target, as a number of the unmanned drones had been shot down due to the accuracy of fire. An alternative target was required. (More of this later…).

After initial training, things began to ramp up as the units participated in the series of Taurus Mountain (TM) exercises - collective aviation training. Ex TM 3 was the first time all facets came together, and the helicopter crews found themselves operating alongside the fast-air component as well as RAF Regt snipers. The added dimension of performing high speed, dynamic intercepts in close proximity to a pair of Eurofighters as well as the target certainly helped the aircrew hone their newly acquired skills. It also gave the first genuine impression of just how fast-paced, busy and challenging the summer deployment would be. The members of 661 Sqn and 33 Sqn acquitted themselves with great professionalism and aplomb. They undertook further training during April culminating with Ex TM 4 later that month.

As well as learning new skills, the crews had to get used to a new operating environment. For 661 Sqn this meant HMS Ocean, and for many this was their first time embarked on a Royal Navy ship. The most immediate impression was of how little space there is, even on a large platform like Ocean. Some detachment members found the small hatches and low bulkheads a constant (and often painful) obstruction. They also found that the cramped living quarters, tiny bunks and lack of daylight took some getting used to. The Sqn were soon embedded into the Ship’s company and HMS Ocean set sail for London. During the three day transit to Greenwich, the opportunity to achieve Deck Landing Qualifications was taken with several members of the detachment experiencing deck operations for real; a skill that will surely prove useful in today’s world of combined operations. On 4th May HMS Ocean made her dramatic journey up the Thames to Greenwich. Despite a very tight squeeze at the Thames Barrier, she finally moored opposite another symbol of British sea power – the Cutty Sark. This was to be the home of 661 Sqn and almost 600 other security personnel for the duration of the Olympic Games. The first weekend was the Airborne Reaction Force

was a fantastic atmosphere in the town, despite the wet weather, and the public really appreciated seeing us out on the street to welcome the torch.”

On 11th July JHC HQ personnel were amongst those marshalling the route as the Torch progressed through Andover.

the main eventAfter the lengthy relay across the country the Olympic Flame was

again left in the safe hands of JHC. The start of London 2012 on 20th

July was marked by a high-octane scene that could have been from a James Bond movie; two Sea King Mk4s from 845 and 846 NAS of CHF carrying Royal Marines swooped on the imposing fortress of the Tower of London to deliver the Olympic Flame for its first entry into the host city, for the final legs of the Torch Relay.

The first helicopter was manoeuvred into a dramatic 60ft low hover above Tower Wharf, allowing four Royal Marine Commandos to fast rope from the cargo door to the ground. The Marines marked the area for the second Sea King which came into a hover at 180ft just moments later to allow Mne Martyn Williams to abseil down to the wharf with the precious Flame strapped securely to his chest in its lantern.

element of Op Olympic Guardian. This saw the crews, along with their Naval counterparts, manning short notice-to-move readiness states for long periods of the day, in order to conduct air intercepts in the Restricted airspace over London. The crews conducted themselves admirably, putting to work all the skills learned on Exs Fly Swat and TM. Both Lynx detachments proved that their capability was a must for London 2012, and the various Assurance bodies present were duly impressed.

For 33 Sqn and the personnel from RAF Benson, Ex Olympic Guardian was played out from the confines of Ilford TA Centre. The Centre and adjacent grassed area (closely

surrounded by a primary school, nursery and post-war terraced housing) would play host to not only 2 x Pumas and their crews but nearly 100 support personnel, providing all the necessary C2, communications and life support. This provided its own issues as the crews worked out safe operating procedures, whist ensuring that they limited the disruption to their neighbours.

As Ex Olympic Guardian drew to a close, the detachments were finally able to escape. 33 Sqn made the short journey west to RAF Benson whilst the aircrew of 672 set off for Yorkshire and 661 flew back to Gutersloh. However, the crews weren’t to be given much

for the Olympic role and proved to be a great success, meeting all the training requirements and more.

Following their return, the Airborne Reaction Force of fully qualified helicopter crews and snipers were in position to support the Olympic security plan for final phase of Op Olympic: the Main Event.

As the Olympics approached, other JHC personnel joined the thousands who saw the Olympic Flame wind its way safely across the country, through everything the gods could throw at it. On 6th July, as thousands of people cheered the Olympic Torch on its way along a wet Colchester High Street,

time to relax as they had to pack their bags ready for Ex Gallic Shot, the sniper assurance exercise on the A2A ranges in Corsica.

The reason for this trip followed the successful exercise in Wales and the need for an alternative target solution. The French Air Force had already been developing the A2A Sniper capability and had an appropriate C2 structure and target in place in Solenzana, Corsica. For two weeks in June, two Lynx and two Puma deployed with supporting assets to where the developed training package was delivered. With the backdrop of 7000’ mountain ranges and golden sandy beaches, the Solenzara range complex provided an excellent facility for training. Good accommodation and great food were coupled with 28°C temperatures and bright sunshine – perfect flying weather for helicopters. This exercise was specifically for the RAF Regiment snipers, so they could qualify in A2A shoots. The sniper pairs were trained to fire sniper rifles and shotguns from the aircraft at airborne targets. This training formed a vital part of the preparation

some 100 troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade lined the route to show their support. Brig Hill, Comd 16 Bde, said: “Our soldiers and their families are an integral part of the community in Colchester. The Olympic Torch Relay is a special moment for the town to join in the celebrations ahead of the London Olympics. We share the rising excitement about the Olympics and are delighted to have played our part in making the torch’s visit to Colchester a memorable occasion.”

Among those taking part was LCpl John Bingham, who works as a combat human resource specialist in 16 Bde’s HQ. He said: “It was great to be involved as the Olympic Torch came through Colchester, which is a once in a lifetime event. There

The Olympic Torch Relay is a special moment for the town to join in the

celebrations ahead of the London Olympics.



B ut a phone call taken earlier this year had an added impetus; the JAG Duty Watchkeeper informed the

TSW Operator that an urgent Hover Refuel was required for a Chinook unable to land due to undercarriage damage and only enough fuel for ten minutes flying.

Taking charge of the situation, the shift JNCO issued a quick brief to his team, instructing them to don their PPE and get to the refuel spot as quickly as possible. The Team deployed with a Sheppard’s Crook static probe; a device used to discharge, to earth, the static charge generated by the spinning rotors. At the height of the Afghan summer, any spark has a chance of igniting aviation fuel well above its flashpoint.

After earthing the aircraft the three man team attempted to connect the fuel issue line but, due to unfavourable cross-winds, the Pilot was having difficulty keeping the aircraft in a static hover; for their own safety, the Team had to be waived off by the aircrew. With fuel running low and time running out, the Pilot was forced to rest his rear wheels

on the ground to stabilise the aircraft. The team were then able to connect and issue fuel to the aircraft. This gave the Technicians time to deploy a makeshift stand for the aircraft to land on in lieu of the damaged part of its undercarriage.

The team were later informed that the whole event had been an Exercise designed to test the reactions and skill of the ground support teams and aircrew. Nevertheless, the team proved that their quick reaction and skill would have bought enough time to prevent a potentially catastrophic incident. The process has been subsequently exercised using a Merlin, as can be seen from the image above.

hover refuellingWiTH TsWWhen the phone rings in the Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) Ops Room at Camp Bastion, the TSW Operators know they are likely to have to react immediately, and with haste, as it could be a request for fuel from Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) Chinook; United States Air Force Rescue Ops; or AH64 Very High Readiness aircraft.

Operation

s

Operation

s

“I am honoured and thrilled to have been able to do this – what a buzz,” explained Martyn. “I just had to make sure it was absolutely bang on and luckily it was.”

A nail-biting moment for Lt Cdr Jake Wilkinson, CO Mobile Air Operations Team, CHF, the drop was the culmination of months of meticulous planning and training. “This is a never-to-be-repeated experience which all members of CHF and the Royal Marines are justifiably proud to have been part of,” said Jake. “Having the iconic landmarks of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge as

the ground in Stratford. On the busiest days more than 250,000 people were at the Olympic Park, with 200,000 of these spectators paying to watch sports ranging from athletics to water polo. Up to 2,800 troops were on security duty at any one time, carrying out tasks such as patrolling and pedestrian and vehicle screening.

Maj Nick Morton, of 7 RHA, was part of the team overseeing the Army’s involvement. “We’ve been involved from the planning stage, through test events to the actual Olympics and will be here for the Paralympics too. My role has been about dealing with everything from generating and deploying groups of troops for a particular task to liaising with the civilian team running the Olympic Park.” He said: “Airborne troops are all about adapting to the unexpected with limited resources, but still getting the job done. Working alongside civilians at a public event in the centre of London is very different for us, but we have responded well.”

Meanwhile, personnel from 3 PARA were working as part of the venue security team at Wimbledon, where the Olympic tennis competition was taking place. Pte Jackson Powell was amongst them: “I’m happy to be doing my little bit to help such a massive event as the Olympics. There’s a really nice atmosphere at Wimbledon and the fans really appreciate what we’re doing to make it a secure and enjoyable event.”

To list all those involved in London 2012 would be impossible, but there were units and augmentees from all areas of JHC, in addition to those highlighted in this article, who were playing their part to ensure that the Olympic Games were a major success. JHSS MAOTs assisted with site recces, aircraft were on standby at Benson, Odiham, Middle Wallop, Northolt and elsewhere, and personnel from all JHC units were deployed to many Olympic venues, including Eton Dorney, the Olympic Park and Athletes Village, Hainault Park, North Greenwich - and even Heathrow airport!

a backdrop is sensational – but, without doubt, the biggest responsibility was being tasked with the safe delivery of the Olympic Flame, and I’m delighted to say my team and the Royal Marines excelled in this duty!”

Two Torchbearers then carried the Flame around the Tower of London to be welcomed by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and invited guests.

Elsewhere in London 16 Air Assault Brigade was leading the military contribution to securing the Olympic Park. A team of officers had been planning the Army’s support to the civilian-led security effort since March, with its units providing the bulk of the troops on



People

333 days in the sKy & still going strong A Warrant Officer Aircrewman from CHF has notched up a staggering aviation achievement that will be difficult to replicate. WO1 John Sheldon of 848 NAS has logged an amazing 8,000 Flying Hours, the equivalent of an unbelievable 333 days airborne and he doesn’t intend to hang up his flying boots just yet.

J ohn joined the Royal Navy as an `Engineering Mechanic Air’ in 1968, working on a variety of aircraft at sea and ashore.

An interest in flying saw him selected for

I n normal circumstances crossing the backbone of England, the Pennines, would have been a big

enough challenge, but as the dying remnants of `Hurricane Nadine’ lashed the country, a late September start was beginning to look like a bad choice. However without lifejackets to hand, full waterproofs and warm cycling gear became the order of the day. The weather went on to conjure up howling winds, driving rain and makeshift lagoons alongside the paths and disused railway lines that make up the Sea to Sea route. Despite this the team took three days. The `Coast to Coast’ (C2C) is best ridden from west to east to take advantage of the prevailing winds and the more favourable gradients. However the record time for completing the `C2C’ is 10 hours and 11 minutes on an east to west route.

“It was a daunting adventure which we’d trained for, but the winds and heavy rain made the whole route even more of a challenge. We could have canoed some of the roads and tracks,” said WO John Sheldon.

junglie aircrew on the coast 2 coastThree veteran Aircrewmen from the CHF, based at RNAS Yeovilton took time out to complete an epic Cycle adventure across Northern England from the Port of Workington in the west on the Irish Sea to Tynemouth 136 gruelling miles eastwards on the North Sea.

Setting off on the two wheel trek were WO1 Aircrewman John Sheldon, C/Sgt Pete Wooldridge and CPO John Fagan; accumulating more than 117 years service and clocking over 14,900 flying hours between them. The team was ably supported by CPO Aircrewman Ian Hewitson; on hand with warming cups of tea and a plentiful delivery of bacon sandwiches to keep up the calories.

“It was great to be out on the road cycling across the Pennines.” CSgt Pete Wooldridge added. “We certainly had the full force of the bad weather, next year we shall look at doing it again with some sun on our faces.”

“We had nothing to work on; none of the cockpits were configured for night flying with the goggles. Everything was developed on the journey south; we went on to fly with them on all the Operations over the Falklands” John recalls. “Another time we were flying near Mount Kent, dropping off ammunition for the Army. I heard over the radio that four Argentinean jets were in the area. I looked back and saw them coming down in two pairs. They passed over us but we’d started our evasion procedures. As we broke they fired on us, by this stage we’d got to FOB Teal and landed on. The pilot and I got out of the aircraft with its GPMG and started to make a brew, as you do! It was then the pilot noticed a 30 mm cannon had knocked a hole through the main spar of a blade, we were lucky it didn’t break clean in two before we landed.”

Having started on the Wessex John now flies the Sea King Mk4, logging nearly

4,000 Sea King hours over his time. As well as helicopters he’s also flown many smaller aircraft that have passed through the MoD’s Aircraft Test and Evaluation Centre at Boscombe Down, where he worked as both a RN and RAF Warrant Officer.

Capt Matt Briers RN, CO CHF presented John with a memento of his achievement and added. “The life of a Junglie aircrewman is tremendously demanding. WO Sheldon is an outstanding individual and aircrewman who has flown a large variety of helicopters in terrain ranging from the arctic to the tropical jungle. During this time he has amassed over 8,000 hrs of flying, an achievement that is nothing short of remarkable. 848 NAS are now the lucky beneficiaries of his vast experience which he is imparting to the new breed of pilots and aircrewmen that are learning their trade around the skies of Somerset.”

See separate article in this issue on 848’s activities.

Aircrew Training at the Aircrewman School then at RNAS Portland in 1972 and the start of his flying career in Wessex helicopters with 771 NAS. Since then he has flown every type of service helicopter in the UK forces and few more as well! Not content with flying RN helicopters he also had a spell with the RAF serving as a Chinook Loadmaster until rejoining the RN Reserve Air Branch.

Some of the highlights of his remarkable flying career have been with the Jungly squadrons. In particular during the Falklands War in 1982, he served with 846 NAS embarked on HMS Hermes and HMS Fearless, sailing south at very short notice. The crews had to learn how to use the new NVGs as they sailed.

raf units in the spotlightOn the 15th September 2012, TSW commemorated the Battle of Britain and exercised their Freedom of Stafford, which was granted in 2008, by parading through the town with swords drawn and bayonets fixed. A large crowd was in attendance with the local community applauding their support.

O n 11th October 2012 RAF Odiham had its Annual Formal Command Inspection by AVM Stuart

Atha, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 1 Gp. The visit began in the Chinook Development Flight, where the flight demonstrated the capabilities of the new Chinook HC4 flat panel trainer. The trainer is a Mk4 cockpit mock up comprising of touch screen LCD panels and flight simulation. The trainer enables procedural training to take place, all of which the AOC 1 Group had a chance to have hands on experience of.

The AOC then moved the Officers Mess for the presentation of the Honours and Awards which included him awarding a MiD to Flt Lt Fisher. The AOC No 1 Group Team Commendation was awarded to the Fleet Management Team. The Royal Warrant was awarded to MAcr Sunderland. The ACSM was awarded to MAcr Ruffles and Sgt Spring for completing at least 36 months of campaign service and MAcr Ruffles, Sgt Bamford, Sgt Clarke, Sgt Scott and Cpl Casson were awarded the ACSM 2011 for at least 24 months of campaign service. The LS&GCM was awarded to FS Raymont, Sgt George, Sgt Hill, Cpl Murphy and Cpl Renard for at least 15 years of regular service.

Lunch took place at the Sgts’ Mess with a broad cross-section of trades. This gave station personnel a chance to talk to the AOC about their working life and the day was closed with an address to station personnel.


THE JHC delivering joint success on operations

A n experienced helicopter navigator, Gp Capt Colman is no stranger to RAF Benson, having previously

commanded 78 Sqn between 2007 and 2010, during which time he successfully integrated the additional Mk3A Merlin helicopters into the Merlin Force and subsequently led the Merlin Force into Afghanistan in 2009. Having previously served with 33 Squadron and the Rotary Wing Operational Evaluation and Training Unit, Gp Capt Colman brings extensive experience to the many facets of operations at the station.

Col Neil Sexton, previously AD Ops at HQ JHC has taken over as Cdr Joint Aviation Group (COMJAG) at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan from Capt Jock Gordon RN.

change in commandRAF Benson has a new Stn Cdr. Gp Capt Mason OBE MA RAF formally handed over the appointments of Stn Cdr and Puma and Merlin Force Commander to Gp Capt Nigel Colman OBE MA RAF.

B ob Raynor joined the Army in 1963 as a junior musician and served until 2002, when he joined The Band

of The Parachute Regiment as band secretary. To mark his 10th anniversary of working with the Colchester-based band and long association with Army music, Mr Raynor was presented with the pennant from a fanfare trumpet.

Across his career Mr Raynor has served as band sergeant major for The Band of The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment for 10 years and, as personnel selection officer at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall for 13 years, auditioned hundreds of budding Army musicians.

Mr Raynor, a trumpeter, keyboard player and singer, said: “Army music has given me a wonderfully varied and interesting career and it is very touching to receive recognition.”

During a total of 25 years playing with the KORBR Band, Mr Raynor went on operational tours of Aden, Cyprus and Northern Ireland, as well as being based in the Falkland Islands and Berlin at the height of the Cold War.

The father-of-three said: “Wherever the regiment went the band would go with as well, so we went all over the world. Our primary job was to help build regimental spirit and identity and keep up morale, which remains the key role of military bands today.”

army musician’s long service

recognisedNearly 50 years of service to music in the British Army by one man, as both a musician and administrator, has been celebrated.

While working at Kneller Hall, among the musicians that Mr Raynor auditioned was Capt Evin Frost, who is now Director of Music at the PARA Band.

Capt Frost said: “It is only right that we recognise Bob’s contribution and achievements. As the band secretary we all rely on his organisational skills, but there is so much more he has done to nurture the careers of several generations of Army musicians. Bob auditioned me many years ago and it is great to be able to work alongside him.”

The presentation to Mr Raynor was made during a visit to the band by Lt Col Martyn Wills, Regimental Lt Col of The Parachute Regiment. Lt Col Wills said: “We embrace the band as part of The Parachute Regiment. I am always amazed by the standard of your musicianship and I thank you for the professionalism and dedication you display when representing the Parachute Regiment in public.”

T he Parachute Regiment boxed The Royal Marines in a charity match in the City of London with the Paras winning a hard-

fought contest by five bouts to three.More than £40,000 was raised at the

event, held at the Brewery in Chiswell Street, which will be split between The Parachute Regiment Afghanistan Trust and The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

In front of a passionate and vocal crowd of military and civilian supporters the match was tied at the halfway stage, but won by the Paras with successive victories in the last three bouts.

Capt Steve Marr, boxing officer for the Royal Marines, said: “It was a fantastic occasion, with the boxers well-matched and every bout closely contested. The crowd had their loyalties but were very fair, giving each boxer a standing ovation. I congratulate the Paras on their victory, but the event wasn’t

event to support the charities, with talk of a rematch already in the air.”

Both the Paras and Marines provide the infantry spearhead to the rapid reaction forces maintained by the Army and Navy respectively. Colchester-based 2nd and 3rd Battalions The Parachute Regiment form part of the Air Assault Task Force (AATF), while the Royal Marines provide troops for the Response Force Task Group.

The Parachute Regiment Afghanistan Trust was set up in 2007 to assist

paratroopers and their families who have been wounded or killed while serving in Afghanistan. For more information visit:

www.afghanistantrust.orgThe RMCTF is the overarching

Royal Marine charity and money raised is used to support Serving and retired Royal Marines and their dependants. For more information

visit: www.rmctf.org.uk

paras outbox marines for charityParas were pitted against Commandos as the British Army’s airborne infantry and the Royal Navy’s soldiers at sea stepped into the boxing ring.

really about winning or losing, it was about raising money for two very worthy causes.”

Colin Smith, chief executive of The Parachute Regiment Afghanistan Trust, said the atmosphere at the event matched “the fierce rivalry but mutual respect” between the two units. He said: “Paras and Marines each think they’re the best soldiers and try and prove it through sport or on exercise, but each would pick the other to be beside them on the battlefield. The boxing was very competitive and made for an excellent

visiT: www.lzdzonline.co.uK

Sport

People



T he ‘Benson 73’, so titled to honour Benson’s 73 year history. 73 personnel were nominated from across the

Station, from Service and civilian personnel, for their noteworthy contributions to four categories: Professional

Excellence; Teamwork; Loyalty; and Resourcefulness and Innovation. In addition, the ‘Spirit of Benson’ award

was presented: an annual honour that is given to an individual who has overcome considerable adversity to achieve personal and professional excellence.

The ceremony was attended by AVM Matt Wiles, COS Pers from HQ Air. AVM Wiles’ career in the RAF spans over 30 years and he has undertaken numerous roles within the SH Force as well as command roles and overseas operational deployments.

All nominees received a signed certificate, with the winners being presented with a framed award and trophy. The Spirit of Benson award is a small sword enclosed in a wooden case. The winners in each category were:

professional excellenceCpl Sarah Robinson, Personnel Services Flight. Sarah received her award for her outstanding performance during a

benson 73 awardsRAF Benson recently hosted its annual awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate the outstanding performance of personnel through their primary and secondary duties.

particularly busy period which saw many staff deployed to support the 2012 Olympics. She displayed natural leadership skills and sheer professionalism, often working overtime to meet deadlines and achieve goals, whilst simultaneously striving to seek improvements to the Flight’s customer service.

teamworKSAC(T) Sam Beed, Puma Depth Support Hub. Sam received his award for his personification of the phrase ‘team player’. An exceedingly talented airman, Sam continually produces outstanding results in all his undertakings,

particularly his specialist field of structural repairs. He is always the first to volunteer for additional tasks, no matter how obscure or time consuming they may be, with a notable example being the renovation of the RAF Benson Gate Guardian. Sam has also deployed at short notice to undertake aircraft repairs on an aircraft deployed to a different unit.

loyaltyMrs Sue Faulds, Civilian Caterer, Junior Ranks’ Mess. Sue received her award for her unerring loyalty to the Mess. ‘Sandwich Sue’, as she is affectionately known to the Junior Ranks, has run the sandwich bar for the past seven years. Her continued hard work and support to Station personnel is pivotal to morale and the well being of customers.

resourcefulness & innovationSAC Sean Marshall, Merlin Force Forward Stores. Sean received his award for his commendable actions and initiative which has greatly increased efficiency and effectiveness within his area of responsibility and beyond. In addition to carrying out all his duties to the highest possible standard, Sean established a new system for the management of the main and tail rotor blades for the Merlin helicopter, ensuring issues relating to the availability of these mission critical assets were rectified.

spirit of bensonFS Andy Lyes, Crewman and QHI, 33 Sqn. Andy received his award for his amazing strength of character and dogged determination in the face of life-threatening illness. Whilst deployed on exercise in support of Army training in Kenya, Andy developed a sore throat and hoarse voice. He continued to fly and instruct without complaint, eventually seeking medical advice. After an initial consultation Andy’s condition worsened considerably and, whilst at home, he found himself struggling to breathe. Andy drove himself to the John Radcliffe hospital where he remained for five days for tests after undergoing a tracheotomy. It was eventually discovered that Andy was suffering from a very severe illness; one which only sees a handful of cases worldwide every year.

After a period of recuperation, Andy attended a Medical Board to confirm he was fit to continue flying and, after being awarded full flying medical category, Andy returned to his role as a crewman in the Puma helicopter the very next day!

chf honoursPersonnel and Sqns from CHF have been the proud recipients of two significant honours in the past months.

where both the squadron CO, Lt Col Nicholas Venn RM and RAdm Cunningham were keen to stress the significance of the award, especially during what had been a very busy year for all units of the FAA. A number of additional awards were also presented to squadron personnel. These included a Flight Safety Good Show award to Naval Airman Jeremy Card, and a Certificate of Competence to Lt Mike Wells, marking a key milestone in the development of a Naval pilot’s career and a LS&GCM to CPO Peter Rogers.

The culmination of the ceremony was the presentation of the Australia Shield which was received by CPO Steven Bell on behalf of the squadron, and the pride was evident in the faces of the personnel on parade.

In his closing address, RAdm Cunningham read a message of goodwill from HM The Queen to those in the Naval Service, taking the opportunity to convey her order to “Splice the Mainbrace”. This is Naval tradition allows those ordered to partake in a tot of rum paid for by the monarch.

In the last issue of LZDZ it was reported that 845 NAS had been awarded the prestigious Breitling Trophy after achieving the best overall assessment during a Naval Flying Standards

inspection in recognition of professionalism and excellence in Naval Aviation. The trophy was finally presented

J uly saw the presentation of the Australia Shield to 847 NAS. This prestigious event, attended by a

number of personnel from RNAS Yeovilton and further afield. RAdm Cunningham CBE, RAdm Fleet Air Arm (FAA), was the presenting officer.

The Australia Shield is awarded annually to the most Operationally Capable squadron in the FAA. During the

period 2011-2012, 847 NAS deployed on Op HERRICK in Afghanistan, Op ELLAMY off the coast of Libya, and supported numerous exercises, both in the UK and Norway. During early 2012, one third of the squadron engineering manpower was loaned to the Wildcat Fielding Team (Army), in order to enable flying operations to begin at RNAS Yeovilton on this new and exciting aircraft.

The sqn paraded inside the 847 NAS hangar for the presentation ceremony,

to Lt Cdr Ed Adams, the Sqn Trg O, on behalf of the squadron by RAdm Cunningham CBE, RAdm FAA at a ceremony in September. The ceremony was also an opportunity for individuals to be recognised for their efforts. Seven sailors and one Royal Marine received their LS&GCMs; four received their OSMs for Afghanistan; six aircrew received their Aircrew Certificate of Competency; an Aircraft Engineer was presented with a citation for his part in leading a team of engineers in the recovery of an aircraft that had been hit by a RPG and Capt Barnwell RM was presented with the ACSM.

more honours & awards on the next page…

pictured: Cdr James Newton DFC RN, Admiral Cunningham CBE, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Aviation and Carriers) and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm, Lt Cdr Ed Adams, 845 Training Officer and Capt Matt Briers RN CO CHF.

above: Rear Admiral Cunningham with Brigadier Ellis (previous Commanding Officer 847/CHF) and 847 personnel in period dress.

pictured: The award winners with AVM Wiles. From Left to Right FS Andy Lyes, Cpl Sarah Robinson, AVM Matt Wiles, SAC(T) Sam Beed, SAC Sean Marshall, Mrs Sue Faulds

Hon

ours &

Aw

ards

Hon

ours &

Aw

ards



joint commanders commendation aFgHaNisTaN

rank surname regiment / squadron

maj Green 13 AA Sp Regt RLC

capt Malpas 9 Regt AAC

capt Billings 3 PARA

macr Cleaver RAF Odiham

wo2 Hanson 657 Sqn AAC, RAF Odiham

sgt Matthews 3 Regt AAC

cpl Black 21 Sig Regt (AS)

dfc aFgHaNisTaN

flt lt Wyatt 27 Sqn, RAF Odiham

joint commanders commendation olympiCs

maj Wilson 16 Med Regt

sqn ldr Hinde 16 AA Bde

capt Tyler 7 Para RHA

wo1 Lee 5 AAC

wo2 Tucker 7 AA Bn REME

ssgt Mcleish 21 Sig Regt (AS)

sgt Mason 7 Para RHA

sgt Page 16 Med Regt

pte Sankhyan 16 Med Regt

P utting the needs of the casualty above his own safety, he elected to keep the aircraft on the

ground long enough to recover the injured soldier, despite continuous incoming small arms fire.

During the attack the aircraft had sustained significant damage, losing critical radio and electrical services, and a significant oil leak had begun from the rear transmission. The aircraft began to vibrate, making handling difficult. With no further options, he transmitted a mayday distress call and landed in the desert whilst he still had control of the aircraft before directing his crew to cross load casualties and the remainder of the MERT to a supporting helicopter.

Flt Lt Wyatt chose to remain with the aircraft to erase critical mission information and remove sensitive equipment before being recovered by a third aircraft ten minutes later. Wyatt’s selfless actions undoubtedly led to the saving of the casualties’ lives and he was praised for his professional performance under persistent enemy fire and his outstanding bravery and airmanship.

Flight Lieutenant Gez Wyatt serving on 27 Sqn, RAF Odiham, was awarded a DFC for his actions as a captain of a high readiness Chinook, that was scrambled to recover a military casualty with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the neck.

flt lt wyatt awarded dfc

As we go to press it has been announced that 606 (Chiltern) Sqn RAuxAF, based at RAF Benson have been awarded The Inspector’s Cup.

T his award is given to the RAuxAF unit which has enjoyed notable success during the past year. This year it is awarded to 606

Sqn RAuxAF for two initiatives which have brought great benefit not just to the Sqn but

notice support to the Royal Windsor Castle Tattoo. With the participation of personnel from six other RAuxAF Sqn’s, OC 606 Sqn took the lead in conceiving, planning and delivering an arena display in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen.

T his year’s winner is SAC Jonny Anderson, Logs (Supplier) for his exceptional overall performance over the last 12

months. He received the JCB sponsored

tsw airman of the year award

operational honours list 39

The RAF Servicing Commando and TSW Association President’s Award is awarded to the most outstanding member of TSW (regardless of trade).

award at JCB HQ in Rocester, Staffordshire. As one of the biggest employers in the local area JCB has had military links since WWII and is now a well founded partner of UK Defence.The award has significant kudos, as ultimately the individual holds the accolade of the No 1 Airman on the Wing.

Throughout 2011 SAC Anderson produced an exceptional performance fashioned by his boundless energy, can-do-attitude and sheer professionalism. has been an extraordinary

RAuxAF sqns. The exercise provided a show case of PTVR capability to visitors including senior Air Command personnel, politicians, employers and members of the Reserves Forces and Cadets Associations from across the UK. The second event was the short

606 sqn awarded the inspectors cupthe wider RAuxAF. These were Ex Chiltern Kite (covered in a previous issue of LZDZ), although previously run for 606 Sqn personnel, this iteration was the largest collective training event run for RAF reservist personnel in many years, with participants from a number of

ambassador within the Training Flight; As the first point of contact for all new students his exceptional performance always portrays TSW in the best light and his efforts have enabled TSW to efficiently conduct training for many and varied operational and exercise tasks. His hard work, determination and leadership have been essential to the visible successes of TSW on exercises and operations over the last year and he is wholly deserving of the Association President’s award for 2011.

Hon

ours &

Aw

ards

Hon

ours &

Aw

ards



Train

ing

& E

xercises

T he vast training areas in Kenya provide an unrivalled opportunity for the British Army to conduct generic battalion-

strength training, in an environment wholly unlike anything Salisbury Plain has to offer, as well as providing an excellent training environment for the Puma Force. In addition to exercise scenarios, the Puma Force supported each Battle Group through the provision of a vital casualty evacuation capability. This was responsible for delivering a rapid medical response to life-threatening or life-changing injuries, if necessary evacuating casualties to hospital in Nairobi, well within the ‘golden hour’. It is impossible to judge how many soldiers owe their lives and limbs to the delivery of this capability over the past several years; but the six weeks of Exercise ASKARI THUNDER 6 alone saw more than 20 such evacuations.

However, all good things must come to an end, and the withdrawal of the

venerable Puma HC1 fleet to enter the Life Extension Programme upgrade to the Puma 2 platform meant the decision was

JHF(K) elected to mark the occasion with a closure parade held at Laikipia Air Base on 30th March. Base Commander Colonel Fransis Ogolla was delighted to act as reviewing officer, telling the parading personnel and spectators that he was ‘humbled by the friendships made with the British Military over three years.’

And so, to the strains of the Last Post played by Kenyan Air Force buglers, the sun set on another chapter in RAF history. Tuonane Baadaye Kenya!

JHF(K) supported local communities in different ways…

forest firesBy mid-March 2012 the Mount Kenya forest fires had been burning for over two months, threatening local wildlife and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) placed a request for Military Assistance through British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK). Following an airborne recce, a joint team from BATUK and JHF(K) deployed to the Mount Kenya National Park to set up a command and control infrastructure. JHF(K) personnel, including Signallers from 21 Sigs Regt (AS) and personnel from TSW also deployed, to provide Landing Point Commanders, prepare underslung loads and the capability to refuel the civilian helicopters engaged in water bombardment.

The remainder of the team comprised 30 locally employed civilians qualified as firefighters, led by Chf Tech Sugars, whose previous experience as a Mountain Rescue Team Leader proved invaluable.

Major Clarke said, ‘BATUK and JHF(K) responded to this Military Assistance request quickly and effectively, making a significant impact on the situation. All are aware, from local people to government ministers, just how much British Forces in Kenya have contributed to the KWS capacity and the underpinning of the Kenyan response build up.’

support to the children of olphec Our Lady of Perpetual Help Education Centre, known simply as OLPHEC, is home and school to 105 children aged from three to 16 from disadvantaged backgrounds. These children come from all over Kenya. Some are orphans; others have been placed here by impoverished families who cannot afford to feed their children; others have been made homeless by tribal conflicts. Almost inevitably for a country where as many as one in seven of the population are infected with HIV, a number of the resident students are also victims of the virus.

JHF(K) personnel helped to carry out renovation work, painting every classroom and dormitory, fitting Perspex window panes, and rewiring the ring main circuit and much of the lighting. A vintage 1950s diesel generator was given a new lease of life, giving back the centre a reliable source of electrical power, thanks to the sterling efforts of Cpls Garry Shepherd and Jason Fergusson. JHF(K) personnel raised approx £900 to support the works programme, through various fund-raising efforts. Sig Ben Tucker of 21 Sigs Regt (AS) identified a lack of adequate footwear for the children and asked family and friends back home to help, resulting in the delivery of nine large boxes stuffed full of shoes. Sgt Steve Guildford of RAF Benson Supply Sqn arranged for the acquisition (at personal expense) of a large quantity of footballs, rugby balls and tennis balls, which were put to good use during the last JHF(K) visit, when the children were excused lessons for a morning to play games with off duty personnel.

taken to temporarily stand down JHF(K). The Puma Force was also committed to Op Olympics (see article in this issue)

Ex askari thunder

For most people in Kenya, nightfall on the 31st March 2012 was not very different from any other, the sun glowing red as it dipped behind the Aberdare mountain range. Not so for the 98 officers,

soldiers and airmen of Joint Helicopter Force (Kenya) at Laikipia Air Base near the town of Nanyuki, for this sunset marked the cessation of flying operations by the 3 Puma HC1s of Number 1563 Flight.

A vintage 1950s diesel generator was given a new lease of life, giving back the

centre a reliable source of electrical power, thanks to the sterling efforts of Cpls

Garry Shepherd and Jason Fergusson.



Train

ing

& E

xercises

Train

ing

& E

xercises

T he Squadron, with its complement of 170, is responsible for the instruction of up to 50 pilots and

aircrewmen each year. Operating the Sea King Mk4, pilots undertake an Aircraft Conversion Phase that includes learning to handle the aircraft including dealing with various emergencies and how to fly - before crewing up with the

Sorties in the hilly terrain concentrated minds on the vital techniques of valley flying and approaches to pinnacles and ridges, with the end result of dropping off troops or stores. This resulted in some epic flying for the students, with the seasoned instructor in the left hand seat constantly pointing out all the potential pitfalls that await the unwary aviator.

The Okehampton detachment achieved all its aims and was an invaluable experience for the trainee aircrew and engineers alike, who were able to enhance and prove their leadership skills beyond what is required on a day to day to day basis. Commenting on the training, 848’s SEngO, Lt Cdr Paul Barker added, “The Exercise has always been an important test for aircrew as they complete their Operational Conversion training, but it is also a great opportunity for the engineers to demonstrate their leadership and professional aptitude in a challenging environment. The week was an overwhelming success, bringing together aircrew and engineers to work as a highly motivated team.”

1 3 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC was put through its paces on Ex Active Chariot. The Colchester-based unit’s role is to supply

ammunition, food, fuel and spare parts to 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Air Assault Task Force (AATF), which is ready to deploy anywhere in the world at short notice to do anything from disaster relief to war fighting.

The training in Norfolk placed troops six weeks into an operation, with heavy equipment having arrived in support of an initial airborne assault. The former RAF base at Sculthorpe had been established as a base to supply infantry operations 30 miles away near Thetford, with supply depots, workshops and accommodation set up in derelict hangars.

Maj Alistair Hamilton said: “We can insert logistics troops and supplies by parachute during the early phases of an operation and build from there. As more troops and kit arrives it makes for more complex logistical challenges as the demand for supplies rises. We’ve been practising how supplies get to

airborNE supply ExpErTs

train for rapid reaction roleThe supply and maintenance support provided to the Army’s rapid reaction force has been put to the test.

us, such as airborne drops from Hercules transport aircraft; how we get supplies forward using helicopters and lorries; and how we run distribution points to give the supplies to the troops that need them.”

Rigging vehicles to be carried under helicopters is a key skill that troops have practised.

Pte Michael Lewis, said: “Rigging is all about keeping a load balanced. We do a lot of classroom work to learn the principles and practice preparing different vehicles and loads, but there’s nothing like doing it with a helicopter.”

As well as their core logistic role the unit was tested with mock attacks on the base, including countering the threat of CBRN weapons.

Maj Hamilton said: “This has been good training to get all of our skills and drills right, but also to train the units we’re supporting in what we do.”

8 Field Company, 7 Air Assault Battalion REME, which is responsible for maintaining the AATF’s vehicles, weapons and electronic equipment, also operated from Sculthorpe.

The unit sent teams out to repair equipment in the field or bring it back to Sculthorpe for more complicated work.

L/Cpl Tom Walker, an electronics technician , said: “We’ve been given some tough repairs to do without the spares and tools there are in barracks. Our soldiering has been tested too, with guard duty in CBRN kit a new experience for me.”

The training was carried out in parallel to Ex Active Eagle, which tested the fieldcraft of 5th Bn The Royal Regiment of Scotland, the AATF’s main infantry unit.

CHF enjoys a reputation for professionalism and this is, in no small part, attributable to the thorough instruction provided by 848 NAS.

848 Nas

training hard to

fight easy

To ensure aircrew are fully prepared for future operations in Afghanistan, where other elements of CHF have been deployed, it’s essential the students are primed for the mountainous and high altitude environment. The Sea King Mk4 has to operate at the edge of its flight envelope, with temperatures in the summer reaching 50°C and a sand ridden environment that challenges both aircrew and engineers alike.

Afghanistan was not a location originally envisaged for the North Sea anti-submarine Sea Kings on which the Mk4 is based. In the knowledge that these challenges await anyone potentially joining CHF, 848 NAS continues their task of training both aircrew and support personnel to operate in both maritime and land environments.

During a wet and inhospitable week the aviators and engineers of 848 NAS were deployed to Okehampton Camp on Dartmoor to further hone their flying and military skills. The vast space and austere environment enabled the Sqn to establish a war fighting scenario working from a MOB. The objective was to provide the trainee aircrew a taste of operating the aircraft in a stressful environment without the comfortable margins available at Yeovilton. For most of the trainee Engineers, this would be the first time they have serviced aircraft away from Yeovilton’s well equipped hangars; they would also be rigorously tested on their Command Leadership and Management skills. Royal Marines from CHF were fully utilised to instruct on security and field skills and how to defend a full scale assault on a FOB that had been hastily established forward of the MOB.

In addition, Post Crash Management, which is crucial in risk mitigation and field engineering, is now a vital part of the training which the engineers undertook at Okehampton.

aircrewmen, taken from RN Ratings and Royal Marines, to learn how to operate the aircraft in a tactical environment during the Operational Conversion Phase. They also train more than 150 helicopter maintainers annually before sending them to the front line. Aircrew and maintainers receive military and amphibious training, when individuals are taught how to operate in the field and from the deck of a ship.


28 lzdzmagaziNE | issue 4, 2012 THE JHC delivering joint success on operations visiT: www.lzdzonline.co.uK issue 4, 2012 | lzdzmagaziNE 29

Train

ing

& E

xercises

Ex COUGAR 12 was the deployment of a Maritime Task Group element of the Response Force Task Group (RFTG). Its primary purpose was to generate and maintain contingent capability

whilst supporting defence engagement and regional capacity building. It also provided an excellent opportunity to conduct joint operations with the US, French and Albanian

Armed Forces in addition to developing the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF) concept. Training in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas saw the Task Group link up

with the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle and carrying out large scale amphibious landings. COUGAR 12 will seek to build on the operational lessons identified from Ex COUGAR 11 in addition to the training objectives achieved

during Ex COLD RESPONSE and Ex JOINT WARRIOR earlier this year.

exercise cougar 12 is continued on the next page…


Train

ing

& E

xercises

Apache attack helicopters from 656 Sqn, 4 Regt AAC set sail on HMS Illustrious to provide the cutting edge of the RFTG. The exercise

will see the Apaches from Wattisham, provide an aviation strike capability for the flotilla of warships and embarked Royal Marines.

After landing on HMS Illustrious, the Apaches flew top cover for Royal Marines practising beach landings in Cornwall before the task force headed south for the main exercise.

Apaches have been a permanent presence in the hot, high and dusty conditions of Afghanistan since 2006 but operating the helicopter from the confined spaces of HMS Illustrious in wet and salty sea air provides a very different challenge.

Maj Piers Lewis, OC 656 Sqn, said: “Working alongside the RN and Royal Marines is an excellent opportunity to develop the capabilities of the Apache attack helicopters. Flying and maintaining the Apache from ships is a complex task that asks a lot of both pilots and ground crew. This is the third time since 2010 that 656 Sqn has been onboard RN ships, and our techniques and tactics are maturing with each deployment.”

The training builds on the partnership between 16 Bde’s Apaches and the RN Before the Task Force headed

into the southern approaches training was conducted off Cornwall. 4 Assault Sqn Royal

Marines, and 24 Cdo Engr Regt conducted exercises using landing craft, hover craft and an 18(B) Sqn Chinook helicopter temporarily based from RNAS Culdrose.

The surface ships were operating from St Austell Bay with the surface elements and aircraft working between there and the beach at Carlyon Bay, one mile east of St Austell. The good weather meant that the public were out in force and they were treated to a wide range of military activities, from landing craft carrying vehicles to a Chinook carrying a bridge.

The Chinook was tasked with reviving a maritime bridge lift capability that had not been used in almost ten years. The crew worked with the RN MAOT aboard MV Hartland Point to ensure that the bridge was lifted cleanly and efficiently. Once ashore, the ground party from 24 Cdo Engr Regt manned the rigging lines attached to the bridge to ensure it was on the correct orientation before the crew lowered it to the ground. Once the load

forged on operations over Libya when in summer 2011 Apaches from 656 Sqn flew missions from HMS Ocean as part of NATO’s Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.

Aviation is essential to the RFTG and JHC supported the exercise with 2 x Apache, 2 x CH47 Chinook Mk2, 4 x Sea King Mk4 and 2 x Lynx Mk7 embarked on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS. The Commando Helicopter Force provided a command element in the form of Joint Helicopter Force (Cougar) (JHF(C)) embarked on HMS BULWARK. The exercise provided the JHF(C) with a consolidated period of training at range from the UK and represented a significant step forward in the recovery of contingent and Littoral Manoeuvre capability.

T he following articles give an insight into some of the activity undertaken by JHC during this significant exercise.

Ex Cougar 12

army’s apaches taKe to the high seas

Ex Cougar 12

chinooKs build bridgeswas disconnected the engineers quickly placed the ramps and deck in place to ensure the bridge was ready in quick time. Then, once

the bridge had served its purpose, it was dismantled and lifted successfully back to MV Hartland Point.

exercise

cougar 12

is continued

on the next

page…

Working alongside the RN and Royal Marines is an excellent opportunity to develop the capabilities of the Apache attack helicopters. Flying and maintaining the Apache from ships is a complex task that asks a lot of both pilots and ground crew.


Train

ing

& E

xercises

Chasing Pirates Off The Barbary Coast’; could have been a chapter heading taken from a Robert Louis Stephenson novel

involving swashbuckling sea captains. But this is all part of the scenario for Ex Corsican Lion, the UK and French Amphibious Ex taking place off the coast of Corsica, which has been renamed `Barbary Coast’ for the week and the Pirates are a make-believe enemy.

Sea Kings from CHF deployed Royal Marines alongside their French counterparts ashore from the RFTG, working as part of the new CJEF.

The UK group, with up to 3,000 Sailors and Marines from the RFTG and French Naval Forces and Marines from the 2nd RiMa Regt, met up in the Northern Mediterranean. The French Carrier Strike group, based around the nuclear powered Flagship FS Charles De Gaulle, carries up to 40 fixed wing aircraft; a mixture of fighters, bombers and reconnaissance planes. Corsican Lion is the first major naval exercise to test the maritime element of the new CJEF between the United Kingdom and France. The Junglies from HMS Illustrious took this first encounter with the French carrier to get acquainted with her flight deck and learn valuable lessons for future operations, when the UK’s own Queen Elizabeth class carriers come into service.

Lt Will Orme, a CHF Pilot was the first Junglie to touch down on the French carrier, said “It’s an awesome size ship; it’s like a small airfield at sea. Flying onto her between the waves of fixed wing taking off and landing is pretty tight, an insight for our future Carrier operations”.

Although the main training objective is to prove that the two countries can work side-by-side, it also offers the chance to integrate each others equipment and communications. Working together gives the UK and France the flexibility and capability to conduct military strike and intervention operations, whilst supporting cross-government needs by conducting regional engagement, maritime security and evacuation, delivering humanitarian air or carrying out disaster relief.

“Trooping drills with the French Marines is the same as with our Royal Marines. They have some different ways of operating and everyone is interested in their kit. We’ve flown around the exercise area and they have the same tactics as 3 Commando Brigade”. said Cpl Mark Haffenden, a Commando Aircrewman onboard with the RFTG.

H elicopters from 845 and 846 NASs trained hard aboard HMS Illustrious, as it steamed towards warmer climes.

Since leaving UK waters every opportunity was taken to further hone the fighting capability of the ship, its Sqns and the embarked Royal Marines. CHF aircraft provided vital troop lift capabilities throughout the exercise. During a dynamic flying programme, Royal Marines from `Yankee Company’ 45 Cdo grasped an opportunity to re-acquaint themselves with Fast Roping training from the Sea Kings.

J unglie Sea Kings from CHF working alongside Fleet Air Arm Merlin and Airborne

Surveillance and Control (AsaC) Sea King helicopters participated in the first phase of the Cougar 12 deployment.

Leaving behind the coast of Cornwall, the RFTG sailed south toward Gibraltar and the Mediterranean. CHF Sea Kings from 845 and 846 NASs were providing vital troop lift for the deployed Royal Marines in addition to an under-slung load capability throughout the deployment.

A Tailored Air Group (TAG) comprising the aforementioned Apache Attack helicopters, Naval Merlins from 814 NAS, ASaC Sea Kings from 854 NAS and the CHF Sea Kings, were embarked on the Helicopter and Commando Carrier HMS Illustrious. Chinooks from RAF Odiham will also rejoined the force at a later stage of the deployment.

CHF are also provided the JHF(C), which was stood up to provide a unique capability for controlling JHC battlefield helicopter assets at high readiness and earmarked for contingency as part of the RFTG. This forward deployable force headquarters element worked closely with 3 Cdo Bde HQ and the Lead Cdo group, 45 Cdo RM. “The JHF(C) is ideally suited to this environment” said Maj Jon Parry RM; JHF(C) OpsO. “We’ve deployed this HQ for Ex Cold Response in Norway and Ex Joint Warrior earlier this year and the results have proved that CHF are able to provide the right expertise and aviation support to both 3 Cdo Bde RM, and 16 Air Assault Bde across the globe.”

The Junglies relished the opportunity to get back to their primary role supporting Amphibious based

“For the aircrew it provided an ideal opportunity to practice one of its ‘secondary’ roles. Roping is a skill that aircrew have to practice in order to be ‘current’ and add to their level of mission flexibility and capability”, said Lt Mark Halford of 845 NAS, one of the CHF pilots currently embarked.

The Marines have to practice roping to stay in date; three descents to get qualified and be current. Each descent gradually increased in height and the amount of kit each man has to carry, until they are descending with weapons and full kit, just as they would for real should the skill be called upon.

Lt Halford further explained, “Fast roping is one of those exercises that all the Marines who get involved will generally enjoy. Given that it has real training value it is a very under-practised skill, especially to a ship”.

Sgt Karl Lockhart, Troop Sgt of 4 Troop Y Coy 45 Cdo RM added, “This is a great opportunity to practice fast roping with the Sea King. We know for real it’s an excellent way to insert a lot of people onto the target rapidly. Everyone enjoyed it today. As we say in the Marines; train hard fight easy!”

Ex Cougar 12

commandos get to grip with fast roping

Ex Cougar 12junglies maKe the french connection

Commando Carrier deployments after consecutive Ops in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade.

Lt Col Del Stafford RM, the CO of the JHF(C), was pleased with the way both CHF and other JHC elements started the deployment. “We were able to get all the CHF aircrew through a deck landing training package prior to leaving UK waters and now we are busy planning for the next Phase of the deployment in the Mediterranean. The RFTG is a great vehicle through which to demonstrate the versatility, mobility and interoperability of the RN, and gives us exactly the right environment to refresh our amphibious skills, both onboard shipping, and during the land phases with the French and Albanians.”

Ex Cougar 12

the junglies head bacK to sea

We were able to get all the CHF aircrew through a deck landing training package prior to leaving UK waters and now we are busy planning for the next Phase of the deployment in the Mediterranean.


Train

ing

& E

xercises

Train

ing

& E

xercises

I t was their first opportunity to work with the helicopter which is due in service in 2014. (For further information on Wildcat see previous

issue of LZDZ) During the exercise they conducted ground drills on the aircraft as well as manning a simulated Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP).

Commenting on his unit’s chance to put the platform through its paces, CO 6 Regt AAC (V), Lt Col Nigel Banks, said: “It is brilliant for us as a reserve unit to be the first to get up close and personal and work with the Wildcat. The Army of the future will rely more than ever on reserve soldiers deploying alongside their regular counterparts, something we have been doing since we were formed in 2006.”

As well as working with the Wildcat, the groundcrew also had opportunities to work with a Chinook and Apache.

wildcat prowls oN salisbury plaiNReservist ground crew from 6 Regt AAC(V) recently tested out the Army’s next-generation helicopter, the Wildcat, during their annual training exercise on Salisbury Plain.

6 Regt AAC(V) is based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. It’s role is to provide ground crew for Apache and Lynx helicopters as reinforcements to other AAC regiments, both on exercise and operations.

With the emergence of the Wildcat, which will replace the current Lynx helicopter, training will be targeted to encompass this new capability, and this exercise provided the reservists with the opportunity to learn about working with the new Wildcat and become familiar with its refuelling and resupply.

The Wildcat will perform a range of tasks on the battlefield including reconnaissance, transportation of troops and material, and the provision of force protection. It will be significantly more powerful than the current Lynx, enabling it to operate in extreme hot conditions and at high altitudes. This exercise was an opportunity for the Wildcat Fielding Team from Yeovilton to put the aircraft through its paces as part of the preparation for future operational service and their assessment of its capabilities.

6 Regt AAC (V) comprises HQ and 677 Sqn based in Bury St Edmunds, and 655 Sqn based at Middle Wallop in Hampshire. It also has detachments in Norwich, Swaffham and Ipswich.

T he Exercise, hosted by 338 Sqn RNoAF at Orland Main Air Station near Trondheim, featured 57 aircraft from 12

NATO nations completing nearly 490 sorties against a series of contested scenarios in a deployed environment. This marked the final participation of the Puma Mk1 in an exercise of this scale and its contribution was well received. Training for the COMAO began months in advance as the Puma Force utilised Fast Jet QWIs experience as part of their ‘Thursday War’ scenarios at the RAF Benson Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility. This building houses Chinook, Merlin and Puma Simulators and provides several scenarios for linked simulator

pumas iN composite air exerciseFour crews and two aircraft of RAF Benson’s 230 Sqn recently participated in an intense but highly successful ten day Composite Air Operations (COMAO) exercise in Norway.

sorties allowing Op crews to train for the COMAO environment. The mentoring received from the QHTIs and FJ SMEs meant that 230 Sqn could arrive in Norway fully prepared to integrate into a complex battle space from the outset. The crews were

tested on the relatively unfamiliar aircraft that they would work with in Norway to give them a sound understanding of the weapons and tactics each type would employ.

Flying two waves per day and planning over long hours, the crews tackled the intricacies that go into making a successful plan, including the inevitable last minute fine tuning or injects from DS. The Pumas completed Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR), CASEVAC and ground force insertion/extraction serials that centred upon urban operations and formed the priority task for many of the COMAO scenarios. Det Cdr, Sqn Ldr Steve McCann said “This exercise was a rare but excellent opportunity for our crews to perform and develop their skills as a major component of a large-scale COMAO. They practised skills

which provide the framework for future joint and combined operations, like those seen on Op ELLAMY.” A sizeable exercise area set with the impressive back drop of Nordic fjords, allowed the Puma crews to hone evasion skills against GBAD and fighter threats that are seldom seen on UK exercises. The inhospitable terrain and inclement weather additionally pitched the crews against challenging flying conditions in a testing mountainous region.

Working closely with Norwegian and other NATO ground forces afforded crews the opportunity to experience the strengths and weaknesses of multi-national coalition operations. Naturally, operating procedures differed from those of the British Army but exposure to such differences will be crucial for the joint and combined multinational environment. This valuable knowledge and exposure will serve the Puma Force well on their return to contingency operations.

Pilot and a mission commander Flt Lt Chris Pepper, described one of the successful JPR missions; “Directed by AWACS and being reliant upon Suppression of Enemy Air Defences from Luftwaffe Tornados and CAS from Belgian and Norwegian F16s we knew we had to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time and we managed to locate and extract in timely fashion.” A number of personnel were able to plan and observe the Ex from a different perspective by working alongside another aircraft type to see how the different elements contribute to a successful package.

Early comparisons were sought by other participants between the current Puma Mk1 and the step change represented by the Puma Mk2 in terms of numbers carried, range, endurance and communications. OC 230 Sqn explained that crews trained in the complexities of multi-national operations, and in particular against contested battlespace scenarios and sophisticated threat systems, would soon be complemented by a tremendously capable helicopter when the Mk2 arrives in service, offering Defence a very exciting future capability.


An event like this gives an extra

dimension to the dogs’ training. It

exposes our dogs to some very fit people

who will run and react in a different

way to what they are used to.


Train

ing

& E

xercises

T he exercise culminated with the medics getting under the turning rotors of a Chinook to

try out the drills they had learnt in the classroom. The session also gave valuable experience of working with troops on the

ground to the pilots and loadmasters from the RAF Odiham’s 18 Sqn.

WO1 Justin Harris, RSM of 16 Med Regt, said: “This exercise is a great opportunity to polish up the Regiment’s skills of working with helicopters as we get back to our core role of being ready to deploy on contingency operations. For

soldiers who are new to the unit it will be the first time they have worked this closely with helicopters and is an excellent introduction to the specialist skills that make us unique. Using helicopters to move casualties or medical equipment quickly could save someone’s life, but the first thing to get right is being able to do it safely. To actually get under a Chinook is

helicopter masterclass For airborNE mEdiCsAirborne medics have trained with an RAF Chinook to refresh the specialist air skills that make them unique. Ex EAGLES SERPENT has seen 16 Med Regt troops learning the techniques of working with helicopters, from the basics of the dangers of debris blown up by rotor downwash to the complexities of rigging vehicles and equipment to be carried as underslung loads.

the exciting bit at the end of a week of solid learning in the classroom and hangars.“

Among the soldiers taking part were Ptes Simon Cartwright and Stevie Peters, who have recently completed training and joined the unit as combat medical technicians. Pte Cartwright said: “We’ve gone through the theory and practised rigging vehicles in our workshops, but there’s only a certain amount you can learn in the classroom. It’s great

Train

ing

& E

xercises

F Bty, 7 Para RHA has taken part in Ex SPHINX DILIGENCE, designed to develop soldiers’ teamwork

and broaden their horizons and skills beyond their core artillery role. The gunners were visited by Essex Police Dog Unit, who bought 12 general purpose dogs to demonstrate their skills. The German Shepherd dogs are trained to search areas to find missing people or criminals and enforce public order.

The police dogs tracked down soldiers hidden around Colchester’s Merville Barracks before the troops were padded up to be chased and detained by dogs.

Bdr Mick Hall was grounded by Baron, handled by PC Gary Lambert. “It was both exciting and frightening when I heard the dog coming up behind me and I really felt the power when the dog got its jaws around my arm, even through the padding. The dogs have been great fun, with a lot of banter, but the whole exercise has been interesting because everything has been different to the usual gunnery we do.”

Police dog instructor PC Colin Elsegood said: “An event like this gives an extra dimension to the dogs’ training. It exposes our dogs to some very fit people who will run and react in a different way to what they are used to.”

During the two-week long exercise troops have practised the infantry skill of

fighting inside buildings at Fingringhoe Ranges, learnt self defence at SD School of Martial Arts in Colchester and visited the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.

Bty Cdr Maj Chris Coton said the purpose of the varied exercise was to “take our soldiers out of their comfort zone. This exercise has been about exposing our soldiers to activities that are very different to the usual artillery training and that they may not have done before, in a way that is both fun and worthwhile. This activity with police dogs is a good test of courage, with the dogs also providing a superb example of discipline and training.”

poliCE dogs HElp airborNE guNNErsbroaden their horizons

Colchester-based airborne gunners have been chased down by police dogs during training that has “taken them out of their comfort zone.”

This exercise is a great opportunity to polish up the Regiment’s skills of working with helicopters as we get

back to our core role of being ready to deploy on contingency operations.

to actually get under a helicopter, hook something on and watch it get lifted.”

Pte Peters said: “Working with helicopters is all very new to me and the skills we’re learning are very important. There are a lot of safety precautions to think about – the downwash from rotors, heat thrown out from the exhausts and static electricity – and it really keeps you on your toes.”

16 Med Regt provides medical care and support to 16 Air Assault Brigade. The Regiment’s high-tech and lightweight facilities can be deployed by parachute to provide consultant-lead life, limb and eyesight saving resuscitation and surgery as well as primary healthcare. Specialist personnel in the unit including consultant orthopaedic surgeons, biomedical scientists and combat medical technicians.


THE JHC delivering joint success on operations

Train

ing

& E

xercises

E x Citadel Guibert, which took place in Reims, France, is a key stepping stone in the relationship between

16 Air Assault Brigade and 11e Brigade Parachutiste (11e BP), which is at the forefront of closer military co-operation between Britain and France. Both brigades provide their armies’ rapid reaction forces, held at high readiness to deploy on operations anywhere in the world. They have been tasked to develop an Intermediate Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (i-CJEF) for contingency operations,

Following on from previous joint exercises (see previous issues of LZDZ) British and French airborne forces have now

practised how they would plan and operate together on a joint mission.

ranging from disaster relief to war fighting, which is due to be ready to deploy from spring 2013.

Citadel Guibert saw staff from the two brigade’s headquarters working side-by-side to practise C2 of an operation to stabilise a region troubled by international disputes, terrorism and humanitarian problems.

Col Jackson, Dep Cdr of 16 Brigade, said: “This exercise has been a massive

waypoint in developing the i-CJEF. It is the first time we have done combined planning with 11e BP and practically demonstrated our joint capability for the missions that could be asked of us. As brigades we are similar in structure and role, but take different approaches to get to the same place. It has been a challenge for us to understand each others’ methods, but we are realising where the common points are and developing personal relationships to smooth the process.”

Col Vanden Neste, Dep Cdr of 11e BP, said: “We are the leaders in the relationship between our two countries’ militaries and,

after a year of hard work, we will soon be ready to go on operations together. Citadel Guibert has given us the chance to work through a theoretical joint mission, understand the similarities and differences between us and prove that we would be able to operate together. As brigades we share a common ethos, built around strong and robust soldiers trained to get on to the battlefield by air and, through Afghanistan and NATO, are used to multinational operations.”

The i-CJEF is based on a lead nation approach with one nation providing the majority of the troops and command structure, depending on the operational and political situation. The final step in validating the i-CJEF will be Exercises Joint Warrior and Fortel, taking place in Scotland and France respectively in early 2013, which will test the whole force through planning and field training.

In order to further cement the links between the two brigades an exchange of officers has taken place, with Lt Col Laurent Cuny coming to 16 Bde and Maj Anthony ‘Seb’ Coe serving in 11e BP’s HQ in Toulouse. Exercise Citadel Guibert gave the two exchange officers an opportunity to work together.

Lt Col Cuny, has served for 23 years in the French Army, mainly with the airborne infantry of 1er Regiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes. He said: “As a French officer I can explain how we work and, by immersing myself in the British way of operating, I can explain to my colleagues how the British work. Seb is doing the same and our work should help to avoid any misunderstandings and improve our operational effectiveness. This is the first time I have worked with an international ally and it is a great opportunity to develop my career.”

Maj Coe who was born in Chichester, moved to France at the age of nine and returned to Britain in 2002 to join the Army.

He said: “I grew up near Toulouse so working at 11e BP has been a

home from home to me, but it has still been a big challenge to understand a different army and its culture. I have taken a job from a French officer and have to do that role to the expected

standard, as well as acting as a liaison point with 16

Air Assault Brigade. It is interesting to be working on the i-CJEF and helping to bring the two brigades, which have a very similar purpose and ethos, into a closer partnership.”

airborne brigades

plan for joint

operations

38 lzdzmagaziNE | issue 4, 2012

Documents

THE JHC delivering joint success on operations - LZDZ · THE JHC delivering joint success on operations ... 16 29 equipment Major ... “This delivery milestone marks another important