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THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS

Exercise CLOCKWORK2015

Ground Control to Major Tim A Merlin Storm on Salisbury Plain Operation Merlin Meets Japan’s Defence Minister TORAL First Operational Deployment for RAF Puma Mk2

The RAF Chinook Force is Coming Home from Afghanistan

JOURNAL OF THE JOINT HELICOPTER COMMAND ISSUE 1, 2015 FOREWORD

14 EDITORIAL Editor: Sqn Ldr Mark Radbourne E: [email protected] T: 01264 381 122 – SALES Sales Manager: Jo Marchant E: [email protected] T: 01536 526 674 – DESIGNER Designer: Chris Keller E: [email protected] T: 01536 526 672 – 34 PUBLISHER Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, 16 Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8NL T: 01536 512 624 Message from E: [email protected] W: www.lancepublishing.co.uk Company Registration No. 3253372 the Commander – PRINTER 2015 has started at a pace. also go to all those involved in achieving Lance Print Ltd, 29/30 Stapledon As I write this, over 1,400 JHC Puma 2 Initial Operating Capability Road, Orton Southgate, personnel are deployed on (IOC) and their timely deployment. Peterborough PE2 6TD operations and exercises The rest of JHC has been training T: 01733 390 564 across the world. hard throughout the world. 16 Air E: [email protected] Assault Brigade continue to develop W: www.lanceprint.co.uk ignificant milestones have been an integrated capability with the US – achieved already in 2015. RNAS Army’s 82nd Airborne Division - on the FURTHER INFORMATION Yeovilton has welcomed back 846 Combined Joint Operational Access W: www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/ NAS - now equipped with Merlin Exercise (CJOAX). This development aboutdefence/whatwedo/ SMk3. Wildcat CTT 1 has graduated, work will be extended to our aviation airsafetyandaviation/jhc paving the way for generations of crews forces in Germany later this year on – who will operate this new capability. CJOAX 2. I have witnessed the excellent EDITORIAL SUBMISSION DATE: Further from home Afghanistan continues arctic and desert training being Day XXth Month 2015. Please to be a part of our business. On 1st conducted in Norway (CLOCKWORK) submit all entries for the next issue April 2015 the Puma Force assumed and in Gila Bend (Ex CRIMSON EAGLE) by no later than the date stated. responsibility for UK aviation support respectively. I was pleased to see that – to Op TORAL. This ended 13 years of all were challenging assumptions and 28 COVER CREDIT Chinook operations in Afghanistan and developing TTPs suited to the Contingent © MoD Crown Copyright marked the first operational deployment era. This training is essential in ensuring of the Puma 2. I want to publicly thank we are ready to meet VHR commitments. NEWS The RAF Chinook Force is Coming Redcaps Train for Global Operations ...... 28 the Chinook Force and their families for The rest of 2015 will be equally exciting 16 Air Assault Brigade Commemorates Home from Afghanistan ...... 14 A Busy Start for 29 (BATUS) Flt AAC ...... 30 their selfless dedication and support and I look forward to visiting you and your its Service in Afghanistan ...... 4 Op TORAL: First Operational Logistics & Maintenance Troops Take Aim ..... 32 throughout the Campaign. Thanks must units on exercise throughout the year. Learning Takes Flight with Army ...... 5 Deployment for RAF Puma Mk2 ...... 15 HONOURS & AWARDS Maj Gen Richard Felton CBE EQUIPMENT/CAPABILITY TRAINING JHC Lead Commemorative Fly Past ...... 33 Commander JHC 846 NAS Comes Home to Somerset .... 6 Ex CLOCKWORK 2015 ...... 16 Honour for Apache Display Team ...... 39 Vector Aerospace and Boeing Bring Ex VOIJEKS STRIKE ...... 18 RAF Chinook Back to Life ...... 7 Airtroopers Battle to be the Best ...... 19 PEOPLE MEET THE TEAM Minister Visits RAF Odiham ...... 8 A Merlin Storm on Salisbury Plain ...... 20 Merlin Meets Japan’s Defence Minister .... 34 PM Announces Through Life 16 Air Assault Brigade Prepares End of an Era ...... 35 This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Support for UK Chinook Force ...... 9 for American Exercise ...... 22 Ground Control to Major Tim ...... 36 Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without Wildcat Success ...... 10 Ex CLOCKWORK Resupplies prior written permission of Lance Publishing Wildcat Engineering Transition ...... 11 Remote Norwegian Log Cabin ...... 24 SPORT & CHARITY Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing Commando Helicopter Force Double Recognition for Sporting Soldier ..... 40 Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence OPERATIONS Merlin Course Students Graduate ...... 26 3 AAC Regimental Ski Team 2014/15 ...... 42 arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air TSW Op GRITROCK ...... 12 Paratroopers Train for Complexities U’s Sign Armed Forces Corporate Covenant .... 44 Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © AAC Brunei Detachment Fights Fires .... 13 of Modern Operations ...... 27 Junglies Dig Deep ...... 44 Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated. CONTENTS DISCLAIMER

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who died while serving with the Brigade in Helmand, and to remember them and honour their sacrifice, as we now Learning prepare to face our next operational Takes Flight task in a very uncertain world.” 16 Air Assault Brigade with Army

2002, Op FINGAL From how parachutes work to A battlegroup based around the air-transportable vehicles Commemorates 2nd Battalion The Parachute that soldiers use, primary school Regiment provided security in children have been given an Kabul for three months after insight into the importance the overthrow of the Taliban. of flight to the British Army’s its Service in rapid reaction force. 2006, Op HERRICK 4 A battlegroup based around 3rd he Year 2 class from Afghanistan Battalion The Parachute Regiment Colchester’s Roach Vale was the first British troops to Primary School visited the move into Helmand Province. town’s Merville Barracks on TWednesday (26th November) as they 2008, Op HERRICK 8 learn about flight. The children were Both the 2nd and 3rd battalions shown the vehicles and equipment A Brigade whose troops were for a short but solemn service that included of The Parachute Regiment those killed, some as close friends, and to hear tours flying in support of British troops used by 16 Air Assault Brigade, which among the first and last to serve the reading of the names of the soldiers deployed on operations together their names read out was extremely moving. in combat to a more stable and settled specialises in deploying on operations on operations in Afghanistan has who gave their lives. Music was provided for the first time since the Falklands “The three tours were the best of times country that Afghan forces were policing. by parachute, helicopter or aircraft. joined together to commemorate by The Band of the Parachute Regiment. Conflict. A key achievement was and the worst of times, but we did what was “This service has been very important The six and seven year olds watched its commitment and pay The Brigade Senior Chaplain, Reverend the delivery of a hydroelectric asked of us and I am extremely proud of to gather the entire Brigade together troops carrying out ground training for tribute to its soldiers killed Alan Steele MBE, who deployed to Afghanistan turbine to the Kajaki Dam. the positive effect we had in Afghanistan. and reflect on what we have achieved parachuting and climbed aboard the while serving in the country. on three occasions with the Brigade, said: When I left in 2011, schools and shops were in Afghanistan and pay tribute to those camp’s Dakota, the aircraft used for “In December 2014 the last soldiers from 2010/11, Op HERRICK 13 opening and the Afghan National Army was who made the ultimate sacrifice.” Second World War parachute operations. aratroopers from 16 Air Assault 16 Air Assault Brigade returned home from The full brigade deployed with key growing in capability and confidence.” 16 Air Assault Brigade is the British Teacher Rebecca Webster said: “The Brigade provided security in Kabul operational deployments to Afghanistan, achievements include improving The Apaches, based out of Wattisham Flying Army’s largest brigade with some 6,200 children have been looking forward to in 2002 after the overthrow of bringing to an end a commitment to security by driving insurgents out Station in Suffolk, were deployed continuously soldiers, combining the speed and agility coming to the barracks and they have the Taliban and led the first major that theatre of operations which began of several communities in Nahr-e in Afghanistan from 2006 until the end of of airborne and air assault troops with the really enjoyed the experience. For Pdeployment into Helmand Province in in January 2002. It is important that we, Saraj and Nad-e Ali districts; 2014. As well as precision strikes in support potency of Apache attack helicopters. them to see how flight is relevant to 2006, while its Apache attack helicopters as a Brigade, gather together to mark supporting the training of Afghan of ground troops, their role was to escort The brigade’s core role is to provide the the Army has really brought to life what were deployed from 2006 until British this moment and pause to reflect on our National Security Forces; and helicopters and land convoys and provide Air Assault Task Force (AATF), the British we’ve been doing in the classroom.” combat operations ended in late 2014. overall involvement in Afghanistan. helping with reconstruction a near all-weather surveillance capability. Army’s rapid reaction force, which is ready The event was organised by Warrant A parade at Colchester’s Merville “Afghanistan was a demanding and development work. Major Simon Wilsey, of 4 Regiment to deploy anywhere in the world at short Officer Class 1 Jim Tallon. He said: “It was Barracks today (Fri 16 Jan) formally commitment and we, as a Brigade, have THE BRIGADE’S DEPLOYMENTS TO AFGHANISTAN WERE… Army Air Corps, completed five four notice to conduct the full spectrum of a pleasure to host the children from Roach marked the end of 16 Air Asslt Bde’s learned much over the last 13 years. It is month deployments flying the Apache. military operations, from non-combatant Vale Primary School. To explain flight and involvement in Afghanistan and honoured appropriate, therefore, to take time to Captain Joe Scrivener, of 3rd Battalion The He said: “Afghanistan has been the evacuation operations to warfighting. The how it is important to us as soldiers to the memory of the 58 soldiers killed consider all that has been achieved and Parachute Regiment, deployed on the Brigade’s proving ground for the Apache and we have brigade is part of the Joint Helicopter children made for a very different day for while under the brigade’s command. the Brigade’s contribution to bringing three HERRICK tours. “It is very important to been able to fully integrate it into the British Command, which brings all involved. We hope that the children Some 1,000 soldiers from all of the units stability to Afghanistan. It is appropriate, gather like this to formally bring our involvement Army’s way of operating and show that it together helicopter forces have both enjoyed themselves and that deployed with 16 Air Asslt Brigade, too, to acknowledge that this contribution in Afghanistan to a close and it was a very can be a battle-winning asset. Operations from the Royal Navy, gone away understanding more about plus civilian support staff, were on parade was achieved at the cost of the 58 soldiers poignant service,” he said. “I knew many of evolved massively, from very demanding Army and RAF. flight and 16 Air Assault Brigade.”

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846 Naval Air Squadron have a long and proud history. Since their establishment in April 1943, they have supported operations 846 Naval across the world, from Borneo, where the Commando Helicopter Force earned the moniker ‘Junglies’, to Afghanistan. Already a proven platform, the Air Squadron marinisation programme will see the Merlin Mk3/a equipped with a folding main rotor head and a modified Comes Home undercarriage for deck landings, the Merlin will ensure the Commando Helicopter Force continue to successfully to Somerset support the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Joint Helicopter Command. Six Commando Helicopter Force Merlin Mk3 helicopters proudly our forebears, are encapsulated in the Captain Niall Griffin, Commanding flew in formation over Somerset on 26 Mar to mark the return of ‘Junglie’ ethos, and endure as the hallmarks Officer of the Commando Helicopter 846 Naval Air Squadron to their home in RNAS Yeovilton. of the Squadron and its people.“ Force said: “The arrival today of six Having been based at RAF Benson in Merlin helicopters of 846 NAS from Pictured: An RAF Chinook Words By: Kerry Randall the Merlin era, but also to have the privilege Oxfordshire for the last three years, where RAF Benson to RNAS Yeovilton marks before, during and after (pictures from main then anticlockwise) of leading the return of the Squadron to 846 NAS personnel were trained by RAF another milestone in the transition of the he six ship formation marked its spiritual home at RNAS Yeovilton. instructors, 846 NAS are pleased to be Commando Helicopter Force from the a defining moment for the Having already proven ourselves in the reunited with the Commando Helicopter Sea King to the Merlin. Over the next year Commando Helicopter desert of Jordan in autumn 2014 and the Arctic Force at RNAS Yeovilton once more. we will see a gradual build up of Merlins Force in it’s transition to in 2015, the immediate future will see the PO Sam Parkin, Aircrewman 846 Naval here in Somerset, as we relocate them Tthe Merlin Mk3/a helicopters, seeing Squadron maintaining a Very High Readiness Air Squadron said, “After three years of from Oxfordshire. By Easter next year 846 NAS not only return to Somerset posture for contingent operations around the being based in Oxfordshire it is finally both front line Merlin squadrons, 845 NAS but also to a brand new building. globe, and being at the forefront of a Force time to relocate to our ‘spiritual’ home and 846 NAS, will be co-located here at Lt Col Derek Stafford MBE RM, wide reinvigoration of expertise in the maritime in Yeovilton. I think I speak on behalf RNAS Yeovilton, once more being reunited Commanding Officer of 846 Naval Air environment. These challenges will be met of a lot of personnel when I say we are with 847 NAS, now flying the Wildcat, Squadron said, “I am deeply honoured with the same qualities of determination, all looking forward to operating out of the Combat Service Support Squadron and truly humbled to be not only the first professionalism and cheerfulness in the RNAS Yeovilton and being co-located and the Force Headquarters. This will Commanding Officer of the Squadron in face of adversity that were displayed by with the rest of our CHF squadrons.“ mark the beginning of a new era in the Commando Helicopter Force’s history as aircraft were required and these were we take forward these new capabilities. Vector Aerospace incorporated alongside newly manufactured Whilst there are clearly exciting times aircraft skins. Every component was ahead, it is important to look back on the and Boeing Bring inspected and either repaired or replaced. aircraft which the Merlin replaces. When RAF Chinook Whilst this package of work was being the Sea King Mk4 retires next March, it will undertaken it was decided that the aircraft’s have been in service for some 37 years, Back to Life avionics systems would also be upgraded serving in more Operational Theatres to bring it up to the Julius standard. than any other Fleet Air Arm aircraft.” In April 2012, during a training The extraordinary feat of engineering was “The Force is currently very busy having sortie, an RAF Chinook was completed on 12th February 2015, when the just recovered from training in Norway, very significantly damaged aircraft successfully passed flight test and and preparing for a major international in a heavy landing. was reinducted to service, a testament to exercise, Joint Warrior, all around the UK the successful and productive relationship this Easter. Looking further ahead to the he damage sustained was such that which has been developed between the UK Autumn, CHF will be participating in the the aircraft could well have been Chinook Force, Boeing and Vector Aerospace. Royal Navy’s Flagship deployment to the classified as Beyond Economical This achievement benefits not only the Mediterranean, COUGAR 15, as well as Repair (BER). However, it was RAF, which now has a fully operational aircraft training with 3 Commando Brigade Royal Tdecided that recovering the aircraft to once again ready for duty, but also the UK Marines in the Mojave Desert, California. service was a viable option by drawing on taxpayer, since the task was accomplished at a Both represent excellent training and the extensive experience and expertise fraction of the cost of buying a new helicopter. will continue to keep us at Very High in Chinook heavy maintenance, repair In thanking the combined Vector Readiness as a Force. “ he added. and overhaul (MRO) vested in Boeing and Aerospace and Boeing teams on the The Commando Helicopter Force’s Vector Aerospace. Vector Aerospace has aircraft’s reintroduction to service, Wing transition from the Sea King Mk4 to the been supporting the MoD’s Chinook fleet Commander Mark Staveley from RAF Merlin will continue at RAF Benson when under sub-contract to Boeing since 2008. Odiham, home of the Chinook, said, “The 845 Naval Air Squadron stand up in place A plan was duly developed and work importance of these aircraft to the troops of 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron RAF began at the Vector Aerospace facility in on the ground is immeasurable: when in May 2015. When fully operational, Gosport to bring the aircraft back to life. they hear that unmistakable Chinook 845 NAS will return home to Yeovilton The extent of the damage was so great sound the people on the ground know to reunite all the CHF Squadrons. that a number of donor parts from other they are being protected.”

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The Chinook PM Announces fleet is the heavy- lift workhorse Through Life helicopter which provides Contract Support a remarkable capability for all our for UK Chinook Force Armed Forces. The Prime Minister has announced security of 450 jobs at Phillip Dunne MP Fleetlands, Gosport, and RAF Odiham through a £420m contract with Boeing UK Rotorcraft Support (part of Boeing Defence UK) for the Chinook helicopter. The PM visited HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, where he made the announcement.

leading helicopter due to its ability to he Through Life Contract Support This achievement is testament support operations in a wide range of (TLCS) contract will provide to the extremely effective working conditions; its value has been proven time depth maintenance, engineering relationships between Joint Helicopter and again in operations in Afghanistan technical support, supply chain Command, the Chinook Project Team and in other theatres. Its versatility will Tmanagement, repairs, publications in DE&S, the operational users at RAF prove vital in future home and overseas management and modification services Odiham, the Prime Contractor, Boeing, commitments as the Chinook Force for the UK’s fleet of Chinook helicopters. and other key industry partners such prepares for contingency operations. This is implemented in five-year pricing as Vector Aerospace and Thales. Phillip Dunne MP, Minister for periods and incorporates support for The Chinook is the UK’s only military Defence Equipment, Support and the new Mk6 helicopter, at a lower cost, heavy lift helicopter and, given the ability Technology said: ”The Chinook fleet representing value for money and savings to transport 55 troops or 10 tonnes of is the heavy-lift workhorse helicopter of over £150m for the UK taxpayer. supplies, this makes a unique contribution which provides a remarkable capability The order of 14 new Chinook Mk6 to operations at home and abroad. The for all our Armed Forces. I was pleased helicopters back in 2011, under the initial new Chinooks will help to deliver Future to have the opportunity to thank RAF TLCS contract, will increase the fleet Force 2020, which will meet the strategic commanders and crews for the enduring to 60 aircraft by early 2017. The first of demands laid out in the SDSR. Roles work they have undertaken in various these new Chinooks entered service on include; trooping and inserting ground Minister Visits RAF Odiham theatres. I was also encouraged to schedule in April 2014 and the Initial forces, casualty evacuation and resupply see the improvements to flight safety, Operating Capability (three helicopters of both internally and by under slung loads. Philip Dunne MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology and the mission capability and versatility that operational configuration) was achieved The new contract will ensure that the Conservative MP for Ludlow, Shropshire, visited RAF Odiham on Thursday 15th January 2015. the platform upgrades have introduced, on 31st January 2015. The UK fleet is Chinook helicopter remains at the forefront on time and on budget, for service currently the third largest Chinook fleet of the UK helicopter force during the with the RAF for decades to come.” in the world after the US and Japan. return to contingency operations. Group Captain Richard Maddison, he Minister visited RAF Odiham Last year, the Defence Secretary The Chinook Mk6 is the UK’s only Station Commander RAF Odiham said: to meet military and civil service announced a £115m contract with military heavy-lift cargo helicopter, being “It has been an upmost pleasure to host personnel working at the station, Boeing to maintain all UK Chinook fitted with a new digital automatic flight the visit today and to demonstrate the and to gain an understanding engines. By consolidating five previous control system as well as the same Thales versatility and capability RAF Odiham’s Tof capability enhancements of the engine support contracts into one, digital ‘glass’ cockpit that is currently personnel and equipment can offer. new Mk6 Chinook aircraft and the key it has made savings of nearly £20M, being installed on legacy aircraft under The Chinook helicopter has been at the contribution the Chinook Force makes to representing excellent value for money. the Julius Programme. The aircraft also fore front of military operations since Operations both at home and overseas. features a machined monolithic airframe, 1982, delivering support in numerous The Chinook Mk6 aircraft are part of UK-specific avionics, forward-looking ways not just in conflict, but also during a £1bn investment to update, replace infrared system, advanced defensive times of humanitarian crisis and where and support the RAF’s existing heavy- systems, enhanced situational awareness national resilience is required. None of lift helicopter capability over the next and interoperable communication this would be possible however without decade. A total of 14 aircraft have been and navigation equipment. the adaptable and capable Military ordered by the MoD, bringing the overall The new Chinooks are an important and Civilian personnel stationed here number of UK Chinooks to 60. The Mk6 contribution to meeting strategic at Odiham, who are the key enabler programme remains on time and budget, demands beyond 2015, including our for all of our aircraft operations. The with six of the 14 Chinook Mk6 already future standing commitments and our growing and modernising of the Chinook delivered to the MoD, with the remaining Future Force 2020, as set out in the force will ensure that RAF Odiham eight to be delivered before the end of Strategic Defence and Security Review. continues to be the mainstay of UK 2015, and fully operational by early 2017. The aircraft is recognised as a world Support Helicopter capability.”

8 LZDZ MAGAZINE / ISSUE 1, 2015 savings of nearly £20M THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK ISSUE 1, 2015 / LZDZMAGAZINE 9 EQUIPMENT / CAPABILITY

NAS achieved his 1,000 total flying hours milestone during the last flight of the CTT. Wildcat All 847 NAS and 652 (WF) Sqn pilots successfully completed their Final Handling Test and Instrument Rating Test at the end of January 2015. The FHT consisted of pairs tactical formation flying utilising Night Vision Goggles conducting Nap of the Earth (extreme low level, contour following and terrain masking throughout the flight profile) flying and crossing under power lines. Colonel Mike Smith AAC, Commander Eighteen pilots and crewmen from 847 Naval Air Squadron and 652 (Wildcat Fielding) Squadron of the Aviation Reconnaissance Force SuccessArmy Air Corps, based at RNAS Yeovilton have been awarded their Conversion To Type (CTT) presented the awards and remarked on Pictured: A Wildcat AH Mk1 and a Royal training completion certificates and Wildcat AH badges, marking a historic occasion for both the the tremendous effort both 847 NAS Navy Engineer working Wildcat AH Mk1 Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) and the Army Air Corps’ Aviation Reconnaissance Force (ARF). and 652 (WF) Squadron AAC had made getting to this point. A total of eighteen he CTT training began on the with HMS Dauntless was also carried out in students graduated including eleven 14th July 2014 with the start of addition to Air Observation Post training, pilots and seven aviation crewmen. Wildcat Engineering Transition the ground school phase. The calling in artillery fire from the aircraft. 847 NAS are now the first operational ground school syllabus and WO1 Tony Cooke, 652 (WF) Sqn AAC Trials squadron to receive the AW159 Wildcat With the introduction of new aircraft in the practises implemented being Tcourseware was developed by 652(WF) Sqn officer and Qualified Helicopter Instructor, AH1. The next stage for 847 NAS is to the most stringent of all forces. and aircraft carriers to the Fleet Air AAC in the preceding year and delivered said, “Having been involved with the Wildcat conduct Conversion To Role training which Arm, the normal split of operational The collaboration that began more than by the Wildcat Integrated Support & programme for over seven years, to reach will teach them to exploit the tremendous ‘grey’ and ‘green’ squadrons has two years ago between the Royal Navy and Training contract. Once ground school the point where we have delivered the capabilities of the Wildcat AH Mk1. changed dramatically. Being able the Army will soon come to an end with was complete, the course progressed on first full conversion course is the pinnacle Looking ahead, both the pilots to operate the Wildcat AH1 (green) each side taking their share of the aircraft in to the Wildcat Full Motion Simulator (FMS) of my flying and instructional career. and crewmen of 847 NAS will now on both the land and at sea has early 2015. 652 (WF) Sqn AAC will convert to carry out the rudimentary aspects of The students generally found the focus on generating an embarked seen military and civilian personnel the Army squadrons to the Wildcat whilst emergency handling and systems learning. pure flying aspects of the Wildcat course capability to provide UK Defence with working together to establish an 847 NAS will field the aircraft as the first During the flying phase of CTT, 847 NAS straight forward. The steep learning curve the first deployable Wildcat Squadron effective aircraft for frontline service. operational Wildcat squadron. As WCM carried out Forward Air Controller currency to the conversion was understanding and able to effectively support the Royal has achieved more, each side will operate training with 100 Sqn RAF flying Hawks with learning the complex avionics and mission Marines anywhere in the world. ince the spring of 2012, HMS Heron their own maintenance with a pool of live ordnance (3kg) and 9 Sqn RAF flying systems. Most aspects of operating the Whilst 652 (WF) Sqn will be preparing has been the home of Wildcat serviceable aircraft. Although the working Typhoons. Naval Gunfire Support, conducted wildcat involves digital manipulation of for the next CTT course. transition. Royal Navy engineers routines and operational environments various systems such as selecting radios, from 847 Naval Air Squadron will be different, all three organisations setting up the digital maps correctly and Sand a small selection of Army personnel will still function out of the same hangars The ARF was formally established optimising the displays. As with most whilst continuing to work from similar on 1st June 2012 in order to bring were the first to begin work with the computer systems, there are several ways together the new Wildcat Battlefield new asset. This initial fielding team had Aircraft Engineering Standing Orders. of doing one function. What we are trying Reconnaissance Helicopter the task of setting up the infrastructure Although the Wildcat Mk1 is similar to teach the student is to operate the capability and the Manned Airborne needed to support the new venture. in appearance to the various Lynx marks, Surveillance assets to form a holistic systems in the most efficient manner. By aviation ISTAR force. The ARFs By Christmas 2012, the Wildcat the internal workings are vastly different. doing this, they release valuable capacity mission is to field, develop, force Fielding Team Army (WFTA) had worked The structure is now a monolithic airframe to enable them to holistically operate the prepare, force generate and sustain their way up to six aircraft. With limited milled from one piece of metal, allowing aircraft as a highly capable platform.” manned aviation reconnaissance experience on Wildcat AH1 (the battlefield the aircraft to benefit from an increase and command capability in order The aircrew of both 847 NAS and 652 to meet directed Operational and variant), Aircrew and Engineers drew in strength and reduction in airframe (WF) Sqn have previous experience on training support commitments. upon their previous experiences from weight. The new avionics equipment has many different types of aircraft including The ARF is comprised of three legacy aircraft types to deal with the been introduced to reduce pilot workload; Sea King Mk4,5 and 6, Lynx Mk3, 7, 8 and Regiments; 1 Regiment AAC is various procedures, inaccuracies and this is achieved by allowing mission based in the RNAS Yeovilton, with 9A, Apache, Chinook and even the USMC 9 Regiment currently based in unforeseen system malfunctions that go planning to take place on the ground via AH-1W Cobra flown by Maj Morgan Smyth Dishforth until June 2016, when hand in hand with any new technology. the tactical processor (the brains behind USMC, who is on exchange with CHF. they will relocate to RNAS Yeovilton From this early start, the WFTA has the system). The tactical processor and merge with 1 Regiment, and The operational experience of the aircrew is evolved to form 652 (Wildcat Fielding) works in conjunction with the Integrated 5 Regiment in Aldergrove. It is vast, encompassing operational deployments comprised of some 1054 aircrew and Squadron Army Air Corps. Along with their Display Units and Security Enhanced in Northern Ireland, Belize, the former support personnel and is equipped civilian counterparts, Wildcat Contracting Data Transfer Unit to allow the aircrew Yugoslavia, Libya, Sierra Leone, Iraq and with Wildcat, Lynx and Gazelle Maintenance (WCM), 847 NAS and 652 to layer the vital information over maps, helicopters as well as Islander and Afghanistan. The flying experience levels of (WF) Sqn AAC are working to achieve enabling better situational awareness. Defender fixed wing aircraft. the pilots are just as varied with a 652 (WF) Sqn For further information please Aircrew and Engineering competency As with previous aircraft types, average of 3,000 hours, (the highest having contact Kerry Randall, Public on this new platform. Naturally, with expertise can only be gained over time, over 6,000 hours and the most junior with over Relations Officer for Commando three organisations operating within a but thanks to the hard work of the fielding Helicopter Force and Aviation 1,800 hours). To date, some of the instructors relatively new environment, old habits teams, 847 NAS will be in a good starting reconnaissance Force, kerry. have already achieved nearly 600 hours on [email protected], die hard. To counteract this temptation, position when the squadron stands up on 01935 452359. Pictured: Army Wildcat Wildcat with the first to 1,000 hours on type a philosophy of ‘best practice’ has on April 2015 and takes on the Very at RNAS Yeovilton not far away. Lt James Nottingham of 845 FORCE RECONNAISSANCE AVIATION been adopted throughout; resulting High Readiness responsibility.

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Tactical Supply Wing SAC (T) Caldwell said: ‘Spending the Christmas period away from family and friends is really tough, however, having spent Christmas in Afghanistan last year I was no stranger to the feeling. Despite this, 820 Op GRITROCK Squadron made it one to remember. On Christmas Eve the ship held a selection of On 22nd November 2014, football stadium which is ideal as not only does tasks are made very difficult. Due to basic games on the flight deck with a delicious six personnel from Tactical it have a perimeter wall, which is perfect for conditions in the FOB it’s important to keep curry and an issue of two beers per person. Supply Wing (TSW) deployed FOB security, but also a large football pitch on top of your personal admin, hydration As the sun went down over the ship on Op GRITROCK. perfect for a Helicopter Landing Site (HLS). The is the most important thing out here.’ everybody was singing Christmas songs refuel site now also has a 15,000 litre aviation Each team rotates through spending one with the Royal Marines band service.’ Words By: Sgt Gasser fuel capacity and is manned 24 hours a day. week at FOB Moyamba and a second week Overall TSW have provided a valuable Sgt Gasser, TSW Detachment Commander based on board RFA Argus. During the week service to Op GRITROCK, enabling he TSW detachment flew said: ‘Having deployed to Afghan, Iraq, on board the ship the TSW personnel carry UK Military and Civilian Aid workers to from RAF Brize Norton on a Falklands and Kenya, the jungle of Sierra Leone out all our admin, stores demands and take carry out their duties in reducing the AAC Brunei Detachment C130 Hercules, stopping over has to be the most arduous environment a well deserved rest from land operations. spread of Ebola within Sierra Leone. night in Gran Canarias, before I have worked in to date. Not only are the The ship has excellent facilities such as It has been an excellent opportunity for Tlanding at Lungi Airport in Sierra Leone. temperatures in the high 30s but the humidity washing machines, tumble dryers and even TSW to work in a joint environment, with From here the TSW personnel were is between 80-90%, even the simplest the capability to make its own fresh water. the Royal Navy on board RFA Argus and then flown in an 820 Naval Air Squadron However the living conditions are cramped, with units such as 3 Rifles and 1 Armoured (NAS) Merlin to RFA Argus. A Primary bunks are stacked three high and are no wider Medical Regiment on the ground. It has FightsFires Casualty Receiving Ship for all UK Military then an issued roll matt. The crew work hard also given the detachment immense and civilian aid workers, incorporating to make the best of the situation with ships PT, satisfaction to see that we are having 7 Flt AAC and 1RGR assisted local authorities with fighting forest a 100 bed medical facility as well as a quizzes and other events, this was particularly a positive effect on the country and fires in Brunei during March. Their contribution helped to contain critical care unit and surgical theatres. appreciated over the Christmas period. helping people desperately in need. the fires and limit the threat to people and property. The TSW detachments first tasking was to help facilitate the World Food Programme’s (WFP) campaign to deliver aid. This required the deployment to split into two Helicopter Handling Teams on the Sherbro Islands, un-hooking the Under Slung Loads (USL) of valuable food cargo from the 820 NAS Merlin. In total the teams helped deliver over 300 tonnes of much needed food to a remote and isolated region of Sierra Leone. Cpl Overend said: ‘It was an extremely enjoyable task providing the isolated islands with food aid, it made Op GRITROCK worthwhile from a non-medical point of view. Seeing the looks on the locals faces when the aid arrived was priceless and made the job worthwhile.’ The detachment’s primary role was to set up a Rotors Turning Refuel site located at FOB Moyamba in the south west of the country. This was to enable the rotor assets longer range within the country to carry out stores and PAX moves, as well as to assist in the 820 NAS 30 minute CASEVAC cover throughout the country. The FOB is a disused

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The RAF Chinook Force is Coming Home from Afghanistan After thirteen years supporting operations in Afghanistan, the remaining HERRICK, our mission on Operation TORAL, Royal Air Force Chinooks have left Kabul to begin the journey home. whilst different, is no less important. Since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan in October 2014, Providing aviation support to coalition three RAF Chinooks were retained in the country to assist British troops working to ensure the institutional troops in non-combat roles but they are now on their way home. development of the Afghan government is a fitting end to our time in Afghanistan.” Words By: Flt Lt Meg Henderson “I have been humbled by the dedication The return of the Chinooks from “This is a significant capability which will and steadfast work-ethic of the men and Afghanistan also coincides with Defence provide reactive 24/7 tactical mobility in n the early hours of Wednesday women working on the Chinook Force.” Secretary Michael Fallon’s announcement order to allow a swift and decisive response Op TORAL 25th March, the first of the heavy “I am extremely proud of the contribution to send two Chinooks to the Falkland to any emerging incidents. The helicopters lift support helicopter from RAF made by the Chinook Force during combat Islands as part of measures designed to will also bring a heavy lift capability and First Operational Deployment Odiham in Hampshire was loaded operations in this country, whether ensure defence resilience. He said: “These will enhance the training opportunities Ion to the C17, marking the end of that be providing essential air mobility, measures will include the return of military available to the resident infantry company.” for RAF Puma Mk2 the UK Chinook Force’s contribution moving coalition troops and equipment support helicopters which were removed in The Chinook aviation detachment in to operations in Afghanistan. around theatre or undertaking lifesaving 2006 to support operations in Afghanistan. Kabul will handover to the RAF Puma 2 Force Just over three weeks after declaring Initial Operating Synonymous with operations in medical evacuation for injured troops.” On current plans this will involve the from RAF Benson, on the 1st April 2015, Capability, the first Royal Air Force Puma Mk2 helicopters have Afghanistan over the last thirteen “Our role in Afghanistan has changed deployment of two Chinooks, which will be the Puma 2 crews will remain in Afghanistan arrived in Afghanistan ready to begin the first operational years, the Chinook Force has flown significantly since the end of Operation operational by the middle of next year. until the mission is complete. deployment for the newly upgraded Puma fleet. over 41,000 hours, extracted 13,000 casualties and its crews have been Images By: Cpl Lee Goddard awarded numerous gallantry awards, including twenty three distinguished he aircraft, known as Puma 2, flying crosses for bravery in the air. flown by 33 and 230 Squadrons Group Captain Richard Maddison, at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire RAF Odiham’s Station Commander, will take over from the Chinook said, “The sight of a Chinook in This is a significant capability TForce in Kabul, providing UK aviation Afghanistan will be iconic to many that which will provide reactive 24/7 support to British and coalition troops have served there, or have witnessed who remain in Afghanistan in non- the events from afar. The commitment tactical mobility in order to allow combat roles assisting the Afghan of the personnel from the Chinook a swift and decisive response Government and Afghan National Defence Force – whether in Afghanistan or to any emerging incidents. The and Security Forces (ANDSF). supporting from the UK and other As part a £260 million pound life overseas locations – has been first rate.” helicopters will also bring a heavy extension programme, the Puma 2 “We return with enormous pride at our lift capability and will enhance the upgrade includes new engines, state contribution over this very testing period of the art digitised glass cockpits, and wish those of the Puma Force the very training opportunities available upgraded LCD instruments and feel we have a very big responsibility as best success as they continue to provide to the resident infantry company. improved ballistic protection. the detachment for the first operational helicopter support in the country.” Michael Fallon, Defence Secretary “The upgrades to the aircraft mean deployment of Puma 2 but everyone on Squadron Leader Paul Butler, it will fly further for longer, with greater the Squadron is extremely excited to Officer Commanding Operation loads in more extreme environments, be here and we’re looking forward to TORAL Aviation Detachment said, “It such as the high altitudes and hot continue the fantastic work previously is an honour and privilege to be the summers we will experience in Kabul,” carried out by the Chinook deployment.” last Commanding Officer of the last said Wing Commander Mark Biggadike, “I’m looking forward to seeing the Chinook detachment in Afghanistan.” Officer Commanding 33 Squadron. detachment evolve and those who haven’t “Our role will be to move troops and deployed on operations before develop their equipment around Kabul by air which is skills in an operational environment.” more efficient than moving personnel who would otherwise be travelling by road.” The Puma Mk 2 announced Initial “Puma 2 is ideal for operating in urban Operating Capability (IOC) in February environments such as Kabul, it’s small 2015, with IOC defined as 6 aircraft enough to land in fairly built up areas and crews ready for worldwide without creating too much downwash operations. All but one of the 24 aircraft have been delivered following the and disruption and it is relatively fast so major modifications to the cockpit, we can move around the city quickly.” avionics and engines, and are now Squadron Leader James Mastin, being used for operational duties. Puma detachment commander said, “I INFO… FURTHER

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fight and win in a demanding cold weather environment; The aircrew train to conduct helicopter landings in deep snow producing exercise a ‘whiteout’ effect, which is similar to the ‘brownouts’ of desert landings. This makes Norway training invaluable for learning the skills necessary for flying on operations in many climates. Deploying to Norway, the aircrew experience the incredibly cold temperatures associated CLOCKWORK with operating 200km inside the Arctic 69 degrees north, 200km inside the Arctic Circle, with temperatures regularly dropping Circle. A helicopter preparing for a field to -30°C, conducting flying training for the crews of the Royal Navy Merlin Mk3, the Army landing at about 70mph with an outside air Air Corps Lynx Mk7 and the RAF Puma Mk2 as well as providing Cold Weather Survival temperature of -25°C means the crewman Courses for Joint Helicopter Command personnel… Welcome to Ex CLOCKWORK. will experience a wind chill of about -70°C. The training then moves into the mountains to operate the aircraft at a much higher altitude and in stronger winds. Here, the crews are presented with some significant performance limitations to work with to enable them to land on a ridge or in a valley. Operating in the mountains can be an uncomfortable and intimidating feeling. It takes time to adjust to the scale of the mountains, becoming accustomed to closure rates and, for the crewman; vertigo can sometimes be experienced The deployment to Clockwork is part on approach to the mountaintops. of a very busy six months for the Merlin Crews also complete low level navigation, of 846 NAS as Lt Col Derek Stafford MBE load lifting by day and night, formation RM, CO 846 NAS, explained, “The amount sorties and field landing sites. With of change the squadron has gone through temperatures below -30°C, handling the over the last year in terms of standing up aircraft can be difficult even on the ground. in September 2014, doing desert training Pilots have to work hard to complete in Jordan, Christmas leave, coming out to the simple task of taxiing a 30-tonne the Arctic and then having two weeks to helicopter without skidding on the sheer pick up the Squadron and move it down to black ice that forms on the flight line. Yeovilton. It’s been a huge challenge but These skills are vital as they it’s been busy, and ultimately with a new enable the Commando Helicopter Force, on the environment and survival aircraft type it’s great to shake out as a the Army Air Corps and the Royal Air techniques followed by outdoor training, squadron in the desert and Arctic before Force to deliver capability for future initiated with a snowshoe ‘yomp’ up Radar we move to Yeovilton with the creditability deployments, operations and exercises. Hill where students spend nights in a ten of two detachments behind us.” For engineers new to operating man tent, a four man tent and a ‘Quincy This years Clockwork was the in this environment, it can be slightly shelter’, which is essentially an igloo. final deployment of the Lynx Mk7 overwhelming at first as everything takes The course ends with the eagerly anticipated after serving both the AAC and longer, just dressing to travel to the flight ice breaking drills. Students must plunge into CHF faithfully for 30 years. line is an evolution in itself, combine this a hole cut from a frozen lake, remove and For Maj Hannah Hayward, OC 659 Sqn with removal of aircraft protective covers, then push their bergen out. Once permission AAC, the departure of the Lynx Mk7 will pre-warming the aircraft, positioning power has been sought from the Mountain Leader, be an especially sad occasion, “I have rigs and stowing of equipment, a simple they must pull themselves out using their ski always flown the Lynx so I have a personal line flyer (routine tasking aircraft) may poles. The water is near freezing and the air attachment to it; it is a fantastic aircraft Words By: Kerry Randall Major Jon Parry RM, OC Clockwork Clockwork is the annual training package take as long as 45 minutes to prepare. temperature as low as -30° C which makes for an to fly in terms of its manoeuvrability. explained, “Clockwork has been going for held in Northern Norway by the Joint The basics, like wearing gloves when emotional but important learning experience. The Lynx Mk7 has proven itself over and uring a logs resupply to a more than 40 years, and is a well known Helicopter Command. This year saw the working on aircraft, so your hands By the end of the Cold Weather over in the past and is a really reliable, remote Norwegian cabin high and established brand. Certainly in the first deployment to Clockwork of the do not stick to the freezing metal is a Survival Courses, 297 JHC personnel were good, fun aircraft to fly. It’s going to in the mountains, a woman local area everyone knows Clockwork. now Commando Helicopter Force owned huge challenge. Carrying out aircraft trained to operate in the Arctic, with 56 be incredibly sad to see it go.” came to the door and peered They know the Brits come here and they and Royal Navy branded Merlin Mk3 maintenance is made all the more new drivers qualified as Arctic Drivers. “The history of the Lynx and everything Dthrough the blizzard kicked up by the know we train here and they know why we helicopters and the last ever deployment demanding in these severe temperatures, This year saw the RAF Puma flying 272 it’s achieved in the 40 years it has been in arrival of a Merlin. “Clockwork! ” she train here, and because of that we enjoy of the Army Air Corps Lynx Mk7. especially when wind chill is factored in. hours over 134 sorties with seven crews, the service is remarkable, it’s been fantastic to shouted, and giving the thumbs-up a very good relationship with them.” The training encompasses a wide All personnel deploying to Norway must RN Merlin flying 386 hours over 234 sorties fly this aircraft. It has been a great honour to to the crew. She turned back into the Based at a dedicated site within the spectrum of disciplines ensuring that the first pass the Cold Weather Survival Course with eight crews and the Army Lynx flying be both the OC of 659 Sqn and take part in cabin and came back with fresh coffee. Royal Norwegian Air Force Base, Bardufoss, Joint Helicopter Command can operate, which consists of classroom based lectures 200 hours over 200 sorties with five crews. the last ever deployment.” She added.

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In January 663 Sqn, 3 Regt AAC UK/US J2 team worked on developing an destroy key Air Defence Assets; C130s to planned and conducted Exercise intelligence picture to support a hybrid drop follow on forces and HH60 Pedro’s VOIJEK’S STRIKE, an Attack threat environment focusing on adversary to conduct CASEVAC on Call. Throughout Helicopter (AH) Sqn level Air Land Armour and Asymmteric tactics. This allowed the week JTACs from 1RHA worked Integration exercise alongside us, in particular, to test our familiarity with their counterparts from the USAF the RAF and US Force Elements with rapidly switching between Hi and (including a team that flew in from Illinois from RAF LAKENHEATH and Low Level Tactics whilst becoming more specifically to conduct the integrated MILDENHALL. The Exercise comfortable within a different operating training) to conduct high and low level was based out of Wattisham environment. Having successfully completed ’controls’ and take the opportunity to but incorporated training serials operations in Afghanistan, our focus is identify some key lessons for operating around Norfolk and Suffolk, with turning to re-discover how to train for a collaboratively with Low Level TTPs; STANTA and Sculthorpe being contested environment with credible EW those that have been less widely utilised the main focus of activity. threats, thus, demanding that we once during operations in Afghanistan. again look closely at these tactics. For our part it was a fantastic Words By: Maj Rob Smit Once the foundations for the exercise opportunity to train with other units, were built, word spread and we found discuss the benefits and risks of various he training was arranged in line more and more agencies wanting to take tactics we might employ, to further with the Sqn’s focus on returning part. Useful scenarios were worked up for understand TTPs within an contemporary to Land Contingency. Capitalising each of the participants throughout the operating environment and to continue on relationships developed week, before joining together for a highly to foster and develop relationships Tbetween units and our US counterparts coordinated strike mission on the final day. with our US Airborne counterparts. over years of operating alongside them in Units included the USAF 321st Squadron We found that the adage ‘time spent Afghanistan. The Sqn Ops team developed who would complete a High Altitude High on recce is seldom wasted’ remains as a detailed and mutually beneficial training Opening (HAHO) parachute insert onto the pertinent today as ever. The conceptual schedule that incorporated an impressive Target Area; USAF F15s and RAF Typhoons discussions during the exercise

Exercise Voijeks Strike array of UK and US assets. A combined which would conduct strikes prior to H Hr to development phase, to understand each others TTPs, deconfliction measures, on target techniques and communication procedures ensured excellent momentum throughout the scenarios. Overall, the Sqn was afforded an wider military skills of recovering bogged- opportunity to become fully immersed in Airtroopers in vehicles and a march and shoot. a dynamic, demanding scenario. The cross Wednesday’s (26th) competition was unit relationships facilitated an impressive won by Regt AAC HQ & Workshop, array of assets which significantly Battle to with the trophy presented with by increased the training benefit gained Colonel Jason Etherington, Commander from a Sqn Level exercise. Subsequently, be the Best of Wattisham Flying Station. the Sqn has conducted similar activities Staff Sergeant Gregg Allen, 36 from with 45 Commando and is developing Soldiers who fly and maintain the Great Yarmouth, said: “We’ve put a lot of future serials to build on the relationships Apache attack helicopter have effort in to preparing for the competition with 2 and 3 PARA. The corporate competed against each other to and we’ve been rewarded by winning. With knowledge gained and the understanding be the best as they relearn the the cycle of operations in Afghanistan we of TTPs which may be employed in a skills needed for future operations. haven’t used some of the abilities we’ve been ‘contingency environment’ can only tested on today for some years. Doing this serve to improve our ability to contribute he inaugural Rhino Trophy competition has been a good way to start as part of a Highly Agile Force. contest saw 3 and 4 Regiment relearning these skills, as well as bringing the Army Air Corps’ squadrons put units together and building team spirit.” through their paces at Wattisham Airtrooper Mark Logan, 19 from TFlying Station in Suffolk. The five elements Selly Oak, took part in the march of the competition tested the full range and shoot and ground crew test. “It of skills required to operate the Apache means a lot to win,” he said. “As HQ – mission planning and communications, Squadron the frontline squadrons look refuelling and rearming, and a simulated down on us a bit, but we’ve proved flight mission – as well as the soldier’s that our skills are just as good.”

The Apache attack helicopter entered service with the British Army in 2001 and is flown on operations by 3 and 4 Regiments Army Air Corps. The two units provided a continuous presence in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2014 on rotation and, in 2011, Apaches from 656 Sqn, 4 Regt AAC flew strike missions over Libya from HMS Ocean as part of NATO’s Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR. Second line maintenance on operations is provided by 7 Air Assault Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. All three units are based at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk and form part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, which is the Army’s rapid reaction force, combining the Apache’s potency with the speed and agility of airborne and air assault forces. FURTHER INFO… FURTHER

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The benefits of a field exercise such as MERLIN STORM were not solely realised A Merlin Storm by the student aircrew, but was also a mutual training benefit for the troops of 45 Cdo RM, giving them the experience of operating with air assets in the field.

Threeon Commando Helicopter SalisbForce Merlin Mk3 helicopters and crews from the ury Plain Operational Conversion Flight (OCF), currently part of 28 (AC) Sqn based in RAF Benson, completed their final field exercise on Salisbury Plain supporting 45 Cdo Royal Marines.

xercise MERLIN STORM is the Sea King so for the conversion students culmination of over six months the training is about learning how to training for the aircrew, where operate a more complex aircraft. the students are taught to fight At the end of the training in January Ethe aircraft. Learning to operate in a 2015 the students will be moved to their more austere environment, working front line unit, 846 Naval Air Squadron. with troops in a realistic tactical This marked the end of the operational scenario was all part of this exercise. phase of training which will be followed by The eight pilots and eight crewmen a period of consolidation training lasting had to plan how they were going to approximately six months on the front line. complete their tasking, utilising the 846 NAS’ main role will be Maritime skills taught during their training in Counter Terrorism, deployed Contingent order complete the mission; all within a Operations, UK Tasking and an tactical scenario set by the instructors Operational Conversion Flight (OCF). which included air threats and battle The OCF will embed in 846 NAS in mid space management constraints, 2015 when 28 (AC) Sqn disbands and and operating with live troops. 845 NAS stands up in it’s place. Exercise MERLIN STORM was 846 NAS returns to RNAS Yeovilton conducted on Salisbury Plain with the in April 2015 with 845 NAS following in Pictured: Merlin crews operating out of Rollestone Camp, 2016 when all three Commando Helicopter Mk3 over Imber village and a Merlin the final scenario was a troop insertion Force squadrons will be reunited Mk3 and troops into Imber village where hostile forces after nearly three years apart. from 45 Cdo RM were waiting. A casualty evacuation followed the insertion before the troops were extracted after defeating the enemy along with captured personnel. The benefits of a field exercise such as MERLIN STORM were not solely realised by the student aircrew, but was also a mutual training benefit for the troops of 45 Cdo RM, giving them the experience of operating with air assets in the field. Alongside Merlins, Sea Kings from 845 NAS took part in training serials earlier in the week and Pumas from RAF Benson also participated in the final exercise, showcasing the wider joint rotary capabilities of the JHC. Of the 16 students, 14 were ex Sea King aircrew re-roling and facing the training challenges of operating a more modern ‘digital’ aircraft. The Merlin Mk3 controls are similar to the

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16 Air Assault Brigade Prepares for American Exercise

Soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s rapid reaction force, have practised the skills needed to seize an airfield as they prepare for a major training exercise in America.

xercise Red Prepare saw the to future challenges. We both serve foothold for further troops and equipment paratroopers of 3rd Battalion The as high readiness reaction forces and to arrive and develop operations. Parachute Regiment assault an it makes sense to train with a key ally 3 PARA’s Pte Anthony Scott, 25 from airfield on the Stanford Training so we are able to operate together.” Maldon, Essex, said: “This was a good chance EArea in Norfolk today (Wednesday 4th We learnt that paratroopers are the Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth to run out our skills and drills and work with February), with close air support from same in both armies - fit, disciplined Burgess, Commanding Officer of 2 Apache helicopters. We tabbed onto the area two Apache attack helicopters from 3 and motivated soldiers using very BCT’s 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne last night, attacked and captured buildings Regiment Army Air Corps. Once it was Infantry Regiment (1-325th AIR), said: to harbour in, did a recce of the airfield secured, 23 Engineer Regiment (Air similar tactics. A British company “This visit gives us an opportunity to and then did the attack, which went very Assault) followed up to clear obstacles, worked well within the battalion, better appreciate and understand the well. I’m looking forward to the American remove unexploded ordnance and fill capabilities of 16 Air Assault Brigade exercise. It will be a good opportunity to craters to bring the runway back into use. and CJOAX is taking a battlegroup and how they would conduct this type train alongside our American colleagues and A delegation of senior officers from within our brigade combat team. of operation. We laid out a path last year learn more about how they do business.” the American 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Lt Col Burgess to build the scale and capabilities of our The process of developing 82nd Airborne Division (2 BCT) watched relationship, and it is progressing well.” summer. Lt Col Burgess said: “We learnt that interoperability has seen British and the training. The 800-strong 3 PARA A company from 3 PARA trained paratroopers are the same in both armies - fit, American headquarters staff work together Battlegroup from 16 Air Asslt Bde is in Fort Bragg with 1-325th AIR last disciplined and motivated soldiers using very to integrate command and control heading to Fort Bragg in North Carolina in similar tactics. A British company worked well procedures and units have carried out March for a six-week exercise with 2 BCT. within the battalion, and CJOAX is taking a field training together in both countries. The Combined Joint Operational Access battlegroup within our brigade combat team. 23 Engr Regt (Air Asslt)’s Lance Corporal Exercise (CJOAX) will test the ability of “If British and American paratroopers can Mark Langley, 26 from Redditich, said: the two formations, which both serve as operate together it gives another option to “I went to Fort Bragg last year to work their respective armies’ rapid reaction our countries’ policy makers to respond to with the 37th Engineer Battalion, which forces, to deploy together on operations. crises affecting our shared national interests.” is our direct counterpart. They are highly Brigadier Nick Borton DSO MBE, The 3 PARA BG is currently serving as the specialised in airfield seizure skills, whereas Commander of 16 Air Asslt Bde, said: Air Assault Task Force, held at high readiness we have more general engineering skills “We are developing interoperability to deploy on operations around the world, such as water supply and bridging. It’ll be between 16 and 82 and CJOAX will be while 2 BCT is training to become the US good to go back and continue to work an important milestone in the process. Army’s equivalent as the Global Reaction together - they can teach us from the depth With the end of combat operations in Force. Airfield seizure is a key skill for the of their specific skills, and they are keen to Afghanistan, both formations are looking rapid reaction role, allowing the capture of a learn from our breadth of capabilities.”

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in an unfamiliar environment for aircrew, engineers and logisticians alike. That said, Exercise the CHF have been deploying to this area for over forty years and the opportunity Clockwork for us to contribute something back to our Norwegian hosts is very satisfying. Resupplies We hope to be invited back for many years to come as the training value Remote gained here aligns very well with our primary customers at home, 3 Commando Norwegian Brigade Royal Marines who have been deployed in the area this winter as well.” Log Cabin There is no secret art to operating successfully in Arctic conditions – it Joint Helicopter Command is a matter of careful training and the personnel from the Royal resupply tasking presented the perfect Navy and the Army Air Corps lying the Navy Merlin Mk3 and the Army British military based at Bardufoss have been opportunity for the pilots and aircrewmen have been putting into Air Corps Lynx Mk7 helicopters, the assisting us with the resupply for over ten to prove vital skills learnt so far during practice skills learnt during British aviators flew from their Arctic years now and we are always grateful for their annual winter training detachment. Arctic flying training as they base at the Royal Norwegian Air Force their help” he added “It would take Ski- Both Merlin and Lynx helicopters of 846 Fbase Bardufoss. Collecting approximately 6 Doo snowmobiles seven days to resupply NAS and 659 AAC dropped off under assisted the Norwegian Trust Association resupply tons of logs from Overas, they delivered the the remote location so the offer of help by slung loads of logs into deep snow. a remote log cabin in logs 30 kilometres high into the mountains to helicopter is always a labour saving welcome.” This produces a highly disorientating Northern Norway. a log cabin owned by the non profit making Major Jon Parry who is the second in ‘whiteout’ as the snow billows up into Norwegian Trust at the picturesque Lappjord. command at 846 NAS said, “The training the rotors and is considered a skill Words By: Kerry Randall Mr Bernhard Eilertsen, Warden for the gained at Bardufoss is second to none for commanding some of the highest Norwegian Trust Association said, “The providing extremely challenging conditions technical merit in aviation.

JHC ‘Clockwork’ has provided Joint Helicopter Command and Commander Helicopter Force with an Arctic flying Combined Joint base for over 40 years, flying and operating in the Arctic winter is a matter of applying known techniques Personnel Recovery to a hostile environment and everything at ‘Clockwork’ is geared towards this, the training provided by the facility is as Standardisation Course relevant today as it has always been, as it enables military personnel to prepare for future operations worldwide. Units from across the European Air Group came together in Currently two hundred and Belgium to conduct personnel recovery training during September twenty military personnel from and October 2014. TSW took part in multi-national Forward Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) comprising elements of the Commando Arming Refuel Point (FARP) exercises to improve interoperability; Helicopter Force (CHF) headquarters, refuelling aircraft from other European nations by day and night. 846 Naval Air Squadron and 659 Squadron Army Air Corps are currently he six week course saw eight of the helicopter landing sites marking deployed to Norway undertaking personnel from TSW work with technique and the equipment available for environmental training (EVT) in the extreme conditions of the Arctic. partners from Belgium, France, this – from the high-tech Tactical Approach Situated some 200 miles Italy and the Netherlands Lighting System (TALS) to the more inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Tto establish FARPs across Belgium. improvised cylume taped to a jerry can. Helicopter Command training facility near Bardufoss, the base known as These FARP locations were used to As part of a VIP visit, TSW were selected ‘Clockwork’ provides survival and provide rapid and tactical refuelling to demonstrate Rotor Turning Refuelling environmental training and support to aircraft from the same nations as on a Spanish AS332. TSW Detachment facilities to enable aviation capable well as Germany, Poland and Spain. Commander Sgt Scott Gasser said ‘This was units to survive, operate and fight in extreme cold weather environments. Operators took turns to lead the FARP carried out with complete professionalism 846 NAS operates the Merlin Mk3 sites. TSW Fuels Operator Cpl Pellington and the feedback from the high ranking helicopter and will shortly return to it’s said on being led by the French and NATO VIPs displayed how TSW is seen spiritual home at RNAS Yeovilton in Italians ‘It was a really successful exercise as the benchmark unit when it comes Somerset having been based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire until now. and was good to work closely with our to tactical rotors turning refuelling.’ 659 ACC operates the Lynx Mk7 EAG partners, even if sometimes the TSW Flight Commander Flying helicopter, an aircraft conducting its language barrier made things difficult.’ Officer Lawrence Scott said “CJPRS is final overseas deployment prior to Members of the TSW team also given a great opportunity for TSW to work retirement in the Spring. They Aircrew of the Mk7 will convert to the Lynx Mk9 the opportunity to deliver a brief on FARP with our EAG partners, practice their Pictured: Merlin Mk3 USL at the Norwegian Trust Association Log Cabin and Lynx or the replacement aircraft, the Wildcat. operations by night. This included discussion skills and exchange best practice and Mk7 with Underslung Load (USL) EXERCISE CLOCKWORK and demonstration of the deployment the team has done exactly that.”

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Paratroopers Train for Complexities of Modern Operations Major Mark Swann, Officer Commanding From house-to-house fighting C (Bruneval) Company, 2 PARA, said: “We are to dealing with the threat held ready to deploy on operations at very short of Chemical, Biological, notice, and need to have the skills and flexibility Radiological and Nuclear to conduct the full spectrum of military activity (CBRN) weapons, paratroopers in any environment. This exercise is about have practised key skills refreshing and confirming our skills to fight they need to operate on both in urban areas and deal with CBRN, the modern battlefield. which add extra complexities to operations.” Private Shehab El-Minini, 26 from south west London, said: “Town and cities are xercise Urban Eagle has placed very complex places that are full of people troops from 2nd Battalion The and can be easily fortified and defended. and have to get the CBRN kit unpacked Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) on a As an infantry soldier it’s one of the most and on as quickly as possible, it really gets mission to support an ally tackling an challenging environments to operate in. the adrenaline going. The kit is hot, sweaty Einsurgency backed by a hostile neighbour. The “Our training has taken us from how we and uncomfortable but it does protect you Pictured: Merlin Re-Role Course, L-R Back Row: LACMN Ashleigh White, Sgt Nicholas Godley RM, Sgt Richard Goodwill RM, Sgt Adrian Bennett RM, CSgt Christopher Gratton RM, Lt Timothy Frost RN, LACMN Jack Cook. L-R Front Row: Lt Benjamin Taylor RN, Lt Nicholas Charlesworth RN, Lt Cdr Colin week-long training on the STANTA Ranges move through streets as individuals and and allows you to keep doing your job.” Griffiths RN, Capt Niall Griffin MBE RN, Commodore Matt Briers RN, Lt Cdr Richard Bartram RN, Lt Benjamin Brazenall RN, Lt Nicholas Teece RN. in Norfolk is designed to refresh key skills then adds the complexity of increasing Colchester-based 2 PARA’s core role is to needed by the paratroopers in their role as numbers of troops and other capabilities, alternate with 3rd Battalion The Parachute the British Army’s global rapid reaction force. such as using mousehole charges to blow Regiment as the lead unit in the Air Assault Commando Helicopter Force Everyone here at RAF Benson have The soldiers have carried out holes in walls to enter buildings.” Task Force (AATF), which is ready to deploy been great at assisting the Naval company attacks on the mock village at The CBRN threat arises both from anywhere in the world to conduct the full personnel with getting to grips with a Eastmere, clearing out enemy fighters deliberate use of CBRN weapons and range of military operations. 2 PARA took Merlin Course new aircraft type and now we, the building-by building and street-by-street; damage to industrial infrastructure on the AATF role from the start of March, Naval service, look forward to the faced simulated chemical attacks and caused by fighting or natural disasters. with the unit’s airborne infantry bolstered by move back to our spiritual home of contained rioters bombarding them with Private Michael Glynn, 27 from Lanark, said: artillery, engineers, signallers, medics and Students Graduate RNAS Yeovilton in April and developing abuse, petrol bombs and missiles. “When you hear the shout of ‘gas, gas, gas’ logisticians from 16 Air Assault Brigade. the aircraft’s capabilities further.” Fifteen graduate aviators from and the new Operations Officer at 846 NAS For the eight Pilots and seven the Commando Helicopter said, “The Operational Conversion Course Aircrewmen, this ceremony signified Force reached the culmination to Merlin Mk3 has been another string the end of six months of Merlin flying of months of hard work as to my bow as a Naval Aviator. Having training at 28(AC) Squadron being they were awarded their previously flown maritime (Lynx Mk3 trained by both RN and RAF instructors. prestigious ‘Wings’ and and 8) and light battlefield The training comprised five phases; graduation certificates helicopters (Lynx Mk7 and Basic, Advanced, Instrument Flying, by Commodore Matt Mk9) before converting Night and Operational. They now Briers, after completing to the support helicopter look forward to an extremely busy the 22 Merlin re-role role which has been and challenging period on the front course at RAF Benson. another variation in the line, training in Norway and discipline of flying deployments around the world. he CHF Merlin naval helicopters. The training concluded courses are with the Merlins being currently run by deployed to the field 28(AC) Squadron, on a tactical exercise TRoyal Air Force until the on Salisbury Plain for Operational Conversion Flight a week for Exercise moves to RNAS Yeovilton in MERLIN STORM, where mid 2015 when it will embed the students were taught into 846 Naval Air Squadron. to fight the aircraft. After 28 (AC) Sqn is disbanded Learning to operate in a 845 NAS will perform this role. more austere environment Pictured: Commodore Matt Briers RN presenting Lt Cdr Richard Bartram, a Leading Aircrewman Jack Cook with his ‘Wings.’ and working with troops in graduate on the Merlin Mk3 realistic tactical scenarios.

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rain and very boggy conditions underfoot, which adds to the fun!” Redcaps Train for Lance Corporal Jasmine Clifford, 23, said: “This has been a challenging Merlin Aircrew Demonstrate exercise that’s tested both our general soldiering and specific policing skills. Precision Flying Skills I’ve only been with the company for eight weeks so it’s good to get out The Merlin of 28 (AC ) Sqn was GlobalOperations in the field to show my capabilities on routine training sortie when to everyone and better understand these pictures were snapped. Military police have gone back to the past as they train for future our particular role on operations.” operations with the British Army’s rapid reaction force. The training is 156 Pro Coy’s first he landing demonstrates major exercise since it moved from the advanced handling and xercise Eagles Redcap been forgotten but weren’t needed in Lance Corporal Tom Dutton, 24 from being a standalone company within 16 communication skills required has seen 156 Provost Afghanistan. There’s been a lot of dusting Newark, said: “We’ve been actively Air Asslt Bde to join 4 RMP. The change, by the crew to talk the aircraft Company, 4th Regiment off of old doctrine and going back to our patrolling on foot across the area to carried out with the creation of 1 Military Tdown to such a position. These skills Royal Military Police (156 basic skills and drills, such as route signing. interact with the local population, Police Brigade as part of the Army 2020 are required for all landings, but EPro Coy, 4 RMP) training in the “Sennybridge has proved the arduous and setting up vehicle checkpoints and reforms, is designed to pool resources become critical when on/off loading harsh environment of Sennybridge demanding environment that we wanted, but investigating incidents. It’s been and best practice and ensure the in difficult terrain or mountain tops in South Wales. The exercise everyone’s performing well and morale is high.” tough, with cold weather, heavy independence of military policing. where precision is crucial. placed the troops on a mission to support and train an ally’s security forces as they tackle an insurgency backed by a hostile neighbour. The Colchester-based troops stayed in the field throughout the week-long training, relying on their boots to move through the rugged hills of the Brecon Beacons and the kit carried in their backpacks to do their jobs and live off. They practised the specialist policing skills of evidence gathering, detainee handling and route reconnaissance and signing, as well as the wider soldiering skills of infantry attacks, first aid and patrolling. Captain Carl Ingham said: “This training is about preparing for our high readiness role with 16 Air Assault Brigade. With the end of operations in Afghanistan, we need to move on and train for different operations, environments and adversaries. That means relearning conventional military policing skills that have not necessarily

156 Provost Company, 4th Regiment Royal Military Police (156 Pro Coy, 4 RMP) is trained to deploy by parachute or helicopter to provide military policing support to 16 Air Assault Brigade. It would deploy a platoon as part of the Air Assault Task Force, including trained crime scene investigators from the RMP’s Special Investigations Branch and custodial specialists from the Military Provost Service. FURTHER INFO… FURTHER

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Commando A Busy Start Helicopter for 29 (BATUS) Flt AAC Force Supports Exercise environmental training to prepare them for the worst case scenario. Crews always carry Aquilla their own personalised survival bag with them in the aircraft including matchless Merlin aircraft of the Commando Helicopter Force on exercise in fire starting kits, rations and warm clothing Norway put their recent training into practise when they extracted Royal as well as an aircraft survival bag issued Marines of 43 Commando in the final stages of Exercise AQUILLA. by the RAF. At the end of January, the Flt deployed to the Rocky Mountains with he Royal Marines of 43 Cdo had can fly and operate in support of ‘Royal’ Colour Sergeant Bateman RM, a very been conducting cold weather in the Arctic, we can do it anywhere.” experienced Mountain Leader. The Flt was training in the extreme conditions The Officer Commanding cold weather given an evening of lectures that included of northern Norway when two training for 43 Cdo said, “The involvement the physiological effects of the cold on the TCommando Merlins of 846 Naval Air of helicopters to support our training human body, types of shelter in a snow Squadron arrived to extract them at the adds the dimension of realism and tempo covered environment and techniques to end of their final tactical exercise. The to a tactical exercise that cannot be keeping warm and treating cold injuries. Merlins have been in Norway since January underplayed. The relationship that 846 and It is always the same after the and average temperatures during the day and rebuild infrastructure that has been The next day the Flt was put through its conducting cold weather training 3 Commando Brigade troops have Christmas leave period, a hover around -15°C, so the Royal Engineers levelled in the full scale, live fire assaults. paces and taken on a cross country march and relished the chance to reinforced here will continue quick welcome back and then have a tough job ahead of them. But they can 29 (BATUS) Flt AAC is primarily on 30 in snow shoes and shown the difficulties of work with live troops, on subsequent exercises right back into the mix. brave the cold with confidence knowing the minute NTM by day and 60 minute by moving through deep snow. They were also bringing reality to and deployments Gazelles of 29 (BATUS) Flt AAC are on standby night to provide CASEVAC and secondly shown the different layers that snow forms training and ending into the future.” he winter range repair in the CASEVAC role should they be required. to conduct reconnaissance of areas when it falls, the dangers that avalanches a successful few 846 Squadron and programme (Ex WARPAINT), is BATUS training area is bigger than where the engineers will be working. pose, how to escape them and how to months in the Arctic CHF have only been under way at British Army Training all of the British Army’s training grounds Winter CASEVAC has its own challenges find some one who has been buried by circle for 846 NAS. operating the Merlin Unit Suffield (BATUS). BATUS is combined and during the exercise period for the Flt; and both pilots and ground one. After what was a very comprehensive Lt Cdr Alex since October 2014 Tthe British Army’s Armoured Battle Group (April - September) it is fully utilised by crew know how tough the extreme morning 29 Flt was split in to five teams Hampson from and in that time have training ground for foundation training of artillery, challenger 2 main battle tanks and cold conditions can be on the aircraft chosen by the JNCOs and competed in 846 NAS said, deployed to both our Reactive Forces. At the time of writing armoured infantry units. During the winter it and on themselves. With temperature a two hour race to dig a two man snow “Supporting Royal Jordan and Norway for there is about a foot of snow on the ground is up to the Royal Engineers to reset targets varying between -30°C and 0°C daily and hole. The winner was picked by CSgt Marines on the ground environmental training. temperatures growing with height adding Bateman RM and the Flt ASM, WO1 Brooks is exactly what we are Lt Cdr Hampson went on to to the mix, planning can be problematic. (experienced in Norway Operations), here for and the ability to say, “This is the first time that a Monitoring of forecast temperatures and judged on technical accuracy, size, train in extreme arctic conditions CHF Squadron has operated Merlin in mixed with local knowledge allow the depth and strength. The winning team and then put those skills into practice the Arctic and whilst the learning curve has Flt engineers to stay ahead of the game was led by LCpl Donlan. The next two exponentially increases the training been steep, the capability that this aircraft when servicing the aircraft with the days were spent on the slopes conducting value for us and the troops alike. If we brings to the force is now being realised.” most suitable oils and fuels. ‘Whiteout’ AT under ski instructors who helped Exercise AQUILLA is the 3 Commando also posses a threat to the crews, so all members of the Flt ski for the first time Brigade Cold Weather Exercise. 43 Cdo pilots regularly fly with the Qualified or improve those who had skied before. are the last unit to roll through and have Helicopter Instructor and practise their The Flt has now recovered from their been ‘on course’ for nearly three weeks. snow landings both during the day and busy week in the snow and are back in Prior to 43 Cdo, Whiskey Coy 45 Cdo at night using night vision goggles. BATUS as the Royal Engineers undertake completed their Cold Weather Training, 29 (BATUS) Flt prepare for the worst Ex WARPAINT ahead of the major Battle again supported by the Commando Merlins. when it comes to the CASEVAC of Group exercises starting in May. It is a With Ex CLOCKWORK now complete, exercising troops but they also have tough regime working in an isolated Flt 846 NAS have Environmentally Qualified to prepare if they themselves become dislocated from its HQ 4,300 miles away (EQ’d) 18 Pilots and 13 aircrewman to stuck on the area! The Gazelle is a very from the UK but the soldiers and aircrew operate in Arctic conditions with four aircraft reliable platform however both ground of 29 (BATUS) Flight Army Air Corps flying nearly 300 hours over six weeks, 40 of crew and pilots are given cold weather wouldn’t have it any other way. those hours in support of 3 Cdo Bde.

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Logistics&Maintenance Troops Take Aim Joint Helicopter Command From chefs to mechanics, ready to deploy anywhere in the world at Lead Commemorative Fly Past troops who support the British short notice to conduct the full spectrum Army’s rapid reaction force have of military operations, from non-combatant The joint nature of the JHC polished their soldiering skills. evacuation operations to warfighting. was on display in March to Brigade training officer Captain lead the Afghanistan Service he logistic and maintenance troops Gary Palmer said: “Regardless of their of Commemoration flypast of 16 Air Assault Brigade provide role it is important that soldiers have 2015 in London, consisting of Sea the power behind the punch the skills to operate effectively in the King (Commando Helicopter delivered by the Brigade’s Apache complex environment of contemporary Operational Force), Chinook (RAF Support Tattack helicopters and airborne infantry military operations. This is particularly Helicopter Force) and and artillery. Exercise Eagles Prey has put important for 16 Air Assault Brigade, Honours & Apache (Army Air Corps) of the supporting soldiers through their paces which is a lean and fast-moving formation the JHC and the Hercules to ensure they are ready to deploy as part that needs adaptable and self-reliant Awards and Tornado of the RAF. of the Air Assault Task Force (AATF). soldiers who are able to do whatever JHC Recepients The week-long training at the Stanford is asked of them on operations, in he formation flew directly over Training Area in Norfolk has seen troops deployed as both a mechanic and driver for addition to their specialist roles.” St Paul’s Cathedral following from 13 Air Assault Support Regiment an infantry fire support group. I was outside the service of commemoration Royal Logistic Corps and 8 Field Company the wire every day and used these fire and and was watched by the The core role of 13 Air Assault Support (Para), 7 Air Assault Battalion Royal manoeuvre skills on a regular basis.” TRoyal Family, massed military and Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (13 AA Electrical and Mechanical Engineers build Private Jake Boardman is a driver with Sp Regt RLC) is to supply and distribute OBE civilian spectators. The Flypast was up from testing their marksmanship with 13 AA Sp Regt RLC. The 19-year-old from materiel, food, fuel, ammunition and • Acting Colonel (now Colonel) also aired on national and international the SA80-A2 assault rifle to practising Warrington said: “In training we all start off spare parts to 16 Air Assault Brigade, Jaimie Roylance, RM, HQ JHC TV and was seen by millions. the British Army’s rapid reaction live fire attacks by day and night. with the basic soldiering skills like this and The JHC aircraft taking part were force. The regiment specialises in the Vehicle mechanic Lance Corporal then you specialise in a trade. As a driver my movement of supplies by helicopter DFC critical to operations in Afghanistan from Jason Copley, of 8 Fd Coy (Para), said: day to day work is about ensuring vehicles and aeroplanes, including air despatch. • Flight Lieutenant (now Major the very start. Along with the Merlin and stores, airlifting 720,200 personnel “This has been a very thorough package and equipment are ready to deploy, and 7 Air Assault Battalion Royal in Army Air Corps) Laura and Lynx aircraft which also played a and extracting 13,300 casualties. Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of training and it’s great to keep the I’ve recently done a lot of training to be Nicholson, AAC, huge part in the campaign, a total of Wg Cdr Nick Knight, who has completed (7 Air Asslt Bn REME), based at AMPTAT infantry skills that we all learn in basic able to drive the Jackal armoured vehicle. Wattisham, is responsible for 138,400 flying hours were conducted, four tours in Afghanistan and was formation training up to date. When we deploy on It’s different to come out on the ranges maintaining the Army’s helicopters AFC moving 24,800 tonnes of equipment leader for the flypast said: ‘It was an operations we would go as mechanics and practise with our weapons, but it’s vital and unmanned aerial systems, with • Flight Lieutenant Edward immense privilege to be part its 8 Field Company (Para), based or armourers, but would still be out on that if we deploy on an operation we are all at Merville Barracks in Colchester, Berwick, RAF, RAF Odiham of the Commemorative the ground and need these skills.” trained to be able to defend ourselves.” looking after the trucks and armoured Flypast - bringing an end The 30-year-old from Canterbury Both 13 AA Sp Regt RLC and 8 Fd Coy vehicles of 16 Air Assault Brigade. QCVS to the Chinook Force’s served in Afghanistan in 2012. He said: “I (Para) provide soldiers for the AATF, which is INFO… FURTHER • Staff Sergeant Kate Lord, significant contribution to RAPTC, 1 Regt AAC HERRICK. The Force can be • Major Paul Stewart, justifiably very proud of its AAC, 5 Regt AAC achievements throughout the campaign, particularly JCCC of its IRT/MERT role. As OC • Captain Jason Porter, 27 Sqn, I still have crews AAC, 4 Regt AAC committed to Afghanistan • Flight Lieutenant Christopher (Op TORAL) and look Ashton, RAF, RAF Benson forward to handing over this • Squadron Leader Christopher commitment to the Puma Higgins, RAF, RAF Odiham Force imminently.’

The following 3 individuals were previously serving within JHC

OBE • Lieutenant Colonel David Kenny, R IRISH, 2 R IRISH

QCVS • Private Carl Lester, RLC, Ex RAF Odiham

JCCC • Captain Nicholas English, AAC, Shrivenham

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Pictured: Merlin in en Nakatani visited the UK with Wellington Barracks Merlin Meets… and Japanese Defence the Japanese Foreign Minister Minister Nakatani in the first ever Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting Gbetween the UK and Japan. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon had Japan’s met the Japanese Ministers to discuss global security situation, including the challenge posed by ISIL and international terrorism, and what more the UK and Japan can do together in the areas of defence and security to promote international peace and security. Defence Minister Nakatani took Defence office in December 2014, and as part of a wider organised Defence visit to the United Kingdom, he took the time to find out more about the Merlin and the Commando Helicopter Force. The visit allowed Gen Nakatani to learn more about the Joint Helicopter Command and the Commando Helicopter Forces Minister capability, specifically how CHF integrates with other foreign nations’ Armed Forces. Japan’s Defence Minister, Gen Nakatani took the opportunity to inspect a Commando Helicopter The VIP tasking was flown by CHF Force Merlin aircraft in a recent visit to the UK. Landing in the grounds of Wellington Barracks, the aircrew from 28 (AC) Squadron, based at Merlin aircrew of the gave the Japanese delegation a tour of the CHF’s newest helicopter. RAF Benson, and after the familiarisation tour of the aircraft, Defence Minister Words By: Kerry Randall Nakatani and his party were taken on a short flight over central London, which included aerial views of the Olympic Park and the Tower of London. Flt Lt John Plenty, the aircraft captain, End of an Era said, “It was an enjoyable experience landing CO TSW Hands Over Command as large an aircraft as the Merlin at a small Helicopter Landing Site just a few hundred The RAF Tactical Supply Wing bade a final farewell to Wg Cdr Andy metres from Buckingham Palace. Despite the Males, outgoing Commanding Officer of TSW on 22nd January 2015. poor weather our VIP passengers seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience of the Words By: Flt Lt Matt Cox Since the Wing’s formation, in 1971, TSW Merlin aircraft. Overall it was one of the personnel have been engaged on continuous more unusual tasks we have completed g Cdr Males is one of the operations, including the Falkland Islands, recently, I and the crew felt privileged to few commissioned officers Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. With the have been a small part of the overall visit.” to have served in each rank redeployment from Op HERRICK, TSW has The Merlin has recently transitioned level within TSW from Flt refocused its efforts to support contingent from the RAF to the Commando Helicopter WLt to Wg Cdr appointments. Serving as operations worldwide and in November Force and will replace the infamous Sea OC B Flight (January to October 2002), 2014 deployed personnel to support the King over the next few years. The Merlin OC Ops (October 2002 to July 2004), UK efforts to combat the spread of Ebola will undergo a modification programme to OC Tactical Fuels Sqn (July 2008 to in Sierra Leone (Op GRITROCK). adapt the aircraft for embarked operations August 2010) and latterly Commanding in the maritime environment and will Officer (January 2013 to January 2015). The provision of aviation fuel to enhance the Command Helicopter Forces Wg Cdr Males leaves to take up an deployed battlefield helicopters is ability to deploy to any environment, appointment within Defence Engagement the responsibility of the TSW based anywhere in the world, across a spectrum Strategy in MoD Main Building. at RAF Stafford. TSW is a key enabler of tasks, from humanitarian support The Incoming CO, Wg Cdr Tim within the Joint Helicopter Command, delivering tactical aircraft refuelling and disaster relief to war fighting. Moss, has arrived from MoD Main and deployed fuels support on behalf The Merlin is flown by 846 Naval Air Building having completed a tour of all three services. Currently the TSW Squadron (NAS) and 28 (AC) Squadron, within Capability Strategy. He said maintains a significant commitment on with 845 NAS taking over the remaining “It is an honour to become the CO operations and holds key capabilities at Very High Readiness to meet contingent aircraft when 28 (AC) Sqn disbands later of such a specialist operational unit, operations and supports an extensive this year. 846 NAS returns to Somerset with a proud and illustrious history of exercise programme, which mandates in May this year bringing the Merlin to providing forward ‘in-the-field’ refuelling routine deployments across the globe. it’s new home in RNAS Yeovilton. support to air and aviation assets. RAF TACTICAL WING SUPPLY (TSW)

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the Space Station’s robotic arm. And, of course there’s the ability to look at different things with each eye…

Q. What skills have you carried over into your astronaut training? A. There have been a couple of hair-raising moments in my career and I think you would be hard pushed to speak to a helicopter pilot with 3,000 hours who hasn’t had one or two emergencies. It’s the nature of the job really. You explore For me, being an the limits of aircraft performance, but before each flight, you spend a lot of astronaut combines time analysing the risks and making sure all the elements everything is safe. On the other hand, that I found you have to accept some risk in order to progress. This is very similar to spaceflight. rewarding about I’ve found that in emergency situations a test pilot career the training really does take over, which is a bit of a cliché, but simply it means that with the incredibly you stay calm, analyse the problem and exciting prospect find a solution as quickly as possible. of being part of an Ground Q. Did you always dream of international effort being an astronaut? to advance our A. No, not really. I hadn’t seriously thought about becoming an astronaut before the knowledge of science ESA selection in 2008. Before then I had Control and human space just assumed that there was no easy path exploration. for a British citizen to become an astronaut. Major Tim Peake Q. What will you be doing in space? What will your role be? A. I’ll be conducting scientific experiments to Major Tim and doing maintenance work on the ISS. The ISS actually comprises a number Maj Peake, a former Apache pilot with the Army Air Corps, of laboratories all bolted together and is the first Briton to be appointed by the European Space scientific research is the main focus of the Agency (ESA) Astronaut Corps and begins his mission on mission. Much of the maintenance work the International Space Station (ISS) in November. involves checks, routine replacements and repairs. In addition, several of the visiting Words and Images By: European Space Agency resupply vehicles require capturing using the space station’s robotic arm. There are also scheduled spacewalks, in order to im, aged 42, who maintains his so I had already had an interest in the space demonstrated outstanding abilities in these in natural sciences, medicine, engineering, pilot or pilot in general are fundamental repair or replace parts on the outside of flying in the Army Reserve, will be sector – aviation and space are linked and fields, preferably including operational IT or mathematics. If we applied as pilots, to the astronaut role. Not just in terms of the space station. There’s no guarantee, conducting a range of scientific share many similar technologies. When the skills. First we filled in online questionnaires, we had to have a minimum of 1,000 hours getting on as a crew, but also in terms of but maybe I’ll get a chance to do that. experiments and maintenance European Space Agency announced they but after that the selection rounds got on various high-performance aircraft, accurate and timely analysis of problems Twork, including using the robotic arm were selecting new astronauts in 2009, I tougher each time. These rounds of preferably as test pilots, as well as a and stability in emergency situations. In Q. Are you nervous or excited about and spacewalking, if the opportunity was ideally placed to apply and thought computer-based tests, psychological degree. I trained as a helicopter pilot, addition to these characteristics, astronauts going into space in a rocket? arises. Married father-of-two Tim, who it too good an opportunity to miss. For assessments and personal skills eventually flight instructor and test pilot, and I have must have good interpersonal and A. I think as anyone you have to be aware of the joined the European Space Agency me, being an astronaut combines all the reduced the 8,000 applicants to around a BSc in flight dynamics and evaluation communication skills in order to operate risks of sitting on top of a huge rocket, but (ESA) in 2009, took time out of his busy elements that I found rewarding about a 20 or so. Around 50 per cent of the from the University of Portsmouth. effectively in a multi-cultural environment. no, I’m definitely not nervous. Once in space, schedule to answer our questions. From test pilot career with the incredibly exciting candidates failed the stringent medical it’s not an unfamiliar environment to be flying Apaches to life in space, and from prospect of being part of an international requirements. The remaining candidates Q. How has your Army training helped Q. Has being an Apache pilot working in, so I’m not overly apprehensive. spaceman food to orbital soundtracks: effort to advance our knowledge of went through formal interviews, with when you have been training with ESA? helped in any way? This is what all those years flying aircraft find out what he had to say… science and human space exploration. the final ten being invited to meet ESA’s A. I think my Army training has helped A. Yes, I’m sure it has! The tandem seat have been leading to. I’ve carried out some Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain. enormously in preparing me for being an arrangement of the Apache demands fairly high-risk flight tests, so my future Q. Why did you decide that you Q. How difficult was it to get onto astronaut. The Army provides an opportunity clear, concise verbal crew communication. career is probably far safer than my past wanted to become an astronaut? the ESA’s training programme? Q. What qualifications did you need? to develop personal skills that are extremely Furthermore, the skills developed career. I am actually very excited to be A. I’d been working as a military test pilot A. ESA was looking for people who were A. Candidates had to have a university degree useful in many walks of life. Some of the for target tracking have proved going up. I’m looking forward to it. Using in the five years before I applied to ESA, qualified in science or engineering, with or equivalent at Masters or Doctorate level skills that you learn along the way as a test extremely useful when manipulating the robotic arm, for example, or a spacewalk >>

36 LZDZ MAGAZINE / ISSUE 1, 2015 THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK ISSUE 1, 2015 / LZDZMAGAZINE 37 PEOPLE HONOURS & AWARDS

The team from 3 Regiment Army Air drive for excellence” that has seen it Corps, based at Wattisham Flying Station “push the boundaries to produce an Honour in Suffolk, carried out ten displays this year, unrivalled display performance.” including six major air shows and the national AHDT manager Captain Chuck Nicol said: for Apache event for Armed Forces Day in Stirling. A “It’s wonderful to receive this recognition photograph of an Apache flying in front of a for a lot of hard work across the year by billowing cloud of fire and smoke at the Royal the 12-strong team of ground crew, REME Display International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford was technicians and aircrew. Our aim is to improve chosen by public vote as the best image in public understanding of the role of the the 2014 Army Photographic Competition. Attack Helicopter Force by telling the story Team The award was presented to the AHDT of its work on operations in Afghanistan. by Colonel Jason Etherington, Commander “The display was an operational crew The soldiers behind explosive of Wattisham Flying Station. The citation flying an operational aircraft at operational displays that saw the British praised the team’s “hours of personal weight, demonstrating a typical sortie Army’s Apache attack sacrifice, professionalism and constant in support of troops on the ground.” helicopter fly in front of 500,000 The scenario showcased the agility and people at air shows this year speed of the Apache, with pyrotechnic have been honoured. explosions simulating its gunfire and rockets and real time radio transmission he Attack Helicopter Display between the pilot and simulated ground Team (AHDT) has been forces bringing the display to life. presented with the Pooley Capt Nicol said: “Our aim for next Sword, which is awarded season’s display is to move the Apache Tannually to an individual or group who story on from Afghanistan. As the AH have “made a significant and concerted Force prepares for the uncertain challenge contribution to the Attack Helicopter of contingency operations, our display Force at home or on operations.” will change to reflect that.”

>> if the opportunity arises - that would apple pie with ice cream or rhubarb and When the next astronaut selection be the icing on the cake. Then there’s custard. Surprisingly, many of these foods comes along, I’m sure many more will simply living and working in space for can be adapted for spaceflight. In fact, get the chance. As long as you bear six months. Looking down on planet there was a competition for kids to develop in mind that there really is no single Earth will be an incredible sight. British-inspired space food, designed with route to becoming an astronaut. The some of these tastes in mind specially for best chances of success are to have a Q. How have you found the my mission, with chef Heston Blumenthal. solid foundation in the core sciences weightlessness training? Probably the most unwelcome foods in or experience as a pilot, but it has A. I’ve done some zero-g training in an space are things like crisps (with crumbs more to do with being passionate aircraft, which was fun, but I think you that would go everywhere) or anything about what you do and being as good mean practicing for spacewalks. We do with liquid that could not be contained. as you can be. Keep working at it. that underwater in a neutral buoyancy laboratory (a huge swimming pool!) in Q. What does your family think about Q. In a ‘Desert Island Discs’ moment, Houston, and we repeat these sessions you becoming an astronaut? what music will you be listening to? until they become second nature. It is A. I am extremely fortunate as my family and A. I like a wide range of music, for different certainly very physically and mentally friends are extremely supportive. Rebecca moods, from rock to classical. I like U2, demanding; wearing a pressurized space takes everything in her stride. We’ve been Coldplay, Matchbox 20, Snow Patrol suit for six hours is extremely tiring. We married for nearly 15 years now and she and Madness for example, but there are train quite often – right up until launch. was in the Army herself so she knows the also some great film soundtracks that I absolutely love it, but it’s by far the pressures that we will have to face. Of I know will sound just fantastic when most challenging training so far – apart course I will miss her and my boys terribly, I’m looking at Earth from the Cupola – from Russian language class, that is! but we will still be able to communicate Layer Cake is one of my favourites. when I am away via email and by phone. Q. Is there a favourite food you In fact, communicating with family from Major Tim Peake: are allowed to take or will miss space is probably easier than it is for many www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_ because you can’t take it? military personnel deployed on operations! Spaceflight/Astronauts/Timothy_Peake A. Space food hasn’t always had a good And of course, my kids will be able to – reputation, but it has come a long way say that their dad really is an astronaut. Army Air Corps: www.army.mod.uk/aviation/air.aspx since the early days of spaceflight. I love – a good Sunday roast with Yorkshire Q. How easy do you think it will become European Space Agency: pudding, beef stew and, of course, for others to follow in your footsteps? www.esa.int/ESA curry. And I like desserts too, such as A. For other Europeans to go into space? INFO… FURTHER

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4 RIFLES’ Corporal Mark Zareh, 27 from Glasgow, who narrowly lost his light-welterweight Olympic bout, said: “I can honestly say that when I came out of the ring I knew that I had given everything Champion that I could have possibly given. It’s very disappointing because you put in a lot of work to get to this stage. It’s relentless training day at Army in day out, giving up weekends and training every day for about four to five hours.” Boxing DeGale, who won middleweight gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has had links to 3 PARA since the boxing team visited his Match gym during their successful run to claiming finished in the top ten in her age and the Army title in 2013. In October 2014 gender categories at both the London Olympic gold medallist boxer he visited the unit at Merville Barracks title each time it has taken part since and Windsor triathlons. She set a James DeGale cheered on to gain an insight into military life. 2003. The unit did not compete in 2006, personal best of 2hr 5min in London at 3rd Battalion The Parachute The 29-year-old said: “It’s good to be 2008 or 2011 because it was deployed in the Olympic distance, which is a 1.5km Regiment as they punched back here in Colchester. There’s a great Afghanistan and in 2014 due to training swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. their way to progress in the atmosphere, with 3 PARA really getting behind commitments. The boxers are all soldiers In the individual sports, Pte Preston Army’s boxing competition. their guys. The boxing has been great and first and trained to deploy as part of the won the 400m freestyle and 4 x 50m really entertaining, they don’t mess about, Air Assault Task Force (AATF), which is relay at the inter-services swimming he Colchester-based paratroopers they’re fit boys and they give it their all.” maintained by 16 Air Assault Brigade championship and finished fourth in defeated 4th Battalion The Rifles 3 PARA has a proud tradition of success to be ready for operations anywhere the inter-services cycling road race. by a thumping majority of eight in the ring, having won the Army boxing in the world at short notice. Pte Preston, who has been in the bouts to one in the quarter- Army for 18 months, said: “I’m very Tfinal of the Army Major Units Boxing proud to be recognised, both by the Championship. A vocal crowd at Tuesday’s Army and locally in Colchester. It’s great (10th February) contest, held at the Budd to be able to balance being both an VC Gymnasium, saw 3 PARA’s boxers chalk athlete and a soldier, because I get time up four knockouts in their eight victories. off to train and race but when I’m at Second Lieutenant Alex Lewis, 26 from work I get treated no differently to any Poole, who won his middleweight bout for other soldier. For me it’s as important 3 PARA, said: “I was quite nervous, but for the Regiment to be recognised when you pull on that 3 PARA strip and because of the support I am given.” you’ve got the whole battalion behind you Pte Preston, a former pupil of it does genuinely pick you up. You’re not Mackie Academy, is aiming to break just boxing for yourself, you’re into the British team next season and boxing for everyone around Double compete on the European circuit. you. All the guys performed She said: “I’ve been swimming well and we’re really happy competitively since I was six and started with that as a team.” Recognition to get interested in triathlon when I was 13. I love triathlon because of the variety. With three disciplines there’s always something different to do in training so for Sporting you never get bored and you can always break it up into the individual events. “I build my training around work and Soldier I’m usually up at half five every morning to train. I’ll swim every morning and do two track running, four bike and three gym sessions across the week, An Army medic has received Pte Preston, 21 from Stonehaven in with a long run at the weekend.” double recognition for her sporting Aberdeenshire, is a combat medical technician Lieutenant Colonel Philip McNee, prowess in the space of a week. with Colchester-based 16 Medical Regiment. Commanding Officer of 16 Med Regt, said: She collected the Colchester award from Cllr “As a Regiment we are immensely proud rivate Kimberley Preston - who John Elliott, the Mayor of Colchester, at the of Private Preston and her achievements competes for the Army in triathlon, town’s Weston Homes Community Stadium on in the triathlon deserve the recognition swimming and cycling - has been Monday (24th November), before attending they have received. The commitment named runner-up in the rising star the Army Sports Awards at the Guildhall in she displays to her sport, achieved at no Pcategory at the Army Sports Awards and London on Thursday (27th November). detriment to her role as a combat medical Female Sports Personality of the Year The two awards cap a successful sporting technician, is an example to all soldiers of in the 2014 Sport Colchester Awards. year for Pte Preston. In the triathlon she what they can achieve as individuals.”

40 LZDZ MAGAZINE / ISSUE 1, 2015 THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK ISSUE 1, 2015 / LZDZMAGAZINE 41 SPORT Images: 3AAC Regimental This year’s team was made up of a breadth

of experience. It is perhaps misunderstood that www.shutterstock.com ayzek, and © ppart racers should already be competent skiers. Becoming a part of the team is a unique and incredible opportunity to start as a complete novice and through first class tuition and, perhaps more importantly, a minimum of six back-to-back weeks on the slopes, become Ski Team a very proficient skier; better even than someone who has skied regularly throughout their life. Airtpr Hughes (663 Sqn, 3 Regt AAC) marginally missed out on the coveted “Best Novice” award by displaying a natural aptitude on the mountain through embracing and 2014/15 completely committing to the competition. During Winter 14/15, the Regiment was extremely fortunate to send six The team took over an excellent little chalet banter proved to be excellent ice individuals, making up the 3AAC Ski Team, to the annual Army Air Corps in the heart of Verbier; a huge privilege in breakers and the Swiss instructors and Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) Ski Championships in Verbier, Switzerland. itself. Equipped with a fully kitted out kitchen, are well versed with our unique everyone got stuck into putting food on military humour having taught the Words By: Capt Blackmore through their paces in the four component to the table. The team ethos and cohesion British Army for many years. disciplines that must be mastered as an necessitated inclusive contributions and there On top of the formidable skiing Future his represented a terrific alpine skier: Slalom, Giant Slalom (GS), Super was no room to hide from the kitchen! There routine, the Exercise is also very opportunity to participate in an G, and the infamous Downhill. For a lucky was a noticeable improvement in the quality social. Fortunately, Verbier offers an Exercise that has been running few there was the opportunity to advance of the meal served as time went by as the excellent selection of venues and a in its current format for over further on to the Divisional Championships daily team chef perfected his signature dish. superb atmosphere. Additionally, T30 years. Representative teams from that took place in Serre Chevalier, France. Lessons took place daily between 0830- each unit was tasked with organising Hot Shot across the AAC and RAC travelled to This is a natural progression that brings 1630hrs with all skiers split into ability level the weekly Exercise party. This for Army Air Corps Clay Target Shooting Switzerland to conduct an intense period together additional teams from across the groups. This also cleverly blended the teams usually involved a themed fancy of alpine ski training under the expert wider Army, thus creating an ever increasing together and encouraged all to make some dress occasion with Regimental direction of the Swiss Ski School. This competitive atmosphere in which some thrive new mates and find out a little more about identity as the main effort, in keeping Late last year I was offered the opportunity to try culminated in nine days of competition and some come up short. Ski racing is as the varied jobs everyone was employed in with the competitive nature of the my hand at clay pigeon shooting by taking part in during which all team members were put much a test of the mind as it is of the body! back in the UK. Inter Regimental rivalry and Exercise and promoting the strong the AAC Clay Target Shooting competition. pride felt by the 3 AAC contingent. With a largely inexperienced team, this year 3AAC focussed on building Words By: LCpl Mohammed Moolkeea I had it in me to hit at least one clay! The two experience for future competitions. day competition that took place between As such the results were not the most was initially apprehensive as this form the 14th and 15th January at Bramley Clay competitive in either the AAC and of shooting was completely alien to Pigeon Shooting Club. We were presented RAC Championship or the Divisionals. me. Being only an average rifle shot with 150 targets spread over the two That said, the foundations for future at best, I had never fired a shotgun days. Day one was a practice day during success were firmly laid, both on Ibefore but I decided to give it a try. which we shot at 50 clays whilst coaches and off the mountain. The team all Aldergrove is lucky to have Capt tried to iron out any faults in shooting thoroughly enjoyed the Exercise. Adamson who is a qualified coach and style, stance, gun fit and technique. It was Competition for places next year will clay target shooting instructor. Prior to a lot to take in, but I immediately felt at be high as all the participants not attending the competition in January, ease due to the professionalism of the only saw the huge benefit of testing he explained the principles of how to coaches, Capt Cherry and Maj Vallance. themselves against the demand of shoot moving targets as well as the basic The second day was the actual competition alpine skiing, but are also hungry to outline of the sport and competition. and though my nerves hadn’t vanished go back for another shot at the title. It A subsequent day spent at the local completely, my confidence had grown. was a great bonding experience that shooting ground put the theory into The course was over ten stands where was full throttle in every respect. The practice and my confidence grew. All of a number of targets were presented Team firmly embraced the work hard, the basics were covered and though my simultaneously and on report. My final play hard mentality and it was a very hit rate was not very high I was improving. tally was 26/100 birds which I am told is rewarding trip. Standing in the start The one to one coaching accounted for an excellent score for a beginner. Overall, gate at the top of the Downhill dressed my one successful hit out of 30 targets it was a fantastic experience and I had in lycra alone, strapped to 215cm skis, - I must add that it was a good hit! an amazing time. I look forward to future with your mind as the only limiting training and coaching to improve my scores factor is a, sobering yet, exhilarating THE COMPETITION in the hope of progressing further in clay experience. Those that like the sound And so it came to the competition, I was target shooting. The sport accommodates of it or question the challenge should slightly anxious as I was expecting a very all levels, so even as a complete novice make every effort to sign up next high standard from my fellow competitors. going straight into a competition I was year and judge for themselves! That said, even as a complete novice, I knew able to partake fully and compete.

42 LZDZ MAGAZINE / ISSUE 1, 2015 THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK ISSUE 1, 2015 / LZDZMAGAZINE 43 SPORT CHARITY

U’s Sign Armed Forces Corporate Covenant Colchester United have shown their support to the town’s military Pictured: Cheque Presentation community by signing the Armed to Clare Scherer, Royal Navy and Forces’ Corporate Covenant. Royal Marines Children’s Fund.

he U’s welcomed Colonel Gary Wilkinson CBE, the Commander of Colchester Garrison, to the match against Crawley Junglies Dig Deep TTown (Saturday 14th March) to sign the document with club director Kevin Bull. Engineers and aircrew from 845 Naval Air Squadron have raised £625 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund. In a presentation at RNAS Yeovilton, the cheque was handed to In a show of support to the Clare Scherer, the Assistant Director of the Children’s Fund. Image: town’s armed forces, Colchester © J and S Photography, www.shutterstock.com S Photography, © J and United and their Football in the Words By: Kerry Randall Presenting the cheque to the Royal Community programme will:- Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund, • continue to offer a Forces he Children’s Fund was set up CPO ‘Larry’ Lambert said, “The night was discount for match tickets to over 100 years ago, originally a great success and enjoyed by all. I am current serving personnel and Corporate Covenant, the club are hoping supporting orphanages, it very grateful to all the companies that those with a discharge letter to further strengthen those links and work now supports over 2,000 very kindly donated the fantastic prizes, • work with local regiments to put closely with the Army in the coming years.” Tchildren a year with needs ranging from and would like to thank all members on activities and events to make The U’s are only the third Football bereavement to illness and disabilities. of the Squadron for their generous soldiers and their families deployed League club to sign up to the corporate The Fund provides specialist equipment, donations to this worthy cause.” in the town welcome as an integral Serving soldiers have often adopted covenant. It is hoped that other teams respite care and an emergency grant part of their new community will follow the Essex side’s lead and scheme for children of RN personnel. • make both serving and Colchester United as their team whilst work closely with the armed forces, Clare Scherer explained, “Every penny former soldiers aware of deployed locally and, by signing the their families and veterans. raised makes a real difference to the lives employment opportunities at Colonel Gary Wilkinson CBE, of the children who have a parent who the club where relevant. Corporate Covenant, the club are hoping Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: has been fighting for their country and to further strengthen those links and work “The Army and Colchester United FC are supporting us and all the money raised closely with the Army in the coming years. both important institutions in Colchester goes direct to the children because our To mark the signing, soldiers from the Colchester United Manager Tim Waddington that provide an opportunity for the investments cover all admin costs. town’s 16 Air Assault Brigade and 3rd town’s military and civilian communities Thank you so much to Larry Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, to mix through a shared love of sport. Lambert and the whole squadron the Army Reserve infantry unit that “By signing the corporate covenant, we for raising this money for us, we are recruits from Essex, were at the Weston have formalised the existing supportive very grateful for their support.” Homes Community Stadium with some relationship there is between Colchester The Squadron held a raffle in order of their vehicles and equipment. forces based in Colchester, and the club “Serving soldiers have often adopted United and the Army in Colchester. to raise money for the Children’s Fund, U’s General Manager Tim Waddington have a long standing association with the Colchester United as their team whilst I look forward to continuing to work with prizes donated from generous said: “We are hugely proud of the armed regiments who call the town their home. deployed locally and, by signing the together for the benefit of all.” companies across the country.

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Paratroopers Take on Bobsleigh Challenge

Paratroopers are preparing “Active Essex is an organisation that’s part for the winter sports season funded by Sport England and part funded with a brand new bobsleigh. by Essex County Council. We promote people having an active lifestyle including oldiers from Colchester-based everything from PE in school right the 3rd Battalion The Parachute way through to elite athlete development. Regiment are competing at the We facilitate people’s involvement Army Bobsleigh Championships in sport right across the county.” Sin La Plange in France in January. To Mr Sullivan, who served with The help them on their way, the team has Parachute Regiment in the 1980s, said: “You received a new competition bobsleigh never stop being a paratrooper, being back Capability Begins funded by Active Essex and security here is like being back in the family for me. and logistics firm Wilson James. I went to see the team training last year 5 AAC 3 PARA has a good history in the and became hooked on the sport. It’s great competition, dominating the novice category to be able to support 3 PARA’s bobsleigh With Training… in the 2012/2013 season by winning first, team. The bobsleigh has got a Parachute Cross second and third and fourth place. They are Regiment capbadge on it so no-one will Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) is a 50:50 joint venture hoping for a repeat of this success in the have any doubts about who’s driving it!” New Year with their new equipment and new Private Ivan Londal, 24, from Durban between AgustaWestland Limited and The Boeing Company. Country team members straight from basic training. in South Africa, said “It’s brilliant to have Private William Summers, 21 from York, this new sled, it’s far more advanced than It was formed in 1998 as a special purpose vehicle to deliver 5 Regiment Army Air is one of the team’s newest members. He the old ones that we have been using. It the Attack Helicopter Training Service contract for the UK Army. Corps remain focused on said: “When I joined the battalion in July puts us in a good position to do really well The contract was financed under a PFI arrangement. competing in Cross Country. I never thought in my wildest dreams that this year. Two years ago, even though we Recently eight members I’d be sitting in a bobsleigh going down an were all novices, we were really successful. ATIL holds a unique position as a training organisation in being able of the Regiment took part ice track at 75mph. We train eight times a Now we are even more focussed and in the Cyprus International week, doing a lot of weight lifting and also have some great new guys on the team. In to provide total synthetic training solutions in the areas of Aircrew, four Day Challenge. sprinting, and have just come back from January, we have the Army Championships Groundcrew and Maintenance training. A range of equipment is a week in Austria where we have been in La Plange. Hopefully, off the back employed to represent the sophisticated systems that reside within an he four day Challenge is learning to drive the sleds, it was mega.” of that, some of us will be selected for aircraft of the complexity of the Apache. a staged running event, Gary Sullivan OBE, the chairman of the Army team to take part in the inter- covering a distance slightly both Wilson James and Active Essex, said: services championships in March.“ From weapons to avionics, each device allows students to familiarise longer than a marathon Twith mountain running, trail running themselves with some of the most advanced technology in the world. The & cross country running. The event equipment is based on full size aircraft systems and provides a high degree successfully combines a 6km time of fidelity offering the necessary tactile and visual cues, greatly reducing the trial, 11km mountain trail, multi- need to use operational aircraft for training purposes. Constant investment terrain half marathon and a 10km by the MoD and ATIL in technology insertions has ensured that the training city run over four days. The event system remains one of the most up to date in the world. proved to be a huge success, out of the 25 teams that took part, 5 AAC finished a respectable 3rd position. Aviation Training International Limited 5 AAC have recently finished Coldharbour Business Park, 2nd overall Major unit in the Northern Ireland Cross Country Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4JW team championships and are also Tel: 01935 810300 on course to finish 2nd major unit in the Northern Ireland Email: [email protected] Cross County League. Web: www.atil.co.uk

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