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THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS Ex Joint Warrior CJOAX American Airborne Exercise Leads the Way Tests for Practical Interoperability

Our 847 NAS Wildcat Deck Landing Training Ability Wildcat to React on the Waves

British and American Sappers Building Together 845 NAS on Ex Joint Warrior 151 AAC JNCOs Put Through Their Paces

JOURNAL OF THE JOINT HELICOPTER COMMAND CONTENTS

Contents Issue 2, 2015

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28 Capability Begins With Training… Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) is a 50:50 joint venture between AgustaWestland Limited and The Boeing Company. 26 14 It was formed in 1998 as a special purpose vehicle to deliver the Attack Helicopter Training Service contract for the UK Army. The contract was financed under a PFI arrangement. COVER STORY British & American Sappers US Exchange Pilot Visit to SPORT Ex Joint Warrior Tests Building Together ...... 14 846 Naval Air Squadron...... 24 Northern Ireland Our Ability to React ...... 12 Ex Shamrock Mayne ...... 15 Guernsey Liberation Day ...... 26 Operational Shooting ATIL holds a unique position as a training organisation in being able CJOAX American Exercise New Name for Suffolk’s Competition 2015 ...... 32 to provide total synthetic training solutions in the areas of Aircrew, CAPABILITY Leads the Way for Practical Airborne Engineers ...... 27 Exercise White Knight ...... 33 Groundcrew and Maintenance training. A range of equipment is Welfare Facilities Interoperability ...... 16 Army on Show to Yeovilton Triathlon ...... 34 employed to represent the sophisticated systems that reside within an Equipped to Entertain Joint Aircrewman Course ...... 18 Suffolk Community ...... 27 Army Air Corps aircraft of the complexity of the Apache. High-readiness Troops ...... 5 Ex Neptunes Beard ...... 20 AAC JNCOs Put Parachuting ...... 35 Wildcat on the Waves ...... 6 Ex Merlin Vortex ...... 21 Through Their Paces ...... 28 AAC Female Nordic Skiing ...... 36 The End of an Era ...... 7 845 NAS on Exercise 7 Flight AAC Supports 9 Regt AAC Charity Squash From weapons to avionics, each device allows students to familiarise Wildcat Transition ...... 8 Joint Warrior 151 ...... 22 Gurkha 200 Anniversary ...... 30 Marathon Endurance Event ...... 37 themselves with some of the most advanced technology in the world. The 9 Regt AAC Cycling, equipment is based on full size aircraft systems and provides a high degree TRAINING PEOPLE CHARITY Paris-Roubaix 2015 ...... 38 of fidelity offering the necessary tactile and visual cues, greatly reducing the CHF Support the Airborne Gunners Fire Soldiers Cycle Round AAC Netball ...... 40 need to use operational aircraft for training purposes. Constant investment Ten Tors Expedition ...... 10 Royal Salute in Colchester ...... 24 the Clock for Charity ...... 30 5 AAC Hit the Hills ...... 41 by the MoD and ATIL in technology insertions has ensured that the training British & American Soldiers and Sailors Soldiers Raise Money to Help Yeovilton Flying High with Artillery Train Together ...... 11 Parade Through Yeovil ...... 24 Nepalese Earthquake Victims ..... 31 Marathon Success ...... 42 system remains one of the most up to date in the world.

Aviation Training International Limited EDITORIAL SUBMISSION DATE… Coldharbour Business Park, View this publication online please scan the Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4JW FRIDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2015 QR code using your smartphone or tablet. Tel: 01935 810300 Please submit all entries for the next issue by no later than the date stated above.

Email: [email protected] This publication is copyright Lance Publishing Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Publishing Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Publishing Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence Web: www.atil.co.uk arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.

VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK LZDZ / ISSUE 2 2015 3 FOREWORD CAPABILITY

Welfare Facilities Foreword MeettheTeam EquippedtoEntertain

EDITORIAL High-readiness Troops Editor: Sqn Ldr Mark Radbourne E: [email protected] New welfare facilities have been opened events such as games nights and Private Glover, one of the soldiers T: 01264 381 122 up for Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) troops movie nights, it also presents a involved in the planning and delivery of – based at Merville Barracks in Colchester. fantastic location from which to the project said, ‘The pool tables, games SALES display pictures of all that is good and DVDs that we have were all very kindly Sales Manager: Laurence Rowe Written By: Capt Nick Burdick about service in 13 AASR and 16 Air Asslt Bde. Ultimately donated. It’s a great place for people E: [email protected] the Red & Black Room will be a significant force multiplier to socialise and it’s perfect to meet new T: 01536 526 662 he airborne logistics in the areas of morale, retention and team cohesion.’ people when they join the regiment.’ – specialists from 13 DESIGNER Air Assault Support Regiment Designer: Chris Keller (13 AASR) RLC opened their new E: [email protected] Trecreation room on Thursday (11th June) in T: 01536 526 672 an event attended by Brigadier Nick Borton, – commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade. PUBLISHER The new facility will be known as the Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Red & Black Room, after the regimental Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, colours, and will house pool tables, TVs, Spring and Summer 2015 have seen the JHC continue to deliver Northants NN16 8NL games consoles and a wi-fi access. The aim successfully against a fast moving and exciting programme. T: 01536 512 624 of the project has been to give the soldiers E: [email protected] somewhere to relax when they are off-duty. e continue to hit key milestones interoperability; Ex Joint Warrior, embarked W: www.lancepublishing.co.uk The regimental Quartermaster, Maj Jo in the development of exercises in the Baltic and the Combined Company Registration No. 3253372 McCord, who helped get the Red and Black new capabilities and those Joint Operational Access Exercise in the – Room off the ground said, ‘The facility has been deployed on Op TORAL USA were all a huge success. These saw a PRINTER warmly received by all of the soldiers of 13 Wcontinue to provide support in Kabul; broad cross-section of the JHC exercising Lance Print Ltd, 29/30 Stapledon Road, AASR. Not only does it provide a superb area the Puma Mk2 is performing well and with our allies, providing support to the Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6TD where they can relax, play pool and organise this is testament to the dedication and Lead Commando Group and validating the T: 01733 390 564 hard work of all those at RAF Benson. Air Assault Task Force. The knowledge, E: [email protected] The rest of the Command has also been skills and experience gained on such W: www.lanceprint.co.uk extremely busy training for contingent exercises will be key to our future success. – operations, this training was put into I was also impressed to see the amount FURTHER INFORMATION effect during Op LAYLAND which saw the of adventurous training, sport and W: www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/ rapid and very successful deployment of development activities across our units, in aboutdefence/whatwedo/ 3 Chinooks and Joint Helicopter Force such a busy environment it is important we airsafetyandaviation/jhc HQ 3 to India in the wake of the Nepal all make time to undertake such events. – earthquake. Although the Nepalese We now look forward to the second half PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT: declined to use these assets, it did showcase of 2015 with a busy schedule planned to Mr C A Harris of Salisbury. Merlin the agility of our forces to react swiftly. build on the good work already completed. precision landing published Elsewhere, our forces have been working I look forward to seeing you in the in LZDZ Issue 1 2015. closely with allied nations to improve field and at home. Good luck. – COVER CREDIT Maj Gen Richard Felton CBE © MoD Crown Copyright Commander JHC

FURTHER INFORMATION

13 AASR, who have just returned from a huge interoperability exercise with PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 12 FOR THE COVER STORY the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina, are currently preparing EXERCISE JOINT WARRIOR to support Exercise Askari Storm LZDZ Magazine is also online and can be found at: www.lzdzonline.co.uk in Kenya in the coming months.

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The End of an Era 847 NAS Wildcat Deck Landing Training achieved, both day and night, using the of a new era for 847 NAS and thanks to Written By: Sgt Anderson onboard camera to locate and identify targets the supreme efforts by the Squadron building upon crew skills previously learnt personnel, this complicated and vitally Tuesday 31st March 2015 on deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. important training evolution was was an emotional day for Over the course of the two week completed successfully and ahead of 667 (D&T) Sqn AAC. training detachment, 847 NAS flew over time. The Squadronn is once again now Wildcat 80 hours and conducted over 100 deck capable of operating from the sea. oday was to be the last ever landings, qualifying all the aircrew in The Wildcat BRH marks a significant flight of XZ642, our last mighty preparation for the Squadron to assume improvement in 847 Squadron’s ability Lynx MK7 before it was retired. its Very High Readiness (VHR) role in to operate in the maritime environment. XZ642 arrived in the Sqn in April this year. As the UK’s first frontline Wildcat BRH provides vastly improved T2011, after being a servant with 1, 3, deployable Wildcat BRH squadron, 847 situational awareness to the aircrew 4 and 9 Regt AAC and a number of on the NAS can now deploy on any aviation through a combination of its sensors, radios deployments on Op TELIC, in doing so it capable ship in the Royal Navy and operate and navigation equipment. This in turn will accumulated over 7,000 hours in the air. around the world at short notice. generate capacity in the cockpit allowing The Lynx Mk7, built by Agusta Lt Cdr Graeme Spence, CO 847 NAS said, aircrew to focus more of their attention on Westland has been in service with the “This deployment heralds the beginning completing the mission successfully.” AAC for the best part of 40 years and is Waves still the proud record holder of the fastest Over the course of two weeks in April, joined by a team from the Air using traditional techniques, however on this production helicopter in the world! 847 Naval Air Squadron conducted their first Manoeuvre Planning Training occasion the aircrew now benefited from the XZ642 has been a real workhorse for Wildcat AH1 Deck Landing training from RFA and Advisory Team (AMPTAT) Wildcat’s advanced camera (EODS Electro D&T Squadron since its arrival, it has LYME BAY off the Southern coast of England. from the Joint Helicopter Optical System) and navigation equipment. deployed around the UK and Europe Command including a military This greatly improved the task of locating supporting various trials, one of its Written By: Kerry Randall lawyer from the Army Legal Service who and identifying the ship from a distance main tasks has been to trial different provided realistic scenario based training. enabling the aircrew to complete their Defensive Aid Suites to protect eploying with four Wildcat Flying out of RNAS Culdrose to RFA training, even in difficult weather conditions. the aircraft from enemy threats. Battlefield Reconnaissance LYME BAY, the crews conducted day and To improve familiarity with the aircraft At 11:55am, XZ642 departed Middle Helicopters (BRH) and 44 night, including the use of night vision systems, additional training was devised Wallop for its final sortie, crewed by personnel, 847 NAS established goggles (NVG) deck landings. These sorties which involved tracking an ‘enemy force’, WO2 Rick Boys (who still remains the Da forward operating base at RNAS involved flying out to the ship to conduct played by the local Police and Fire services oldest serving pilot across the tri- Culdrose. The Squadron were also the various procedural circuits and landings, in and around Bodmin Moor. This was services, at least that is what we tell him!), WO2 Steve Robinson and LCpl Bobby Roberts. After two short hours, the Lynx made its last ever landing, where it was to be welcomed back to Hangar 1 by all members of D&T Sqn and Wing Commander Andy Ouellette, the Commanding Officer of the JHC Operational Evaluation Unit who had made the trip from RAF Benson to mark this occasion. Once the aircraft had been put to bed by the Groundcrew, we raised a glass of Aldi’s finest ‘Champagne’ washed down with a cheeky slice of cake, not only to celebrate the service of the Lynx Mk7 with D&T Squadron, but to look to the future with the Squadrons Lynx Mk9A.

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he new building on the North side process. Crew Served Weapons trials and specific Crew Served Weapons Operators (CSWO) on both to be implemented. With those of RNAS Yeovilton, boasts superb training was conducted at Kirkcudbright and GPMG and M3M HMG weapon systems. A week of M3M in place, data integration will be planning, briefing and office facilities demonstrated that the Wildcat can pack a initial ground training and GPMG revision was then put into able to continue. The results of within the Joint Force Operating punch in the defensive and offensive roles and practice on Kirkcudbright Ranges in November last year in that evaluation work will assist in TCentre; the fleet currently sits at 16 airframes proved that the integrated nature of the mission which over 34,000 rounds were fired. This training allows the development of Bowman Data with engineering split between 847 NAS, systems has vastly improved our capabilities. the Aircrewmen to defend the aircraft whilst also having SOPs for the Wildcat force and 1 Regt AAC and the Wildcat Contract The most recent trials have seen Wildcat deploy the ability to ‘reach out’ to the enemy with the M3M. feed into other programmes such Maintainers; resources and manpower are to Spadeadam and Otterburn to conduct CTR will now teach and assess the Aircraft Commander as the Merlin Mk 4 and Project steadily improving and aircraft availability Defensive Aids Suite trials and training. One to become a Qualified Controller (Own Weapons). MORPHEUS. Bowman voice has is increasing and finally the team itself has of the big headlines to come out of all these This enables him to direct and control the CSWO’s fire been tested and demonstrated to morphed from The Wildcat Fielding Team into activities is the Wildcat BRH Tactical Operating onto targets. It is the final step to providing Wildcat units outside the ARF, notably 3 652 (WF) Sqn AAC, playing a key role within Manual. The six volumes cover all aspects of with the ‘teeth’ to enter the battlefield, from a crew Cdo Bde on Ex JOINT WARRIOR 1 Regt AAC. This inclusion will greatly assist operating the Wildcat effectively and efficiently. served weapons point of view. The new Aircrewmen and Ex GREEN LIGHTNING not only 652 Sqn’s ability to deliver CTT and ISTAR, Direction of Joint Fires, LMMM, Ground of CTT2 have been introduced to Wildcat through the where the aircraft showed off CTR but will also allow 1 Regt AAC to prepare ops, Comms and Defensive Aids; they can Wildcat Training Centre’s ground school its in-built RRB capability and itself to become the first AAC Wildcat Regt. be found within the Electronic Battle Box. programme. Early summer will see them its ability to be added to nets via over the start their flying phase, complete their air distribution of comms info. This will be CONVERSION TO ROLE AIRCREWMEN final handling tests and join their front seat added into the CTR training for the aircrew Utilising experience gained on previous AAC With CTT 1 now complete, the Aircrewmen crews as the course progresses. By the and it is being looked at as a possible SOP for aircraft types, the Wildcat Conversion to Role have moved on to the CTR phase. They arrive end of the year, they will have completed when the aircraft need to operate with units (CTR) syllabus was developed. It would utilise qualified, current and competent as Wildcat CTT2 and another group of Aircrewmen who don’t have them in their comms plan. experience of both the Apache and Lynx CTR will have travelled down what promises courses and also bring together the work that to be a well trodden and exciting path. WILDCAT MISSION SUPPORT SYSTEM had been carried out as part of the Operational A new mission planning system has finally Evaluation/Tactical Development of the Wildcat GROUNDCREW arrived at 652 Sqn in the form of the Wildcat BRH. On completion of the Conversion to The start of CTR has brought a fantastic Mission Support System (WMSS). And the Type Training (CTT), pilots are streamed into opportunity to adopt a new ‘Wildcat way’ of good news is… It works! The team have been the Left Hand Seat or the Right Hand Seat. doing business which takes into consideration very busy learning the intricacies of the system This will have an influence on the focus of their experience and knowledge of the Lynx which in turn will make the process of mission training, which will become very apparent to aircraft, Theatres of operation, international planning more effective and efficient. The them during the Battle Drills phase of CTR. collaboration, interoperability and likely previous ‘mission planner’ was nothing more This involves training the individual in the roles future operations. The key headlines from the than an engineering tool to place basic flight required from their seat; with the RHS focussing Groundcrew is everything follows a template; data in to the aircraft. WMSS is a full mission on handling and aircraft management and from the equipment and personnel to Orders planner, networked and allows multi-aircraft the LHS focussing on operating the aircraft and SOP’s. Everything has been scrutinised, missions to be planned seamlessly. This fully and its systems. From here they move into trialled and agreed by all stake holders. This digitised aircraft now requires extensive input Patrol Drills, where they learn to operate means that when briefs take place for the of information to maximise its capabilities, as a crew and as part of a patrol, building Aircrew and Groundcrew, the direction is very from moving digital maps with up to date their skills in more demanding scenarios. clear and promotes confidence in all students. hazards, tactical overlays and routes to Culminating in a demanding EW exercise at The documentation and direction is nothing the communications presets of all of the RAF Spadeadam and Otterburn Training Area, new, but has been carefully revised to take into airfields/units they are likely to encounter the Wildcat BRH CTR course will challenge consideration the new airframe requirements. en route. This allows a massive amount of and enthuse any future aviator, ensuring An Update The Groundcrew Reference Cards (GRC) that data to be templated and pre-set prior to they have the skills to operate the Army’s have been developed by 652 Sqn AAC, have loading on to the aircraft for the mission. newest helicopter to the required standard. now been fully proven and are in production. WMSS is the latest piece of state of the art This is the way that all CTT and CTR courses will software that facilitates this process along TRIALS be run for the next few rotations and is leading with an equally impressively trained calibre The past twelve months has yet again been to a standard training format, delivered by of AAC pilots, aircrewmen and signallers. busy on the Trials and Operational Evaluation the same personnel, following the authorised The past twelve months have seen some front. The aircraft envelope has been further SOP’s, which in time will mean there will be no big mile stones achieved within the Wildcat expanded to an almost in service condition ‘isms’ between squadrons in the future; the programme. 847 NAS successfully completing and the mission systems have received the Wildcat Force will truly be a collective Force. CTT, 1 Regt AAC Workshops receiving their much anticipated System Release 8 ensuring Wildcat first Wildcats and a Mission Planning System capability is close to front line standard. GPS COMMUNICATIONS that now works. As with any new programme jamming trials were conducted at Sennybridge J6 development work continues in the of this scale, the work to progress never and the systems performed perfectly. Much background of the final stages of the first CTR stops and the pace remains suitably high. work has been carried out on ‘Detect, and the start of CTT 2. A number of small The next big goals will be to complete 847 Recognise and Identify’ profiles with EODS successes have come together and each has NAS Conversion to Role which will see them and it has surpassed expectations both day been fed into the CTR process. The successful deploy to RAF Spadeadem and Otterburn to and night. This data has been used to populate sending and receiving of Bowman data from conduct their ‘final exercise’ and the start of Mission Flight Reference Cards, Commanders the aircraft led to the identification of a number the flying phase for CTT2. CTT2 will see the Aide Memoirs and the Electronic Battle Box TheT point at rwhere theans Army Wildcat transition is now (comparedi tion of issues which needed solutions from industry start of 1 Regt AAC on its path to becoming to assist Commanders in the asset planning to it’s early days three years ago) is a massive achievement. (AgustaWestland and General Dynamics UK) the first operational Wildcat Regiment.

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he annual Ten Tors Expedition is Commando British & American Artillery Light Gun, and the one of the biggest multi agency, tri Aviation, and heavier M777A2 service, civil contingency exercises in over 20 years 155mm howitzer. Britain and the Commando Helicopter supporting Ten Train Together 2-319th AFAR’s TForce is ideally suited to provide aviation Tors, the Sea First Lieutenant Gerald support due to the nature of the Ten Tors King Mk4 will be Colchester’s airborne gunners have joined forces Tucke, 28 from Boston, tasking, which requires a helicopter and crew retired in March with their American counterparts as they train for said: “We are looking that can operate effectively in the Support 2016. This has their role in the British Army’s rapid reaction force. to find common Helicopter role and the Search been the last year ground between and Rescue role, by both day and that the Sea King Written By: Gareth Palmer our two systems and the way we do things - be Commando Helicopter Force night, in all weather conditions. has supported it calling for fire, working the control points, From a military exercise the event and uring March this year, 7th right down to the guns - so that an American Support perspective, Ten Tors provides its crews and Parachute Regiment Royal Horse observer can work British artillery and British the Armed Forces with a support staff have Artillery (G Bty) was joined on observers can use an American artillery line. perfect opportunity to practice been integral to Exercise Steel Sabre by troops “How they call for fire missions is different the Ten Tors life-saving civil contingency ensuring a safe and Dfrom the US 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne to how we call fire missions but at the end of responsibilities enabling the With the infamous Dartmoor weather successful Ten Tors. Field Artillery Regiment (2-319th AFAR). the day they are still sending data to a cannon military to be ready to assist being kind over the course of the weekend, The Ten Tors Organisation would like to The exercise, held in wintry conditions at and it is processing it and it is firing. It’s the Expedition when they are called upon the two Sea King crews provided over present 848 NAS and the Sea Kings a the Otterburn ranges in Northumberland, small things but overall, not very different. during a national emergency. 38 hours of ‘Very High Readiness’ for IRT Gold Medal award in recognition of the saw 7 Para RHA live firing their L118 “Most interesting is how often the British TWO Sea King Mk4 helicopters from 848 NAS provided aviation and CASEVAC-ed seven patients back to support and commitment to Ten Tors.’ 105mm Light Guns directed by Fire military train and how far and wide they go to 848 Naval Air Squadron, based in RNAS support with enablement of medical facilities at Okehampton Camp. Flt Lt Rowlands added, “It is sad that Support Teams, who work with infantry to train, from all the way up here to somewhere Yeovilton, with their highly trained pilots, trooping, Immediate Response This year was the final time that the this was the last time that the Sea King will co-ordinate artillery and air support. in Africa. Overall, it has been an awesome aircrewmen and engineers, and with Tasking (IRT) for casualty venerable Sea King Mk4 will support Ten support the event but I know the event G Bty, 7 Para RHA trained with 2-319th experience, these guys are top notch.” onboard medical teams, provided 1 Artillery evacuation, winching and carried Tors as it is due to go out of service in holds many fond memories for Junglies AFAR in January at Fort Bragg in North Ex Steel Sabre saw 1,400 gunners from Brigade and Headquarters South West with out recces for the medical March 2016. Support to the expedition will and ex-Junglies alike. Next year will see Carolina and this exercise was the reciprocal 17 British regular and Reserve regiments invaluable assets that played a vital role in teams and cadet familiarisation be handed over to 848’s sister squadron, the event supported by the Sea King’s visit. The two units parent formations, 16 from 1 Artillery Brigade’s train together the success of the Ten Tors Expedition 2015. flights. A highlight for the 846 NAS with their Merlin Mk3s. replacement, the Merlin Mk3.” Air Assault Brigade and 82nd Airborne to prepare for future operations. crews being the opportunity to For Lt Cdr Bob Bond of 848 NAS, it Division respectively, both serve as their Written By: Kerry Randall meet the Blue Peter presenters who were was a particularly poignant weekend as armies’ rapid reaction forces and are working FURTHER taking part in the Ten Tors challenge. he recalled taking part in the Ten Tors towards being able to deploy as a joint INFORMATION Flt Lt Becky Rowlands, 848 NAS challenge as a young Air Cadet and watching force in response to international crises. Detachment Commander said, “This was the Sea Kings flying over Dartmoor. Gunner Lawrence Quinn, 23 from 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse another successful Ten Tors. Saturday turned Lt Cdr Bond said, “20 years ago I did Ten Northampton, said: “I visited the US to fire their Artillery (7 Para RHA) is based at into a beautiful day from both a ground and Tors for a number of years and seeing the guns, as well as ours, and saw the variations in Merville Barracks, Colchester and air point of view which helped in reducing the Sea Kings flying on Dartmoor gave me the the kit. I feel this has broadened my experience equipped with L118 105mm Light Guns. Its primary role is to provide numbers of casualties that needed evacuation. inspiration to try and become a pilot, which I and I have seen the differences not only in the a gun battery ready to deploy The event provided a great opportunity to did, and now I’m here supporting the event.” equipment but in the training and the lifestyle. anywhere in the world at short notice practice many flying disciplines like underslung 848 NAS and the Sea King were awarded “It is good that US soldiers are also here to as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, the loads and winching and a lot of the tasking a Gold Medal for over 20 years of experience the British way of doing things.” British Army’s rapid reaction force. was reactionary, especially the patient pick support to Ten Tors. 2-319th AFAR is equipped with the M119A3 ups. From a personal point of view, it was The citation read, Howitzer, a modified version of the British inspiring to see the participants dotted ‘After 30 years across the Moor, their determination and of delivering motivation obvious as they trudged through wet terrain and up and down the Tors.” The aircrew were supported by a team of engineers and the Commando Mobile Air Operations Team (MAOT) who provided communications, helicopter and passenger handling support.

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Ex Joint Warrior Tests Our Ability to React 16 Air Assault Brigade and other elements of the Joint Helicopter Command have shown their ability to rapidly deploy to the right place at the right time and carry out a series of complex missions in a range of environments.

6 Air Assault Brigade’s Air Assault 2 PARA BG parachuted on to the STANTA in a very short space of time are a powerful Task Force - made up of the 2 PARA Ranges in Norfolk to assault a village. demonstration of the unique flexibility, reach Battlegroup and a Joint Helicopter Brigadier Nick Borton DSO MBE, and agility of airborne and air assault troops.” Force led by 3 Regiment Army Air Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, The 2 PARA BG is built around the 1Corps – was tested on Exercise JOINT said: “Joint Warrior provided an excellent airborne infantry of Colchester-based 2nd WARRIOR, the largest annual military opportunity for 16 Air Assault Brigade to Battalion The Parachute Regiment bolstered exercise in Europe. The AATF is held at work alongside the Royal Navy and RAF in its by artillery, engineers, medics, signallers high-readiness ready to deploy anywhere role as the British Army’s very high-readiness and logisticians. The Joint Helicopter Force in the world to conduct the full range of formation for contingency operations. This includes Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air military operations from non-combatant realistic and well-resourced training reflects Force helicopters providing transport, attack evacuation operations to warfighting. the type of operations that the brigade and reconnaissance support to troops on The exercise placed the troops on a could be called on to do, both in terms of the the ground, and is currently commanded mission to support an ally tackling an tactical challenges and their expeditionary by 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, based at insurgency backed by a hostile neighbour. nature. The missions that we had to achieve Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk. After receiving its activation order, the Exercise Joint 1,600-strong AATF converged on the Joint Warrior involved Air Mounting Centre (JAMC) in South 13,000 military Cerney, Gloucestershire, the departure personnel from 14 point for troops heading off on operations. countries, more Once processed, the troops and equipment than 55 warships moved to MoD St Athan in south Wales to and 70 aircraft and plan a mission to capture Keevil Airfield, helicopters. Taking 100 miles away on Salisbury Plain. place twice a year, Once that objective was seized in a the training aims to helicopter assault, the soldiers then reset test how the Royal themselves to plan and conduct further Navy, Army and missions. The JHF’s Apache attack helicopters Royal Air Force work flew back into Wales to strike simulated enemy together and with positions at Pembrey Sands and then the allied forces.

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happen. It’s been a good experience to work alongside the Americans who really are the same soldiers as us, just wearing a different uniform.” 23 Para Engr Regt and 37 BEB have British and American Sappers already worked together this year on the Combined Joint Operational Exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The two- month long exercise culminated in a simulated mission in which 1,900 British Building and American troops and their equipment parachuted into a troubled Airfield construction is a region to work side-by- key skill for the rapid reaction side to restore stability. role, enabling further troops 37 BEB’s Sergeant First Together and equipment to be brought Class Patrick Stundahl, 36 in to develop a force’s from Mississipi, said: “We’ve British and American airborne engineers capabilities. Building a landing strip from bonded together really well have worked together to develop their key scratch involves clearing vegetation and across the two exercises. PICTURED: topsoil away with diggers and bulldozers; skills of building and repairing runways. CJOAX was about the British Airtpr Cooke controls levelling it with a grader to stringent length, coming over to operate on our the rate of fire Written By: Gareth Palmer width and gradient standards to enable aircraft to take terms, and this is us working off and land; and then compacting it with a roller. with British equipment and RIGHT: LCpl Wright crests a xercise Pegasus Gaul has seen Sapper Martin Bell, 24 from Pontyclun in South Wales, procedures. It’s all about sand dune to close 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment said: “To do a full runway is a long job, but I like having building a relationship now with the enemy training with the US Army’s 37th a big task to get on with. We cleared and prepared a so that if we go on operations Brigade Engineer Battalion and full landing strip in Kenya last year and it’s rewarding together we already know E173rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion. to see a Hercules land and know that you made that all about each other.” The soldiers familiarised themselves with each other’s equipment and techniques, before working together to build a temporary landing strip at Rock Barracks in Woodbridge. The week-long training is part of Ex improving the ability of 16 Air Assault Brigade and the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, which both serve as The attached Royal Engineers of the RIGC their respective armies’ rapid reaction Geo Troop showed excellent marksmanship forces, to deploy as a joint force in on a particularly challenging Live Firing Stand response to international crises. Shamrock with Spr Greenhalgh dropping targets and 23 Para Engr Regt’s Major Dave and the competition Airtpr Cooke delivering fire control orders to Stead said: “The US is among our closest all members of the conserve ammunition. All go in the fictional allies and learning to work together team were tested. AO the enemy had been successfully repelled; with their airborne engineers is a key After gaining immediately after the team were instructed objective for the Regiment. The focus of top marks for kits to deal an IED. Moving into a 4Cs operation this exercise is developing our common Mayne checks and orders, the section began taking sporadic fire from skills of constructing semi-improved the team started very an increasingly adventurous enemy again. surfaces for transport aircraft to operate 5 Regiment AAC were given an opportunity to well and managed The section reacted quickly and a point of from. There are three elements to that – practise their Basic Close Combat Skills (BCCS) and to catch the ROYAL fire was established, LCpl Byrne controlling training to use each other’s equipment; compete with other units based in Northern Ireland. IRISH team in short Delta fire team on a daring hill sprint and understanding the different criteria order. However, it fire team attack combination which took we work to and merging them so a US Written By: Lt Mike Askey wasn’t long before contact drills were being the enemy completely by surprise. aircraft could fly from a UK-built airstrip tested with Airtpr MacDonald calling “Enemy A lengthy TAB concluded the event as and vice versa; and then building trust x SHAMROCK MAYNE organised pre seen” and the section smoothly moved we arrived at the final objective where we and understanding between us by by 1 SCOTS consisted of a number into a defensive posture. Despite putting delivered a final debrief and kit check, again getting out and doing the job together. of stands akin to Ex CAMBRIAN in an excellent account for themselves the achieving top marks on both. Constant praise “It’s going really well. Under close PATROL. The variety of soldiers ‘local police’ guide unfortunately became was given and ‘best one of the day’ was a supervision, US operators are finding it Eand their roles in 5 Regiment saw a team of an early casualty, leading to an emotional recurring theme. The patrol team were awarded remarkably easy to use our equipment groundcrew, signallers, REME technicians CASEVAC for all. The ground crew within the Silver standard, with only one team from the and we’re sharing experiences and RIGC Geo Engineers train together the section indentified several potential ROYAL IRISH achieving Gold. Determination, and learning from each other.” for a number of months leading up to the Helicopter Landing (HLS) Sites but were aggression and pure grit propelled the team competition. Skill set and experience levels waved off; another 4km of uphill effort to a respectably high standard; we will have

© SAC Egan© SAC Ground Photographic RIGC (NI) varied, however through training received later, and a suitable HLS was confirmed. our sights clearly set on Gold next year.

14 ISSUE 2, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK LZDZ / ISSUE 2 2015 15 TRAINING CJOAX American Airborne Exercise Leads the Way for Practical Interoperability During April and May this year, soldiers from both the USA and UK’s very high-readiness forces have been training together at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as part of the Combined Joint Operational Access Exercise (CJOAX).

Written By: Capt Nick Burdick Air Assault Brigade could be called upon to support in the future. Lieutenant Colonel with American airborne forces. The The exercise highlighted how the UK’s VHR brigade could support a Mike Shervington, relationship we are building on this exercise he exercise has been aimed at deployment of that force with it’s unique capabilities and experience. the 3 PARA BG’s is nothing new, we are simply dusting off the developing the ability of troops Some 900 troops from the 3 PARA Battlegroup and the RAF worked Commanding Officer, history books and writing a new chapter.” from 16 Air Assault Brigade to alongside soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team to learn about each said: “The world is The exercise saw British soldiers earn US work within the US Army’s 82nd other’s operating procedures and equipment an uncertain and Army parachute wings by jumping with the TAirborne Division. Both formations serve as before taking part in a final exercise. The training menacing place and if we can create an allied American T-11 parachute from a United States their respective armies’ rapid reaction forces. culminated in a simulated mission in which 2,100 force comparable to 70 years ago it offers Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft. American The 82nd Airborne Division also provides troops, including the whole British Battlegroup, our political leaders a strong tool to use. soldiers also earned their British wings the backbone of the US military’s Global Response and their equipment parachuted into a troubled “Across its history, 3 PARA has done four same way but this time jumping from an RAF Force, a crisis response task force that 16 region to work side-by-side to restore stability. combat jumps, of which three were in partnership Hercules that supported the exercise.

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on Joint Service formations, basing and Areas, landing on equipment. The course includes theoretical Sloping Ground, and practical exercises of Internal loading an introduction of cargo and external carriage of cargo to Navigation and underslung equipment procedures techniques, Night and limitations. Also included are Weight Flying including the and Balance mathematical calculations to use of Night Vision ensure the correct trim of the aircraft and Devices (NVDs) and that it conforms to safety requirements. In an introduction order to ensure this, they are taught how to Instrument and to calculate floor loading pressures and Tactical Flying. contact areas within the aircraft floor. *Certain roles such as RN (Maritime MODULE TWO: Role) and AAC only have to complete the NAVIGATION first week of this phase and this therefore Seven weeks in cuts out most of the practical lessons. duration and is a mix of ground training, PHASE FOUR simulators and The final Ground School Phase lasts two practical. The basic weeks and is only for those who need to element is completed complete the Ground School specific to the on the Squirrel Griffin Helicopter, which has two engines and Helicopter with hence there are some significant differences further reinforcement in its systems and how they inter-link. of skills learnt completed within THE FLYING PHASE the framework of Joint Consists of four Modules with a fifth (Crew other modules. Served Weapons) in the development process. All four modules currently last a total MODULE THREE: MOUNTAINS Engine Rotary Wing (MERW) course, which of 30 weeks. The modules are as follows… AND MARITIME is only completed by RN Commando Aircrewman (Including Search and Rescue techniques using Helicopter Force (CHF) and RAF crews. MODULE ONE: BASIC SKILLS the aircraft rescue winch). This consists of an 12 weeks in duration, is common to most roles intensive introduction to operating over water So now you have a feel for the elements Course and includes; Airmanship, Voice Marshalling, and in the mountain environment. During the of the Ground Phase and Flying Phase Underslung Load operations, Confined five week course, the student learns how to Modules you can understand that some operate as both the winchman and of these were not absolutely necessary Born out of a requirement to provide a more bespoke and a Flying Phase. pilots and is based on a single the winch operator. A good portion for L/Cpl’s Jay Blay and Will Gilligan. course to fulfil the Single Service requirement for specific The Ground School engine helicopter where the of the learning takes advantage of Because of their intended posting to helicopter platforms and roles, the new JAC evolved. Phase is sub-divided following systems are learnt: the synthetic training facilities using 651 Sqn AAC they were only required into four further Airframe Construction, Electrics, a purpose built winching simulator. to completed Phase 2 and half of Phase Written By: Flt Lt Gary Rogan phases or elements and is ten weeks long if you Engines, Transmissions, Fuel The final discipline they 3 of the Ground School and Flying are required to complete all four phases. As and Hydraulic Systems, Radios, encounter is mountain flying. Modules One and Two before the his is only the second course of its mentioned earlier Single Service requirements Avionics and Navigation They experience this firstly in the award to their Aircrewmans’ Brevet. type to have been completed at the will dictate which phases are necessary. Instruments, Main and Tail cabin where they are required to Their Graduation Ceremony took Defence Helicopter Flying School Rotor Systems, to name a few provide clearances from terrain place at DHFS on 14th May 2015. They (DHFS) based at RAF Shawbury in GROUND SCHOOL from a long list! Needless as the aircraft flies around valley were awarded their Brevet by Brigadier TShropshire. Established in 1997, DHFS offers PHASE ONE to say, lots to learn and yes, floors and bowl shaped areas Cash, Dep Cmdr Joint Helicopter a training facility which is unique within This lasts two weeks, is based at DHFS and there is an exam at the end! within the higher terrain. Working Command (Desig). Before the ceremony the world of Defence Helicopter Training, is designed to align the students from the together with the pilot they select their families were invited to visit the especially so with the recent addition of RN, RM and AAC to the input standard PHASE THREE and brief suitable landing sites, training facilities and experience a specific Joint Service Training of Aircrewmen for Phase Two. During this phase they do This phase lasts two weeks and is whilst understanding the various familiarisation flight in a Griffin Helicopter. for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and the a maths reinforcement package to ensure titled, Rotary Wing Lead In (RWLI). weather effects that influence When asked, what did you enjoy most Army in addition to the already established a level of ability that aids comprehension Again this is based at DHFS flying that are unique to the about the course? L/Cpl Will Gilligan said: “I training for the Royal Air Force. of forthcoming subject matter. They also and is specific to certain roles. mountain environment. Finally, preferred the flying elements. The Ground The course content within the available cover all of the commonly used phrases, It covers a number of crewman they are then placed into the School was hard work but I understood Modules was specifically sculptured by abbreviations and principles that are specific associated subjects front of the helicopter where they that I had to learn the subjects first.” the AAC for two L/CPLs to enable them to assumed as a given within the learning and role related knowledge carry out the role of a co-pilot; L/Cpl Jay Blays’ comments were: achieve a standard where they could be techniques used in the next phase and such as aircraft Loading and assisting the pilot with navigation. “Overall the most overriding feeling was of awarded their Aircrewman Brevet and be onwards through their training Restraint, Dangerous Goods, a great sense of achievement to be one of posted to 651 Sqn AAC, to fill a specialised revision of helicopter technical MODULE FOUR: TACTICAL the first few through this new course. The role on the D4K Islander aircraft. PHASE TWO systems, support elements to AND ADVANCED TECHNIQUES most challenging part for me was getting Let’s look at the JAC is finer detail. The This lasts four weeks, again based at DHFS. helicopter operations, radio Currently, Module 4 is the ‘old grey matter working’ so that I course comprises of a Ground School (GS) Phase This is completed alongside the student voice procedures and lectures completed as part of the Multi learned the checks and procedures!”

18 ISSUE 2, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK LZDZ / ISSUE 2 2015 19 TRAINING ExMerlinVortex The final phase of the Merlin Land Force elements in various operational This type of training puts the students Conversion Course took taskings in addition to course based tactical under pressure in a more challenging place last week on Salisbury scenarios to test the students flying skills. environment, similar to what they may Plain for eight Commando Exercise Merlin Vortex is the culmination face on operations, and provides more Helicopter Force students, of the students flying training which realistic training for both the Merlin as they deployed on tests their tactical flying abilities. The OCF students and the tasking units. Exercise Merlin Vortex. students deployed to a semi austere With an impressive 100% availability, the field environment, away from their Main Merlin crews flew approximately 15 hours a day Written By: Kerry Randall Operating Base in RAF Benson. in direct support of tasking from Land Forces. This course, No. 23 has two One of the taskings for the students perating out of Rollestone Camp; two ab-initio students, as well as six was load lifting out of Bickleigh Barracks, Merlin Mk3 helicopters, four trainee crews Sea King convertees, but all the Plymouth, in support of 42 Cdo RM, in order and a support staff of over 40 personnel, students completed the same for 20 Royal Marine troops to complete their supported 3 Commando Brigade and other demanding flying training. Landing Point Commander qualification. O Lt Cdr John Wilson, Officer Commanding Merlin OCF, said, “We are here to operate with and support troops, so training with live troops is vital for the student pilots and aircrewmen. Deploying to field exercises like Merlin Vortex is ideal for us to train and to provide training for the units we support.” The next step for the Merlin students will be moving to their front line Squadron, for most this will be 845 Naval Air Squadron, where they will undergo Ex further front line training to achieve which could range Yeovilton, who did an excellent job in extremely their Certificate of Competency and from extraction of UK challenging weather and terrain. Always calm accredited as Aircraft Commanders. personnel from a crisis and professional on the air to ground radio, Lt Pete Crease, Merlin Student said, Neptunes area, to air assault on despite the conditions, as Marine Gallagher “The Merlin training has been a great Commando an enemy location. observed (whilst being lashed by horizontal challenge and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. This information is hail), “It sounds nice and warm in that cockpit!” I’m very much looking forward to deploying MAOT on sent back to the task The final phase of the exercise had on Exercise Black Alligator, in the USA, in Dartmoor force using satellite teams inserting by helicopter to the south the summer to learn more advanced flying Beard comms to inform moor, followed by a night yomp into hidden techniques, such as dust landings, it will Life on Commando Mobile Air Operations Teams the aviation assault Observation Posts covering locations where also be the first time I have flown abroad.” (MAOT) is always busy, but rarely dull, with a plan. The teams will hostages where being held. Their mission The Merlin Operational Conversion Force constant stream of tasks supporting Joint Helicopter then be directed was to provide intelligence on the situation will relocate to RNAS Yeovilton in July to rejoin Command (JHC) detachments around the world. to set up landing and in particular identify potential Helicopter 846 NAS who moved earlier in the year. aides, only visible Landing Sites (HLS) and rope-down points near he last two years have seen teams under Night Vision Goggles used by the the target buildings, to enable a simulated deploy on operations in Afghanistan, aircrew, and provide terminal guidance to the hostage rescue operation. With enemy forces the Philippines and Sierra Leone, helicopters on their clandestine infiltration. reinforcing the area, the teams had to conduct as well as exercises in Norway, Set within the context of a Lead Commando a covert extraction to an emergency pick- TAlbania and the Middle East. This is in Group (LCG) intervention in a foreign state, up point, however thick fog resulted in no addition to the Very High Readiness standing Exercise NEPTUNES BEARD consisted of helicopter so a further yomp was required Farewell to… commitments. It was a welcome ‘break’ then rolling patrols within the rugged high moor, to the next RV for a road extraction. to have a two week period of local training moving from Okehampton to Wilsworthy With a mix of weather, demanding terrain, on the indomitable Dartmoor training area. and finally the Ringmoor area. This was an realistic scenario and excellent aviation Brig Sexton The aim of Exercise NEPTUNES BEARD was excellent vehicle for not only honing fieldcraft, support, this proved to be an outstanding sharpening the tactical field skills required to but developing the junior members of the period to consolidate the field skills that will On Wednesday 24 June, rigadier Sexton now moves onto operate as part of the covert recce force that troop in leadership skills, from planning and be essential the next time the Cdo MAOT are Brigadier Neil Sexton, study at the Royal College of Defence deploy in advance of the main force, inserting by briefing complex tasks to night navigation called into action. Deployments to Slovenia, Dep Commander JHC, Studies. Brigadier Cash joins the parachute, small boats or other means. The job during a period of nil moonlight. the USA ,Western Med and Arctic over handed over the reins JHC on promotion following his of the MAOT recce teams is to identify suitable The exercise was supported by both the next six months will further refine this Btime as Regimental Colonel AAC. to Brig Andrew Cash. helicopter landing zones for the specific mission, Sea King and Merlin aircraft based at RNAS unique capability within UK defence.

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The transit from Plymouth to the operating but also very enjoyable. We did everything from areas allowed the detachment a four day period deck landings on small foreign vessels to tactical to bed-in to ship life, whilst also establishing low-level night navigation with troops on board. The routines and consolidating the various skills coastal landscape of northern Scotland was breath- 845 NAS on that contribute towards being proficient in taking and made the flying all the more enjoyable.” the maritime environment – including deck Concurrent to the intensive and rapidly-developing landing by day and night (conventionally exercise scenario, the detachment shouldered the and with night vision devices), winching, responsibility for an array of tasking which helped Exercise Joint emergency approaches, ship-controlled facilitate the smooth running of the wider exercise. approaches and vertical replenishment-at-sea. Soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen from all partaking The period also saw an opportunity to nations were diligently moved between the Ships, Warrior 151 share some of the ‘Junglie’ expertise in landing sites, and Forward Operations Bases, all of the planning and execution of amphibious which were kept supplied with vital stores throughout. In April this year a detachment of 4 Sea King Mk4s and 83 personnel ops with aviation counterparts from the The Junglies, along with SAR specialists 771 NAS, also from 845 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) of the Commando Helicopter Force other Services, with 18 Sqn RAF providing provided the Amphibious Task Force with 24/7 SAR cover (CHF) embarked in HMS OCEAN for Exercise JOINT WARRIOR 151. a detachment of two Chinooks and 656 Sqn and maintain a compassionate and casualty evacuation Army Air Corps providing a detachment of crew and aircraft for any personnel requiring Written By: By Lt Simon Jones service in March 2016. The responsibility of providing two Apaches which later surged to three. multi-layered and meticulously-planned straight into an assault on the objective. immediate transport to the mainland. the specialist airborne insertion and tactical transport In addition to flying crews and engineers, scenario commenced. In short-order, the The missions were a resounding success JOINT WARRIOR 2015 saw another OINT WARRIOR to the Royal Marines is being handed over to 845’s sister CHF also made a vital contribution to the Air Group was given initiating orders to and all scenario objectives and targets successful embarkation for the ‘Junglies,’ represents the very squadron, 846 NAS with their Merlin Mk3s. The Merlin amphibious planning cell by providing most start planning the main amphibious assault were achieved. 845 NAS inserted over who met the task with their usual best opportunity will give the ‘Junglies’ an improved load lifting and of the key personalities to the Amphibious to take place at the end of the exercise. 120 Royal, Dutch and Belgian Marines into professionalism and gusto. The lessons for CHF to conduct range capability which will mean they can deliver more Task Force Air Group Head-Quarters (ATF Whilst half the crews carefully planned the various landing sites all over the Galloway identified from previous embarkations had Jtargeted and realistic training Royal Marines, with more equipment, further inland. AG HQ) including the 845 Commanding mission, the other half conducted ‘WADER’ peninsula. It proved to be excellent training been well assimilated, whilst the experience for amphibious operations – HMS OCEAN sailed from Plymouth on 7th April; Officer, Operations Officer, Training Officer, drills - helicopter embarkation training - for for aircrew, ground troops and engineers provided a number of further lessons for the role for which the Force onboard were four Sea Kings Mk4s and a SAR Sea Air Engineering Officer and Logistics Officer. the benefit of the ground troops, many as well as HQ and planning staff. fine-tuning future exercises and operations. was originally conceived. King Mk5 from 771 NAS and they were joined by two With the Ship entering the exercise of whom were new to the environment. The final two pilots to graduate from The junior pilots and aircrewman, who JOINT WARRIOR this year Chinooks and two Apaches just before sunset. areas off the north coast of Scotland, the As the Amphibious Task Group reached the training pipeline onto the Sea King will be the mainstay of CHF for the next was, however, more than just an the main area of operations on the 19th Mk4 were both embarked as part of the generation, were able to expand and annual amphibious exercise for the Sea King April, the missions began in earnest. 845 845’s flying crews. Lt Tom Lofthouse said, consolidate their maritime skill-set which Mk4 community. It was the final time that NAS and 18 Sqn RAF began to insert Royal “My first detachment on the front-line will stand the ‘Junglies’ in good stead in the venerable Sea King Mk4 would take part Marines ashore; either into covert landing couldn’t have been better. The range of their capacity as the corner-stone of the in JOINT WARRIOR as it is due to go out of sites for a subsequent ground attack or flying that we conducted was demanding UK’s amphibious aviation capability.

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Bands Playing, Airborne Gunners Fire Colours Flying Royal Salute in Colchester and Bayonets

Written By: Capt Nick Burdick in all its finery to the public. We’ve Fixed as Soldiers been rehearsing through the week and and Sailors Parade Airborne gunners have fired a the men enjoyed performing for an Royal Salute in Colchester to mark appreciative crowd who joined us to send Through Yeovil The Queen’s Official Birthday. their congratulations to the Queen.” The guns fired were 105 mm Light Guns, Written By: Kerry Randall, CHF PRO ith several hundred the same type used by 7 PARA RHA for spectators watching, a its operational role in the Air Assault Task The Freedom of the Borough to have the support of the local community battery of six guns from Force, which is ready to deploy anywhere of Yeovil was exercised as 500 and an event like the Freedom Parade gives Colchester-based 7th in the world at short notice for operations Sailors, Royal Marines and us the opportunity to show our thanks.” WParachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery ranging from disaster relief to war fighting. The Mayor of Yeovil Cllr Mike Lock Soldiers paraded through the (7 PARA RHA) fired a 21-gun salute in The guns will again be on public display Town of Yeovil in Somerset. said; “I am pleased and honoured” that Castle Park at noon on 13th June. at the 16 Air Assault Brigade and Colchester the Commanding Officer of HMS Heron, Lord Petre, the Garrison Show on Saturday July 4th. oyal Naval Air Station Yeovilton was Commodore Jock Alexander had chosen Lord Lieutenant The show demonstrates the equipment and skills of 16 Air Assault granted the Freedom of Yeovil in 1962 today to commemorate the two anniversaries. of Essex, was the Brigade, the British Army’s rapid reaction force, and culminates in a and with this great honour the right to Both days are key dates in our nation’s Inspecting Officer combat demonstration by 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment. parade. The Freedom of the Borough is history and they remind us of our freedom as the Queen’s Running alongside the Show will be the PARAS’ 10 endurance Ran ancient privilege which dates from the time following the end of the Second World War.” representative challenge and Active Essex, the County Sports Partnership for Essex, when standing armies, abroad the countryside, “The relationship between the town in the county will be hosting a schools’ and families’ QuadKids athletics competition were often feared by townsfolk. To be given and the air station is stronger than and The Band and the opportunity to try a number of different sports. the right to enter a town and parade in this ever and, as chairman of Yeovil Town of The Queen’s way was considered a sign of great trust. Council, I will continue the practice of Division performed. The band gave The right of the Freedom of the Borough of my predecessors of keeping in regular both a formal marching display before Yeovil has been exercised by HMS HERON, on Army Air Corps, who relocated to RNAS Borough of Yeovil as they march through contact with the Commanding Officer and the Royal Salute and an informal many occasions, most recently in 2010, showing Yeovilton in 2014, joined their RN and RM the streets of the town ‘with bands playing, offering my full support and assistance to performance at the park’s bandstand. the close links between the Air Station and colleagues in the parade for the first time. colours flying and bayonets fixed’.” the air station in whatever way I can.” Major Roy Taylor, Battery Commander the Town that have built up over the years. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of “I am very proud of the close bonds we The parade is one of a number of events of F (Sphinx) Parachute Battery, said: On the 3rd June 2015 the people of HMS HERON, the march was led by the have formed with the people of Yeovil over commemorating the 75th Anniversary “This is the fourth time my Battery has Yeovil saw service men and women of HMS Commanding Officer, Commodore Jock the years. Many of my people have made of the establishment of RNAS Yeovilton, had the honour of firing the Royal Salute HERON - better known as RNAS Yeovilton Alexander OBE Royal Navy. He said: “The their homes in Yeovil and the local area. in June 1940, which will be the theme in Colchester. It is a great honour and - parade once more through the town Service men and women of HMS HERON Wherever they are in the world, the men of this year’s International Air Day, to an opportunity to show the Battery centre of Yeovil. Soldiers from 1 Regiment will be exercising their Freedom of the and women of RNAS Yeovilton are proud be held on Saturday 11th July.

in his recently released book After presenting a copy of his book to ‘Surprised at Being Alive’ - on a 846 NAS, Robert said. “It has been great US Exchange Pilot wide range of aircraft including to visit 846 and 847 Naval Air Squadron to the Sea King Mk4, Robert served see the new Merlin and Wildcat aircraft, with the US Army, the US Army and to hear the enthusiasm of the pilots Visit to 846 Naval Air Squadron National Guard, the US Marine for these aircraft is wonderful.” Corps and the Written By: Kerry Randall, CHF PRO Mk3 aircraft, Robert also enjoyed a tour Royal Navy. Robert also has of 847 NAS and the new Wildcat AH1. 980 hours of combat flight Retired United States Army Major, Robert said, “I thoroughly enjoyed time in Vietnam as the Aircraft Robert Curtis, returned to RNAS my time with 846 Squadron and loved Commander of a CH-47C. Yeovilton to visit 846 Naval Air flying the Sea King, it will be sad to see Robert’s book tells of his Squadron where he served as a US her retired. The new aircraft operated by thrilling helicopter exploits exchange pilot from 1983 to 1985. CHF are a marked change, most definitely with four Armed Services, aircraft for the computer generation!” including the Royal Navy, fter a meeting with the While serving with 846 NAS, Robert bringing together stories and Commanding Officer of had combat assault training in Egypt, the memoirs from over 5000 flying 846 NAS, Lt Col Derek Netherlands, numerous locations throughout hours and from many different Stafford, a tour of the the United Kingdom and extreme cold countries, the book brings to

© Cpl Andy Reddy RLC Anew building and the opportunity weather training in Norway. With over life the dangers and thrills of to take a look around the Merlin 5,000 hours – “mishap free” as he says life as a helicopter pilot. Pictures:

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Guernsey our sappers trained and New Name for Suffolk’s equipped to deploy by Liberation Day parachute and helicopter Airborne Engineers to provide close support Celebrations combat engineering to 16 Air Written By: Capt Nick Burdick Assault Brigade, the British Written By: Lt Tom Lofthouse Army’s rapid reaction force.” Suffolk’s airborne engineers are to be In June a parade will On Saturday 9th May the Commando renamed 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment in be held at Rock Barracks Helicopter Force took part in a flypast recognition of their history and current role in Woodbridge, which has to commemorate the 70th anniversary within the British Army’s Airborne Forces. been home to the Regiment of the Liberation of Guernsey. since 2006, to formally he unit, formerly mark the name change. Sea King Mk4 of 848 Naval Air Squadron named 23 Engineer Lt Col Clark said: “We and a Merlin Mk3 of 846 Naval Air Regiment (Air look forward to celebrating Squadron took to the skies escorting Assault), was the name change when Army on Show the motor cavalcade into Guernsey’s Testablished in 2003 but the Regiment reconvenes to Suffolk Acapital, St Peter Port, to help families, friends and can trace its roots back to after a busy spring which visitors to Guernsey once again celebrate that the beginnings of airborne has seen our sappers Community most priceless commodity of all – freedom. operations during the Second taking part in major Thousands of Islanders turned out on the World War. In May 1942, 9 airborne exercises in Written By: Capt Nick Burdick streets of Guernsey to celebrate the 70th (Airborne) Field Company the USA and UK. It will anniversary of its Liberation from Hitler’s RE – now part of 23 Para also be an occasion to From the Apache attack occupying forces on Wednesday 9th May Engr Regt as 9 Parachute mark the achievements of helicopter to combat engineers 1945. The weekends events included an Squadron RE - was stood up to provide 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) in operating underwater, the outdoor church service with accompanying engineer support for the newly formed Iraq and Afghanistan, which we take British Army has been on military parade, a visit from Her Royal 1st Airlanding Brigade, serving in Italy forward as part of our new identity.” display at the Suffolk Show. Highness the Countess of Wessex and a huge and at Arnhem. The Regiment currently The Regiment has three squadrons, street party and market in St Peter Port. serves within 16 Air Assault Brigade, the of which two are Woodbridge based oth Regular and Reserve CHF last supported the Liberation British Army’s rapid reaction force. Regulars and one Reserve. 51 Parachute Soldiers based in Suffolk put celebrations for the 65th anniversary and this Lieutenant Colonel John Clark MBE, Squadron has recently returned from on a military show for civilians visit was also a particularly significant event for Commanding Officer of 23 Para Engr a seven-week-long exercise at Fort at the annual agricultural the Force. It displayed the new and old aircraft Regt, said: “Our new name reflects the Bragg in North Carolina to build Bshow held at Trinity Park in Ipswich. operating together in formation during the proud airborne heritage of our three interoperability with their counterparts The military displays included a role Force transition from the Sea King to the Merlin. Parachute Squadrons and is fundamental to in the US Army; while 9 Para Sqn demonstration by a Wattisham-based During the visit the Sea King also spent consolidating the Regiment’s identity and participated in Exercise Joint Warrior, Apache attack helicopter, divers from a day tasking with the Guernsey and ingraining the right ethos within our soldiers. which confirmed their readiness to serve Woodbridge-based 23 Parachute Alderney Royal National Lifeboat Institue, It may seem like a simple change, but ask any with the Air Assault Task Force. Both Engineer Regiment playing underwater providing valuable training for all parties member of the Regiment and you will be left exercises are supported by sappers noughts-and crosses and Reservist ground in practising boat and hi-line transfers. in no doubt that the addition of ‘Parachute’ from 299 Parachute Squadron Royal crew from Bury St Edmunds-based Lt Tom Nason of 848 NAS said “The training to the name is an honour to be proud of. Engineers, the Regiment’s Army Reserve 6 Regiment Army Air Corps showing with the Guernsey and Alderney Lifeboat “The role and composition of the squadron, which has detachments in how an Apache is armed. The Army Air service was hugely beneficial for both the Regiment will remain unchanged, with Wakefield, Hull and Gateshead. Corps’ hot air balloon was also on show lifeboat crew and indeed ourselves. To then to give a bird’s-eye view of the event. be able to participate in the flypast to help the Major Jamie Milnes, of 6 Regt AAC, thousands of Islanders celebrate Guernsey’s said: “As a reserve unit based and Liberation was an absolute privilege; my recruiting in the county, the Suffolk Show parents live on the island and were spectating is a key opportunity to engage with, and which made the day even more special.” thank, our local community for the splendid support we receive. It allows us to put on a show for the public to demonstrate the Secretary of State for Defence skills of our people and the impressive equipment and capabilities they provide. “We’ve had crowds of people Visits Brunei coming to the stands and everyone has enjoyed having the opportunity to The Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Fallon MP, visited Brunei Garrison. talk to soldiers face-to-face to find out more about the military in Suffolk.” uring his visit he took some to the British Forces stationed there. Mr The Suffolk Agricultural Association, time to meet 7 Flt AAC Fallon was shown around the Bell 212 which organizes the event, had donated who are based in Brunei to Helicopter whilst the crew talked him 400 family tickets to military families D provide a rotary lift capability through the capabilities of the aircraft. based in Essex and Suffolk.

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irtroopers and Lance Corporals from across the Army Air Corp travelled to Northern Ireland to participate in the course, for some Athe first experience of the Emerald Isle – and were fortunate enough to experience the pleasant weather conditions during their stay. 21 potential JNCO’s arrived at FS Aldergrove on the night of the 16th March completing the mandatory briefings and admin before getting their heads down in anticipation of day 1. The course started in traditional fashion with a PFA followed by a set of briefs. Subjects included administrating, welfare and discipline; all critical skills that a JNCO must swiftly come to terms with. Group discussions TOP LEFT: were a valuable tool 2 Section in almost all subjects breaches the allowing the prospective final objective AAC JNCOs JNCO’s a forum to voice ABOVE: opinion. Each evening a LCpl Hartley section delivered their formulates presentations on Corps his plan history, a high standard LEFT: of presentation was Put Through Capt Davenport delivered and most takes IDF on were presented with the HLS considerable pride in BELOW: their parent squadrons LCpl Boulby or regiments. assaults the Their Paces The classroom enemy position Written By: Lt Mike Askey 5 Regt AAC Trg Offr based start to the course had a number of green events throughout the programme, 5 Regiment AAC hosted an Aviation PNCO CLM course 16th to 27th with an AFT and section battle lessons hinting March this year. The course qualifies Lance Corporals to hold their at things to come. The course deployed rank. The course is designed to teach potential junior non-commission early Friday morning to Magilligan Training officers the skills with which to perform in their new found rank. Area located on the north coast. A rapid deployment saw the course shake out, apply cam and begin their battle lessons. lessons were conducted with a clear patrol base itself is equipped with night Operating out of a harbour location for aviation theme; clearing a HLS, providing and day cameras, fully functioning guard the first two nights the students got to grips protection and controlling aircraft into room and… showers - an ideal location to with practical navigation with a day and night land. A complex set of casualty drills saw train an Army Air Corps soldier deploying navigation exercise. While the relatively flat the course demonstrate their skills. on operations. Moving into a three section training area seemed like an easy area to Sunday night brought the now clearly rotation of Quick Reaction Force, Patrols navigate around the course quickly found fatigued course into a patrol base and Guard Force the course quickly many ditches, sparse wood blocks and location, a much needed morale boost stepped into their command appointments field boundaries to compete with! Battle after late night harbour contacts. The dealing with a variety of scenarios. low passes to simulate aviation support, A rolling scenario had the troop working those in command appointment having to with the local security force to secure the fight to get their orders across. Clearing the area of operations. Each scenario brought the enemy from the surrounding fields they held course closer to their end state of defeating a final stand in an isolated building – swiftly the tenacious local warlord, even if the enemy cleared using skills they had learnt on the seemed to be a 24 hour hassle. The scenario course a testament to their progression. gradually progressed through simple meet and After a hard fought exercise End Ex was greets with local police through to ambushes, called and bacon rolls were served and a mass casualty drills and reconnaissance patrols presentation for the Student’s Student and on potential enemy positions through to a Best Student were awarded. LCpl Clarke dawn attack on the final enemy position. received the Student’s Student award for The course culminated in an insertion TAB his efforts. LCpl Hodson receivied the PICTURED: LCpl Betty spots into an FRV with Gazelle aircraft providing an well earned Best Student Award for his

© SAC Egan© SAC Ground Photographic RIGC (NI) the enemy added command and control twist – flying professional and determined approach.

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Soldiers Cycle Round the Clock for Charity

Written By: Gareth Palmer

A team of Wattisham-based soldiers will be riding round the clock to raise 7 Flight AAC money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Supports Gurkha he six-strong chain gang from HQ Company, 7th Air Assault Battalion Royal Electrical and 200 Anniversary Mechanical Engineers are aiming to cycle 500 miles on exercise bikes in two 12-hour Written By: Capt Mike James Tstages outside local supermarkets. The first leg was cycled at Sainsbury’s in Ipswich today (17th March) from 7 Flt AAC, co-located with 1st 8am to 8pm, with the second instalment taking place Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles in at Morrisons in Hadleigh on Thursday (19th March). wavebreakmedia, www.shutterstock.com© Brunei, have added the Gurkha The endurance 200 anniversary logo to their challenge was the idea of the company and raise money for ABF The each, and are having to keep their speed Bell 212 helicopters which have Sergeant Steve Parnell. Soldiers’ Charity. It’s the Army’s own charity, run at 22 miles per hour throughout to stay on Soldiers Raise Money to Help supported the Resident Gurkha The 31-year-old from by soldiers for soldiers, and it understands our course for the distance. What’s really kept Infantry Battalion since 1994. York said: “I’m a keen needs. I know quite a few people who’ve been our morale high has been the generosity of Nepalese Earthquake Victims cyclist and wanted to do helped by it and wanted to do my bit for them. the public - people have been putting £20 aj Pete Farrimond, OC 7 an event to both build “It’s been quite tough going, but we’re all working notes in the bucket, but even the smallest Written By: Capt Nick Burdick Flt AAC said ‘The Flight up team spirit within well together. The guys have been stints of 30 minutes chink of loose change lifts your spirits.” has had a close bond with Colchester-based soldiers have taken part in a week as well who’ve got the Brigade of Gurkhas of physical challenges to raise more than £8,000 to no homes and no Mthroughout its history, from the Malayan food but who are help victims of the recent earthquakes in Nepal. Emergency, Borneo Confrontation, still trying to make Hong Kong through to today.‘ 6 Air Assault Brigade’s logistics specialists 13 a living out there. It’s good to Adding ‘We are proud to play a small Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic know that the funds we have part in recognising and supporting Corps, has a number of Gurkha soldiers raised will help those people.” this important anniversary and the 200 amongst its ranks, who have pulled together to With the fundraising total years of Gurkha service to the Crown.’ 1raise funds to help those who have lost everything. still to be finalised, more 7 Flt AAC provides day/night The fundraising kicked off with troops than £8,000 has been raised MEDEVAC, trooping, movement of racking up the miles on rowing machines to support relief efforts by the charity materiel and heli-abseil tasking in support and exercise bikes while collecting from HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Nepal of British Forces Brunei and exercising shoppers at Tesco at the Hythe last Tuesday in the Sindhupalchok and Gorkha valleys. units. It is the Joint Helicopter Command’s (5th May). On Thursday (7th May) the Fundraising for Nepal will continue specialist Jungle Aviation unit and is soldiers continued with a treadmill run at the 16 Air Assault Brigade and permanently based in South East Asia, outside their headquarters at Merville Colchester Garrison Show, being held able to support regional Humanitarian Barracks, taking it in turns to run for an on Abbey Field on Saturday 4th July, and Disaster Relief Operations in entire 24 hours. Concurrently, other troops with a collection to support Colchester addition to its standing tasks. carried out exercises such as weight lifting Nepalese Society’s relief efforts. The Flight has recently been and step exercises to simulate climbing involved in a number of key exercises the equivalent height of Mount Everest. FURTHER and has aided the Bruneian Fire The final event was a race on the 8th May INFORMATION Department (Bomba) in fighting between 13 AA Sp Regt RLC’s Colchester- forest fires in the local area. based squadrons to pull an ambulance round The core role of 13 Air Assault Support Maj Pete Farrimond said ‘The small the barracks in the quickest possible time. Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (13 AA Flight is a critical enabler for the resident Event organiser Sergeant Jigmi Lama said: Sp Regt RLC) is to supply and distribute RGR Battalion, Training Team Brunei and “We had three teams out here today made materiel, food, fuel, ammunition and spare parts to 16 Air Assault Brigade, exercising units. It maintains a high flying up of the Regiment’s different squadrons. the British Army’s rapid reaction rate in support of over ten major exercises The route was 3km, it was signify the height force. The regiment specialises in the each year, operating in the demanding of Mount Everest. As we were running, movement of supplies by helicopter jungle environment. It has a strong soldiers from the rest of the brigade were and aeroplanes, including air despatch. relationship with the Gurkhas, which I cheering for us. At the same time, it felt like hope continues long into the future.’ they were cheering for the people back home

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the ten days competition. Limited snowfall meant that conditions were icier than usual, creating a tricky Exercise surface to learn on. Despite this, the excellent instruction from the Swiss Ski School enabled White all the skiers to improve within their own capabilities. The town of Verbier provided much Knight entertainment to balance the busy As part of the AAC and RAC skiing schedule and the opportunity to annual alpine skiing Exercise, 5 experience Christmas and New Year in such AAC sent a team of six to Verbier a setting was fantastic. Given the relative to train and compete across inexperience of our team, we competed four disciplines; Slalom, Grand with success; winning top AAC Team, best Slalom, Super G and Downhill. AAC Individual (Capt Rob Hewison) and coming third overall out of fourteen teams he team ranged from complete from across the RAC and AAC – a brilliant novice to experienced, but all were achievement. Looking forward, we hope challenged physically and mentally to build on this success, taking a larger and T over the four training weeks and even more competitive team in 2015/6. of the SARTS system. Typical! We finished the first day in a respectable 9th place overall. Northern Ireland After another night of NAAFI rehearsals, we started the Sunday with the Short Range Operational Shooting Rural Contact Assessment. This shoot involved a lot of running between firing points from 300m down to 100m. A few of the team were Competition 2015 unable to identify the correct targets (they know who they are!) so as you can imagine the score was not the best! Luckily for us there Written By: Sgt M Simpson This shoot started with a 100m dash to the firing was another technical glitch and our scores practice this shoot and soon realised that figure point followed by various targets appearing were not recorded. We were told that we 11 targets at 600m are not the easiest to see. On the weekend of 9th to 10th May, at different ranges up to 300m. It came as bit could re-shoot the match later in the day. The last match of the day was the Fire Team 5 Regiment AAC entered a ten of a shock because due to range availability We then moved to the Fire Team Close Falling Plates Match. This match is exactly man team (and myself as the non- during the previous training week, no one had Combat Match. This match involved operating what it says it is. Ten plates at 200m first team firing team captain (NFTC)), into realised how small a figure 12 target looks at as a fire team and moving between various to knock them all down wins. Unfortunately the Northern Ireland Operational 300m! That being said we finished the match in types of cover from, 100m down to 25m. Airtpr in true Northern Irish tradition the weather Shooting Competition (NIOSC), held a respectable 5th place (out of 13 teams) with Stefan “Rambo” Bodle was one of the teams turned against us and the team found that at Ballykinler Training Centre (BTC). SSgt “Gaz” Stewart, LCpl “Princess” Denny LSW gunners (and the teams’ morale!) and after water causes the SUSAT to quickly steam and LCpl Pegram all scoring highly the first phase of the shoot had spare ammo. He up, therefore, along with other teams we he competition is designed to promote and finishing within the top 20. had been told by the range staff that because were quickly eliminated in the first round. weapon handling, marksmanship, fitness and After getting over the initial he was a designated gunner he could switch to The competition was won overall by last expose soldiers to demanding, enjoyable and shock, we moved to the next shoot automatic, which he did without hesitation and year’s winners 253 (Reserve) Med Regt, with operationally relevant shoots. The competition which was the Advance to Contact was soon advancing down the range “brassing” 5 Regt maintaining their position of 9th place Tconsists of ten matches in total, ranging from static Match. This started with a 500m up targets, hence the nickname Rambo! from the first day. Two members of the team long range defence shoots to close range shoots. run, to be completed in less than Next was the dreaded Section Advance to finished within the top 50 out 138, SSgt The team arrived at BTC on the Friday night. On 3 mins, and then shoots starting at Contact Match. The match started with a 2.4km Stewart (Wksp) 11th place and LCpl Pegram completion of settling into the accommodation we 400m going down to 100m. The run carrying full kit to be completed in less (Geo Tp) 48th place; well done to both. proceeded to the NAAFI, for a team meeting. Prior to team did very well and achieved than 18 mins. Prior to starting the run phase we The competition was well supported arrival I had produced “cheat sheets” for the complex one of the top 3 scores for the day were approached by BFBS who asked if they by all departments within 5 AAC. The matches and we soon had enough empty coke cans which helped to boost confidence could film us; we agreed on condition that they weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by all to “rehearse” the upcoming day’s matches. in the team. However we were later only film us at the start! The shoot phase of and I am confident that with this continued After grouping and zeroing in the morning we moved on told that this match would not be this match started at 600m for the gunners and level of support, next year 5 Regt will to our first shoot of the competition, The Defence Match. counted due to a technical failure 500m for the riflemen. We had been unable to finish much higher in the table.

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and more commonly formation skydiving. Army Air Corps So far this year we have competed in the United Kingdom Parachuting Skydiving League (UKSL) where teams from all over the Written By: LCpl Wright UK compete in three separate competitions, ABOVE: LCpl Jodie for each competition the winner gets ten Written By: WO2 (SSM) Tim Couzens Beckingham from 2 Regt So far 2015 has been a busy year points and so on. At the end of the three AAC Novice Female Winner for skydiving. March saw the meets the overall winner is announced. As the words ‘How hard can it be?’ left my mouth, I knew I annual AAC skydiving Accelerated At the first meet in May the AAC Team would regret them, and sure enough as Capt Rob Gittoes Free Fall (AFF) expedition managed to take gold by a huge margin. This gave the standard response, ‘Prove it then!’ I knew I couldn’t to California, where 12 new put us first in the UKSL and subsequently back down. So, the second Yeovilton Triathlon it is then. skydivers gained qualifications. resulted in first place in the European Skydiving League (ESL) which is a different league he event was an electronically hese trips are essential as it is the altogether that takes into account scores timed Novice race, suitable best way to encourage new people from all leagues in the whole of Europe. for first timers, and a Sprint into the sport. It also helps more Other competitions planned this year race for every other racing experienced skydivers to develop include the Armed Forces Parachuting Tsnake who wanted a shot at the title. Ttheir skills and practice for the competitions Championship (AFPC) and the UK Nationals. throughout the year, many of which are Historically our team has done very EQUIPMENT taught by a team of coaches from the AAC. well at the AFPC and we hope to achieve I decided that if I were going to do this I For people who can’t attend AFF gold. We are all very proud to compete for needed to look the part…on the start line Expeds for work or financial reasons the Corps in the UK Nationals and we are at least. I signed out a road bike from the there are Static Line courses which are working hard to take home a medal! QM’s and borrowed a Tri Suit - a good start ran every week at the Joint Service at no cost - then suddenly realised that I had Parachute Centre Netheravon (JSPCN) become part of the MAMIL (Middle Aged Man This is where students are taught to exit in Lycra) clan and was still not comfortable the aircraft in a stable position attached to a with this look. Having spent the last 15 years than I remembered. Every four static line. In May, the AAC took ten students cursing packs of sponsored cyclists around minutes another wave enter the to Netheravon which was very successful country lanes, impeding the progress of us pool and obviously individuals and achieved a good number of jumps. tax paying motorists, I felt hypocritical. departed to the transition for the This year the AAC have put together a bike. At just under 10 minutes I formation skydiving team. We are competing TRAINING dragged my waterlogged body www.shutterstock.com Moreno, Barros Juanan © in disciplines such as Accuracy, Free Flying The training didn’t go as well as I hoped with out of the pool, noting that it being more of an ability test. I identified swimming is not my strong point! It now became very clear why the required distance for a Novice Sprint My transition to bike was triathletes practice the transitions from Triathlon (400m swim, 20km bike and 5km slightly more casual than some bike to run - it is Hell on Earth! run) and confirmed that I could complete of the top competitors but it did This was an extremely uncomfortable them. Swim test, all good, although 400m leave me time to catch a breath first mile and a bit of a shock if you are seems a long way in a pool. Riding a road bike and contemplate the move to not expecting it. Your legs are very tight, was fairly new but I had ridden a mountain cycling. I opted to put my cycling they do loosen up but it takes a while to bike before so how different could it be? shoes on before mounting the bike get into your stride. A 5km loop was the The cleated shoes and clip-in peddles were but saw the top guys attached designated distance around the local new to me and we didn’t have the greatest them to the pedals and then carry countryside. The long straight towards of starts, however I soon got the idea when out some form of shoe gymnastics, the end gave the runners the chance I picked myself up from the ground after getting their feet into the shoes to see the later competitors finishing forgetting to disconnect my feet from the while cycling; I didn’t trust my their ride as you completed the run. bike. The run was the only part I was fairly co-ordination for this ‘feet’ of skill. The final turn into the finishing straight happy with, so no practice required. one, which was for the full-on novices. With The cycle was very pleasant and was a good feeling, hearing the music and All I had to do then was put it together registration complete, it was time to prepare as it was only my second outing on seeing the finishing tunnel. A burger wagon in one event. Somewhere in the back of my kit and equipment ready for the transitions. a road bike it was still a novelty and wouldn’t have gone amiss but at least water, mind was a nagging voice saying ‘practise Looking around I realised that there were enjoyable. I wasn’t overtaken but nor an open bar and free soup was on offer! the transitions’. This was completely many people here taking it very seriously and did I overtake. The ride took me about All in all a great experience and highly ignored - how hard could it be to get lots of tactics being talked, but also a few 42 minutes for 20km, not too shabby. recommended for anyone to have a go. changed? I’d been doing it for years! complete novices, looking just as lost as me. On returning to the transition area I You don’t need to be a 20 year old racing There is good safety in clueless numbers. succeeded in getting my feet out of the shoes snake (if we have such a thing any more). I’m RACE DAY, 20TH MAY 2015 At 1300 we were a-go and wave one whilst cycling so I could speed up the process a 39 year old first time triathlete with little The day loomed and I was ‘prepared’, that pushed off from the side for our 16 lengths. ready for the run. The transition this time training and I got round successfully, so give is, I registered on time. I was placed in wave Swimming suddenly became more difficult was much slicker taking only 46 seconds. it a go - what have you got to lose?

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was a complete novice having never been on Many of the teams from Hochfilzen snow in any form and Airtpr Karen Akehurst also travelled to Ex SPARTAN HIKE as had at least been alpine skiing, which aided well as some new faces. The course her ability to pick up the technique. The here guaranteed to be more gently ladies were truly thrown in at the deep end undulating and the team captain, Lt by entering straight into Ex NORDIC WHITE Casey Fuke had promised the ladies FIST in Hochfilzen, Austria the RA, RAC and it would be much easier. On arrival AAC Nordic Championships with very limited at Serre Chevalier, France we were experience. 2 Regt AAC also put forward a bitterly disappointed to see no snow! very strong male team and it was the first time The course organisers overcame that the AAC had both a female and male this by creating courses in ‘the Coll’ team at Ex NORDIC WHITE FIST in years. about 20 minutes drive up the valley On arrival in Austria we had three days to a higher altitude. With the higher to teach and master two different types of altitude also came a much colder race Skiing as well as learning how to handle and and the shooting aspect of the race shoot the Biathlon Rifle before the races separated from the skiing element record given the started; no mean feat. Classic and Skate are with the ranges situated in the lower 9 Regt AAC Charity Squash gruelling nature the recognised skiing techniques and both part of the valley. With limited space of the event. An require different to create 10-15km race courses the Marathon Endurance Event event like this has skis that need to be track became winding with very tight so many people waxed each night. turns and very congested as multiple Written By: Cpl Paul Ryan involved and AAC Female Nordic Skiing The team showed loops had to be skied to cover the relies on a swept determination in distances. This was not the ideal In May 2015 members of the 9 Regt AAC Squash team up support team For the first time in two years the Army Air Corps put forward a Female Nordic and Biathlon Ski Team the first few races, conditions promised to the team but raised money for a local charity by taking part in a to ensure that consisting of six females; four from 4 Regiment, one from 9 Regiment and one from 6 Regiment AAC. competing against their spirits were not dampened and charity “squash marathon” fundraising endurance event. everything runs experienced skiers they all gave every race maximum like clockwork. Written By: Lt Casey Fuke t Casey Fuke has participated in three – even the novices from other teams had effort which was warming to witness. undraising was in support of St The Regimental Squash Team members Ex Spartan Hikes (The Nordic and at this point been skiing for several months The team members picked up a Michael’s Hospice, a local charity supported the day by ensuring that all Biathlon Divisional Champs) 2009-2011 at training camps in Norway. The steep few medals in the AAC category at that supports thousands of children opponents arrived on time and were and Airtprs Collette Walsh and Alison inclines and descents were intimidating to Ex NORDIC WHITE FIST competing and families in the North Yorkshire fully briefed on what to expect. They LKerr had participated in 2014. The other three even the most experienced skiers and the against each other. Airtpr Akehurst Farea throughout terminal illnesses. The also conducted fundraising, erected females were Novices to the sport although world cup track claimed a few injuries over won three gold medals at Ex SPARTAN event was held at the Army Foundation banners and supplied refreshments for Capt Joanna Vann had a lot of Alpine and the course of the week but our team used HIKE in the Female Reserve Category College, Harrogate; the facilities are the 26 players who took part. On top touring experience which helped when getting it as training and experience for the next for cross-country, Biathlon and the second-to-none in the Army. There are of this, they played warm-up matches

to grips with Nordic Skiis. Cpl Sasha Chilvers level of competition at Ex SPARTAN HIKE. www.shutterstock.com Kramar, Dmitry © combined category and Lt Fuke six glass-backed squash courts and state against the opponents before (and qualified comfortably for the Army of the art gym equipment as well as a sometimes after) they had played Maj Championships which was pleasing brand new sports hall and a swimming Green. Some of the support team actually given the time away from Nordic and pool. The Regimental Team members played over 20 matches themselves! with minimal time on snow that season. supporting the event were Maj Green, More about the charity: St Michael’s It was invaluable experience WO2 Sharp, Cpl Ryan, Cpl Readshaw Hospice exists to help people with terminal participating in the earlier events as and Cpl Squire (see photo above). illness to live and die well. This is done there is a lot of detail to organise, in The event has been attempted by offering specialist care, comfort and particular weapons, ammunition and the previously, in 2013, and so we knew it could support, free of charge, to patients and associated Diplomatic Clearances. This be done. However, Maj Green said he had their families. The vision is of a community year Lt Fuke will captain the team once managed to erase from his memory just how where everyone gets the care they need again, taking another six females to demanding it was the last time. Throughout to live their last years, months and days compete and with plenty more planning the day, Maj Green played squash matches with respect and dignity. The event was time and funding already granted we against 26 opponents, back-to back, over a a huge success, raising over £600 for the are able to train in Norway before ten hour period. In total this amounted to 83 charity. There is still time to donate by hitting the competitions in 2016. games! He won 74 and lost nine - not a bad simply texting: SMSM91 £5 to 70070.

ABOVE: From left to right: LCpl Squire, WO2 Sharp, Maj Green, Cpl Ryan, LCpl Readshaw © Katarzyna Wojtasik, www.shutterstock.com

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The morning of Day 2, the day before our windy and face-muddying Paris-Roubaix. It challenge, we had all agreed it would be wise wasn’t too long before the group naturally spilt to get out on our bikes and find some of the into its micro groups, although with 3 feeding Pave section (cobbles) so we could experience stations on route, and surely a few punctures, how they felt before the big day. In typical we all agreed it would be a day of passing each Woodhouse fashion, we headed directly to the other by and leap frogging. I found myself 9 Regiment AAC Cycling Trouee d’Arenberg, with WO2 SSM Kenny Wayman, someone I a 2.4km 5 star rated had ridden with before and knew we were (the hardest) sector suitably matched for this kind of race. Our of Pave; with the sun pace was strong and consistent and the miles shining brightly, the were soon beginning to drift by with relative Paris-Roubaix 2015 section didn’t actually ease. Just in front were Maj Woodhouse, Maj Fresh from cycling the full length of the Outer Hebrides in September 2014, look too bad to the naked eye. However, the Goodier and Lt Col Cook and just behind were a group of keen cyclists led by Maj “Woody” Woodhouse signed up for the second the wheels hit the cobbles, it rapidly Lt Pantoja and Airtpr Harvey. Somewhere else, iconic sportive, Paris-Roubaix, that was to be held in France in April of 2015. became apparent just how uncomfortable unbeknown to anyone, were Sgt Brummit and technically REME and Sgt England REME. I must say at Written By: LCpl Paul Ryan sourced, ferry bookings made, the nominal roll was finalised, transport difficult the 28 Pave this point we were also lucky enough to have procured and accommodation arranged. The tasks were shared out within sections were going two support crew, consisting of WO2 Mulkeen he sportive, known as the “ Hell of the group, and completed with relative ease, and finally on the 9th April, to be. These cobbled and Airtpr Moore. They met us at feeding the North” failed to dissuade anyone, we had the people, the kit and the bikes leaving Dishforth and heading for roads should not to stations to ensure we could refuel sufficiently, with many people brimming with Dover, via a pick up of the team YO, Lt Emily Pantoja. With all members now be confused with and generally helped us in our challenge. confidence after completing the on board we headed for the ferry port. Managing to squeeze onto an earlier the gentle cobbled Moving on, as the groups split, we all had Tsix day Scottish epic; however, the smooth ferry, we found ourselves in France ahead of schedule, cruising to our final streets you may find our own experiences; myself and WO2 Wayman coastline roads of the Hebrides would soon be destination of Cambrai. Maj Woodhouse, via a very friendly French Lt Col, in a quaint Yorkshire were lucky enough not to suffer any punctures replaced by the world famous, bone shaking had procured us some accommodation within an old French Fort; a room village; these were throughout the race. Most people had changed pave sections of the Paris-Roubaix…. large enough for all of our camp cots, bikes and kit and with semi warm more of an ancient the normal road tyres for ones more suitable, So, as with all exercises or expeditions, lots showers. After the initial set up of beds we headed into town for a evening Roman road built for generally wider, for comfort and stronger to of administration was undertaken, funding was meal and a few refreshments, typically jumping into the first place we saw. horse and carts to avoid punctures over the 28 Pave sections. travel along! Large Time was flying by protruding singular bricks, greatly uneven and before we knew gusting winds still with us, we moved on at a steady pace, more often settle for creeping through traffic and in the and extremely difficult to navigate through it we arrived at our than not, overtaking rather than being overtaken. Myself and the SSM SSM’s case, one final crash. With the traffic with no “good line” really available. However, first feeding stop at were chatting away nicely and cruising along, passing by small towns clearing, we turn right into the velodrome and with everyone completing the section we the 42km mark. We now with many more local people out of bed and shouting words of pass under the welcome banners into the noise moved on and found another few, less severe took on a little energy encouragement, mostly “Alle, Alle Alle!” Passing the 120km mark, approx of the crowds and supporters and begin our and with a lower star rating and gave them a but were swiftly back 75 miles, we are now within touching distance of the final feeding station, victory lap. We take the high line around the bash; still fairly horrid, but nice in comparison on our way. By this at this point I think it would be fair to say that although we have plenty banking of the velodrome (neither one of us to the Arenberg! At least that was number point we had already left in the tank, the wind and sometimes the slight inclines are now not has ridden in one before so decide to milk it!) 18 of 28, so we would be hitting that fairly completed 5 Pave as easy as before. We approach feeding station 3 at 130km, and with the and come off the banking and cross the line late on in the race. With approx 20 miles in sections and were weather now slightly improving our morale is high and we stop, chat to together posing for our finishing photo, the sun our legs and another swing back down the raring to tackle the the support crew and take on our final bit of energy ensuring that it gets even came out to make it even more special. Arenberg, we all decided we had enough next 22; rain still us over the finishing line and into the world famous Roubaix velodrome. Both grinning we congratulate and thank experience and practise and were grateful drizzling down, we Leaving the feed station, we know we only each other, now stiff we slowly dismount and that it would come as a big surprise to us ploughed on through several villages and down have 40km to go, and more importantly only head to see if any of group have finished. all on race day. The supermarket was our the rural country roads, averaging anywhere 7 Pave sections. The crowds are getting larger We find Lt Col Cook, Maj Goodier, and Sgt next destination before heading back to the between 18-24mph on the road sections. The and the cheering louder; the finish line is fast Brummit have just finished and hear the restaurant to fill ourselves with lots of pasta. Pave sectors are regular but vary in distance, approaching. the Pave sections count down dreaded news that Maj Woodhouse suffered Day 3 saw an early start; we rose at 0600 anything from 700m to 3km in length. Each on the signs, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say an irreparable mechanical failure and couldn’t to ensure we all had plenty of time to get is awarded a star rating of 1-5, 1 being the seeing singular numbers instead of double finish with only 30km to go. We all feel sorry for ourselves sorted and on the transport by 0700. easiest, 5 being the most difficult, and are figure wasn’t a pleasant sight. We are now him as he has trained the most, is the strongest The start line was only about 45 minutes away what makes the Paris - Roubaix the iconic race into the last few sections, shorter in distance rider and put the whole thing together – there and we could start between 0700-0900 from it is and, although in my opinion fairly horrible, and with plenty of adrenaline now rushing is no justice and I pretty much immediately the little village of Busigny. We had planned when you do “get it right” and get that one through our bodies. The SSM and I are feeling hear he’s already roped Maj Goodier into to arrive early to avoid the really slow riders good line, maintain your cadence and speed strong and grinning at each other like kids, completing it again in 2016! The remainder mounting up at the start line at approx 0750. and finish them, the feeling is pretty good. knowing we are into the last few miles and that of the team all safely cross the finish line, Lt Within the group we had riders of different With the dreaded Arenberg now complete nothing can stop us hitting the velodrome. We Pantoja has had much more of a traumatic abilities, but all with the determination, fitness and behind us, we approached feeding station make a turn into what we know is one of the time than we did, multiple punctures, a few and endurance to finish the 170km. Last toilet 2, and the 81km mark. We stopped for 20 final climbs, the roads are now smooth and crashes and riding solo for most of it, a tough stop, quick photo and we were off, leaving minutes, took on energy in the form of bananas, we have completed all the pave sections, no task but shows true Paris -Roubaix spirit. It was behind the jostling crowds and blasting music cereal bars and the odd bit of flap jack, took more cobbles and I cant say I’m sorry about a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, a fantastic of Busigny. The weather hadn’t been as kind as a quick toilet break, refilled our bottles with that! We turn onto the final approach road to challenge for any cyclist and more importantly, the previous day (grey, overcast and raining), carb and electrolyte drinks and mounted up. the velodrome and were disappointed to see completely achievable. A privilege to be part this was to set the scene for a typically wet, Another 50km and 9 Pave sections awaited us that its laden with traffic. I was hoping for an of it, and although I’m not signing up just yet,

© Radu Razvan, www.shutterstock.com until our final feeding station. Rain showers and explosive ending to the race but we had to I’d never say never to doing it again.

38 ISSUE 2, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK LZDZ / ISSUE 2 2015 39 SPORT

onthly organised walks have been uniquely squeezed into an area taken place in the Kingdom extending approximately fifteen miles. of Mourne where RIGC (NI) There are six peaks over 700 metres above staff have had the opportunity sea level with Slieve Donard the highest at Mto hone their navigation skills and learn 853 metres, which have been hit six times about new aspects of walking, such as in the last two months alone by different confidence roping, whilst taking in the teams within the RIGC (NI). The mountain spectacular scenery of the Mournes. range itself is crisscrossed with a multitude Regardless of weather, each walk has been of tracks and paths making it perfect to Written By: L/Cpl Kirsten Alexander successful and has been enjoyed by all and navigate but it would take years to explore even in the drive over to County fully. Just a couple of kilometres from the As a break from drawing contours on maps Down; it isn’t hard to see why. famous Bloody Bridge lies the hidden and taking pictures of the ground, personnel The Mourne Mountains are a Silent Valley which is not just spectacular from RIGC (NI) have been trailing up hills recognised area of outstanding to see but is also essential as it holds the looking at actual contours and gaining an natural beauty where dozens of main water supply to Belfast, covered by appreciation for conditions on real ground. glaciated sculpted peaks have the magnificent twenty-two mile Mourne Wall which took eighteen years to build by hand. The crescents of granite topped 5AAC peaks enclose the kingdom of Mourne making it the most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland. Any newcomer to the area will be able to navigate successfully with HittheHills proper planning which will subsequently finish in an enjoyable, safe day on the mountain. Team. This was a very tough match and rapidly As any hillwalker knows, the day on the the number of goals conceded against us grew. hill is not actually finished until tea and Unfortunately we did not win a match during cake are being enjoyed and the Mourne the tour but we developed a lot of valuable Mountain benefits from being next door AAC Netball netball skills. Throughout all the matches the to the tourist area of Newcastle where The participation of Netball in the popular sport for spectators in comparison Bajan ladies put up stiff competition and always energy can be replenished after an Army Air Corps has increased this to the UK. Proud parents watched as their welcomed us and thanked us warmly. There was arduous day on the hill – this also provides year which has been wonderful to see. daughters marginally beat both of our also time during the tour to visit the famous fish an appetising alternative to the ration teams. Word had spread quickly around market, enjoy a trip on a Catamaran and swim packs provided by the cookhouse. Written By: Lt Casey Fuke the town and the next day we were getting with turtles as well as chilling out in the Boat The most important thing to remember questioned and bantered by the Yard with swimming, swings and volleyball. when out on the hills is that the party is e are approaching the start of the next locals: “Are you the team that The AAC entered one team in the top always governed by the capabilities of the season and Inter-Corps Competition where got beaten by the development division of the Inter-Corps championships weakest member – stay safe on the hills and selection for the Army team takes place. girls last night?”… Urrr Yes. thanks to a strong performance last year in be aware of dangers. Always carry a map In September 2014 ladies from across the With more training and the second division as well as a B team in the and compass (and know how to use them) WCorps came together to train in Middle Wallop getting matches, experimenting with second division. We surprised ourselves initially and above all, enjoy the day. The Mourne great coaching and dedication from Ann Coffey and different configurations of players, by beating some of the renowned top teams Mountains are a giant playground and are Ex England Netball player Capt Joanna Vann. All this the team grew stronger and such as the Royal Logistic Corps second team easily accessible to go and play in. was in preparation for our Netball Tour to Barbados. began to develop the vital skill of and the Royal Signals. The top spots were In October 2014 17 AAC ladies boarded their flight to non-verbal communication and taken in the end by the RLC and AGC but we Barbados. The Hotel apartment was located on the sea spatial awareness; each person came 3rd and were extremely proud to have front with a few restaurants in the vicinity and the outdoor knew where the other players were surpassed our expectations; all the training Netball court, which doubled up as a basketball court, going to back them up and where together had certainly paid off. The B Team just a ten minute walk away. Each morning we began their strengths lay. We filmed also did very well coming second to the Royal training around 0830, the public court had no shade so our matches and for many of us Engineers who will now move up into the first we finished training before lunch and before it became it was the first time we had ever division. We have now set precedence and have too hot. The benefit of having everyone in one place was used video analysis as a training ambitions to come at least second this year. invaluable and it had been difficult to achieve with busy tool. It was extremely useful in The AAC had a few individuals selected work commitments in the UK. In the training sessions we enabling players to see where for the Army Netball team selection; Lt focussed on key skills and developed our teamwork. they had created good space and Rachel Durrell, Lt Casey Fuke and Airtpr The first match we played was on the second night, so opportunities, and where they had Lucy Roberts, who was unable to compete with little chance to select players for their positions we made poor decisions. The tour in the Inter-Corps Championships but were being watched by the locals play against two U16 culminated with our final match was selected to play for the Army B team National development teams. In Barbados, Netball is a against the Island’s University First in the Inter-Services Competition.

40 ISSUE 2, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS VISIT: WWW.LZDZONLINE.CO.UK LZDZ / ISSUE 2 2015 41 SPORT

Making the Yeovil Marathon Yeovilton Flying High a true community event, POAET Bryn Phillips, You could be organiser and race director, with Marathon Success invited two schools; Milford Junior School and Charlton The first ever Yeovil Marathon Horethorne CofE School, to took place on Sunday 14th design the finishers medal. in the Algarve, June at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton with over 230 Written By: Kerry Randall competitors taking part. he rules laid down were relaxing in the sun... Written By: Kerry Randall minimal, but the design had to fit inside a disc rganised by POAET Bryn Phillips, 60mm in diameter and of 845 Naval Air Squadron Thave a Naval Aviation theme. Commando Helicopter Force, the The race directors picked a Situated on the top floor of a three storey block the apartment has its marathon was a great success design from each Year Group and put own residents’ swimming pool. It has the advantage of being away Owith participants competing not only for a them in to a final round of judging from the bustle of the town centre but within walking distance (10 personal best race time but also for the title of to establish the overall winner. Each minutes to the marina and another 5 to the town centre). the winner of the first ever Yeovil Marathon. design from each Year Group picked The winner of that coveted title went to Tim won a prize, with the overall design It has a twin bedroom, open plan kitchen and lounge. The kitchen has a 4-ring hob, oven, Hawkins with a fantastic time of 2 hours, 47 winner being given an extra prize. microwave, toaster and washing machine. There is a family sized bathroom. The lounge minutes and 21 seconds. Tim was presented Abigail Garrett, a student at has a sofa (which converts into two more single beds) and a table to seat four. A TV, DVD with his medal by Abigail Garrett, a student Charlton Horethorne CofE School, was and CD player are also available. Both the lounge and bedroom have patio doors which at Charlton Horethorne CofE School, who chosen as the overall design winner open onto the balcony offering views over the swimming pool and across Lagos. won the competition to design the medal. RNRMC and the Yeovilton Military Wives with her excellent ‘Fly Navy, Run There is ample car parking space in front of the building. Tim said: “It was great to win. I took the Choir and the families have enjoyed the day Yeovil’ design. Abigail said she was first part of the race a bit too fast and suffered so it’s been a great success. Now to start very pleased and excited about seeing www.algarveestatemanagement.co.uk for the last five miles. But overall, I held it the planning for next years marathon!” her design on the real medal. apt meia together well and it’s absolutely fantastic The marathon was sponsored and to win the first Yeovil Marathon, especially supported by a number of companies from PRICES: with Yeovil being in my home town.” around Somerset; Agusta Westlands, Tony Nov to Mar £190 The marathon was held through the Yeovil Pryce Sports, Sodexo, Yarlington Homes, Apr & Oct £255 Town Road Running Club and all money Symonds and Sampson and Aztec Media. May & Sept £290 raised going to the Royal Navy and Royal “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the June £330 Marines Charity and the Yeovilton Military volunteers who were willing to get out of bed July & Aug £410 Wives Choir, with the total standing at over so early on a Sunday morning, our sponsors, £3,000 with donations still coming in. everyone who took part and the families POAET Bryn Phillips said: “It was who supported them.” Added Bryn. fantastic to see everyone off the start line. The second Yeovil Marathon will After all the hard work it was quite an take place on the 12th June 2016 emotional moment, but we’ve raised so plenty of time to get training a huge amount of money for the - Fly Navy, Run Yeovilton!

To book accommodation please contact Judith Hall on 01536 711884 Apartments can also be booked very competitively at [email protected]

42 ISSUE 2, 2015 / LZDZ THE JHC DELIVERING JOINT SUCCESS ON OPERATIONS