RAF Globemaster crew receive the green light

The crew of a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster had grandstand seats to view the northern lights on a recent sortie over Norway.

The lights, which have the scientific name aurora borealis, are the visible result of solar particles entering the earth’s magnetic field and which are ionized high in the atmosphere. The large transport aircraft was en-route to Bardufoss flystasjon (Air Station) where the stunning show continued. Part of the Air Mobility Force (AMF) at RAF Brize Norton, the C-17 was flying troops and freight to Norway for Exercise Clockwork, part of the British military's extreme weather training.

Talking about the experience Squadron Leader Shepperd, a pilot serving with 99 Squadron, said: “As a globally deployable unit, on constant readiness, the AMF can be tasked to deploy rapidly to any location required. In this case, our route allowed us to see the northern lights, an unexpected delight. We were lucky enough to watch the electric green waves begin to flare, lighting up the sky”.

Exercise Clockwork exposes personnel, equipment and aircraft to temperatures as low as -30°c as the three services strengthen their respective Arctic capabilities. Commenting on the importance on exercises such as this, Officer Commanding 99 Squadron, Wing Commander Essex, said: “The C17 aircraft gives the RAF the capability to rapidly deploy large equipment over long distances. Training for this in different operating environments and integrating with the other Services, such as on Ex Clockwork, enables us all to succeed on deployed operations and hold effective readiness for contingent operations, maximising the output of many units.”

The AMF plays a vital role in enabling exercises such as this one. The C-17, A400M Atlas, A330 Voyager and C130J Hercules aircraft supported Ex Clockwork in various roles; these included freight runs as well as being active participants in certain exercise scenarios.