Global Friendships

The Joint Helicopter Command hosted senior Omani Military personnel at the Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop, Hampshire, on Thursday 26 May 2022.

Written By: Flt Lt Gemma Nagi

Offering the Omani 1* single-Service Chiefs (from the Omani Army, Navy and Air Force), Vice COSSAF and Director Joint Communications, an insight to the JHC Headquarters construct, tri-service nature, and UK Defence outputs, they were greeted by Col Richard Ball as they arrived.

The UK is committed to a regional persistent engagement in Oman, operating from the Land Regional Hub Oman based in Duqm. During collective training exercises including Exercise KHANJAR OMAN 22, the UK will be working alongside the Sultan’s Armed Forces of Oman (SAFO). The visit also provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the JHC aviation assets, including those that will deploy to Oman in Autumn 22 on Exercise PINION OMAN, completing vital environmental training.

The 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team, who previously took part in the Ex PINION OMAN and Exercise KHANJAR OMAN last year, also provided their perspective on the planned deployment and took the opportunity to build on the already established close relationships. Capt Jo Ellett-Swiggs commented:

“It was great to see familiar Omani faces and catching up on the activities which have taken place over the past 8 months since I returned from Oman. Deploying to Oman last year was thoroughly enjoyable with some excellent experiences and with the enhanced relationship between the two nations, this year promises to be an even better experience for those deploying.”

On display during the showcase was a Chinook from RAF Benson, Apache from 4AAC and Wildcat from 1AAC and a static demonstration of the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron capabilities, with the Apache stealing most of the time and attention of the Omanis.