LZ Issue 2 2023

LANDING ZONE

The Cateran Yomp

Ex TUSKER RAPTOR

Trekking in Patagonia

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Foreword

Meet theTeam

EDITORIAL

Editor: Sqn Ldr Barry Johnson

E: BARRY.JOHNSON134@mod.gov.uk

SALES

Sales Manager: Jayne Bailey

E: jayne@lancemediagroup.co.uk

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DESIGNER

Designer: Amanda Robinson

E: amanda@lancemediagroup.co.uk

Pumas are firmly established in Brunei, providing essential support to Jungle Warfare Training and in Cyprus, delivering Emergency Response activity. Apache and Wildcat have returned from Op PELEDA in Estonia having conducted multiple tasks supporting NATOs Forward Presence. Commando Helicopter Force Merlins have completed training in Portugal with their Portuguese Air Force counterparts, Chinooks have been in France supporting French paratroopers and Watchkeeper continues to train in the USA.

In the UK the JHC were front and centre at His Majesty The King’s Coronation being one of the few waves to defeat the weather and then returning 6 weeks later for The King’s Birthday to lead out the full flypast. Apaches of 656 Sqn AAC have refreshed their Deck Landing Qualifications embarked on RFA Argos and 1 Regt AAC have supported the Police Service of Northern Ireland during His Majesty the King’s visit.

Despite the high demands of supporting the UKs commitments JHC personnel have also managed to conduct multiple Force Development and Adventurous Training activities as far afield as Austria, USA, Chile and Scotland returning home stronger, wiser and armed with new skills.

Looking forward we will see Joint Helicopter Command evolve into Joint Aviation Command (JAC) later in the year. Whilst there will be no change to how we operate crewed rotary wing capabilities the change does reflect the increasing importance of uncrewed systems and human-machine teaming on the battlefield. By establishing a JAC, we will continue to reap the benefits of operating as a joint force with the Army, Navy and RAF but also provide a framework to develop future cooperation using UAS and similar systems in the joint environment.

As we approach the UK summer holiday season, I sincerely hope you can all manage to take some leave and enjoy a well-deserved break from work with your family and friends before returning refreshed for what looks like yet another very busy period.

Air Vice-Marshal A P T Smith Commander JHC

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FURTHER INFORMATION

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COVER IMAGE: Apache deck landing on RFA Argus – LCpl Lamichlane REME.

During the first half of this year the JHC has truly lived up to its motto ‘Across All Boundaries’ undertaking a broad range of activities from training to operations in various parts of the world and here in the UK.

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230 SQUADRON TAKES OVER DUTIES IN BRUNEI

Written By: Flt Lt Ben Davidson

This transfer marks the return of 230 Squadron to Southeast Asia, where it boasts a rich and extensive history of service.

1563 Flight, accompanied by three Puma HC2 aircraft, had initially deployed to Brunei in August 2022, assuming control from the 7 Flight AAC in September of the same year. Operating under the parent unit, 33 Squadron, the flight achieved full operational capability (FOC) during its tenure in Brunei. Equipped with a medium lift capability, the flight catered to the needs of UK units stationed in Brunei, offering services such as Heli Abseil, Fast roping, winching, underslung loads, and trooping on a larger scale.

During their deployment, 1563 Flight played a vital role in supporting exercising troops by providing ready-state 30-minute and 60-minute medical evacuation capabilities while operating in the challenging jungle terrain. Additionally, the flight was extensively utilized by various UK units, including the Jungle Warfare Division and the Royal Marines, to transport personnel and equipment to remote jungle sites.

As 1563 Flight officially handed over its duties, 230 Squadron stepped in to continue providing essential medium lift capabilities to UK forces and Indo Pacific partners in Borneo. With a history of operating in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Borneo, the return of

230 Squadron to the region reinforces the commitment of British Forces Brunei to strengthen collaboration with regional countries. Moreover, the Puma aircraft’s versatile capabilities are expected to enhance training exercises with international partners.

In a nostalgic nod to the squadron’s past, the 230 Squadron emblem, featuring a Tiger under a palm tree, dates back to 1937 when it was officially approved by HM the King. The emblem was inspired by the iconic locally brewed Tiger beer and its original logo.

Simultaneously, as 230 Squadron established its presence in Brunei,

a substantial logistical undertaking was executed to relocate all operating capabilities from the temporary home at Rimba Air Force Base in the capital to the permanent facility at Medicina Lines in Seria. The relocation process, including the construction of a new hangar, commenced upon the RAF’s arrival in 2022 and was completed in May 2023, signifying the squadron’s official standing in Medicina Lines.

To infuse the spirit of the 230 Squadron into their new base, various memorabilia and historical items made the long journey from RAF Benson. Notable items, such as cabin doors from the Puma 50th and RAF 100 aircraft, as well as a large bronze tiger statue, were incorporated into the renovated bar and offices, leaving an indelible mark of the squadron’s legacy and creating a distinct 230 Squadron ambiance in Brunei.

In a significant transition, the Royal Air Force’s 1563 Flight successfully handed over its operational responsibilities in Brunei to the esteemed 230 Squadron on 18 May 2023.

THE CATERAN YOMP

On the 1st of June 16 members of 47 Regiment Royal Artillery travelled to Scotland to take part in the Cateran Yomp.

some tester tipples at the bar. Once tents were established 2Lt Hunter led a kit check and ensured all participants were registered. With over 500 participants the atmosphere was electric, and the rest of the evening was spent meeting other participants at the event's famous pasta party. A safety brief followed as well as some encouraging words from the Army Sergeant Major who was also participating in the yomp.

The Cateran Yomp is an endurance event which requires entrants to complete a 54-mile trek across the Cairngorm National Park within a 24-hour time frame. The yomp allowed personnel from the batteries across the regiment to come together and have a break from the fast pace of regimental life.

The trip began with a long car journey from Larkhill to a surprisingly sunny Edinburgh where the team enjoyed an evening meal to begin the ‘carb load’ before the event. On the morning of Friday 2nd of June the teams packed up and departed Redford Barracks to head for the event hub in Blairgowrie.

Upon arrival at the event hub there were many stalls offering coffee, merchandise and even

“A challenging test of mental and physical resilience a like.”

Army Sergeant Major Paul Carney.

At 0430 the sound of bagpipes gradually woke the campsite and after a hearty cooked breakfast the members of the regiment prepared for step off at 0650. Before we knew it, we were off toward the first checkpoint, Bronze (22 miles). With good spirits the team started off strong, taking in the sunshine and the stunning views of the landscapes. Along the way there were designated water stops which were stocked with electrolyte drinks, fruit, and snacks. At 18 miles in, the final push to bronze presented a hurdle in the form of a 200m ascent between the team and the checkpoint. The tough terrain challenged individuals' ability to push through when the things got tough. The

determination of the team was wholly worth it, as upon arrival at Bronze we were greeted with a copious amount of fuel in the form of a fully stocked sandwich deli bar and fresh smoothies.

Refreshed and rejuvenated the team departed for the silver checkpoint (36 miles). This leg

of the course offered some challenging terrain but nothing that some high-quality eye spy couldn’t help with. Arriving at Silver at 20:30 we quickly scoffed pizza and had visits to the onsite podiatrists to prepare for the final stretch.

The sun was setting as we headed for gold. The final 18mile stretch had some steep inclines and sharp descents, all with the added complexity of darkness. This leg was a true test. Many team members had multiple blisters and hotspots as well as aching joints. When morale was dipping, the team came together and spurred each other on to the very end. The attitude demonstrated by the team on the final

push embodied the values and standards of the Army, requiring discipline and selfless commitment to each other. As each member crossed the finish line together under the 24-hour mark a sense of relief and celebration was felt amongst everyone and had made all the pain worthwhile.

Overall, the Cateran Yomp was a professionally run event which provided an opportunity to really test the mental resilience and physical robustness of the team. Whilst demanding the yomp was made even more worthwhile when we each received the gold medal as well as a gold distinction for finishing; as a team, and in under 24 hours.

“A challenging yet rewarding experience and a true test of mental resilience.”

Sgt Budd

COMMANDO HELICOPTER FORCE

PRESENTATION OF WINGS TO COMMANDO 2 MERLIN MK4 COURSE

On Thursday 25 May 2023 the Commando Helicopter Force’s 846 Naval Air Squadron held a Wings Parade for the presentation of Wings to pilots and aircrewmen on Commando 2 Merlin MK4 Course.

The Wings were presented by the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Connell CBE who is responsible for the delivery of the RN’s future capabilities, strategy and longterm programme and is the RN’s Principal Personnel Officer.

After graduating from Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, Fleet Air Arm Student Pilots are trained initially on light fixed-wing aircraft at RAF Cranwell. They then complete their Basic Flying Training on helicopters at RAF Shawbury flying the twin-engine Juno helicopter before continuing their training on the Commando Merlin MK4 at RNAS Yeovilton.

To be awarded their Wings, Pilots complete an extremely demanding course using the most modern and advanced simulator facility and flying the real aircraft, all from RNAS Yeovilton. The Operational Conversion Flight of 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) provides a tailored course that results in a graduate being able to competently operate as part of a frontline crew with minimal further training. After learning the handling skills required to safely conduct flying by day, night and when in cloud, they move on to undertake

all the disciplines required on operations. This involves low level navigation, night vision goggle flying, load lifting, mountain flying, gunnery, formation and embarked operations; all of which culminates in an exercise in field conditions with real time tasking and an operational overlay.

Merlin Student Commando Aircrewmen come from the Royal Navy or Royal Marines. After basic and advanced rotary rear crew training on the Juno helicopter at RAF Shawbury, students selected for the Commando Merlin role join the

Operational Conversion Flight at 846 NAS. The course follows the same syllabus as the pilots, demanding a high degree of knowledge and crew cooperation. Aircrewmen are instrumental in the role of the Commando Merlin Mk4 for undertaking operational capabilities including Load Lifting, Winching, Fast Roping, Gunnery, Search and Rescue, Trooping and Confined Areas.

Of those on parade, Leading Aircrewman James Hammond received his Wings in the presence of his father

Lieutenant Commander

Tregaron Hammond, who joined the Royal Navy in 1989 and who is still serving.

The recipients on parade:

Pilots:

Lieutenant Aaron Dempsey RN

Lieutenant Joshua Gallimore RN

Lieutenant Charles George RN

Lieutenant Oli Gordon RN

Captain Ashley Guest AAC

Lieutenant William Price RN

Aircrewmen:

Leading Aircrewman Callum Bell

Leading Aircrewman

David Gardiner

Leading Aircrewman

James Hammond

Leading Aircrewman

Benjamin Thompson

Leading Aircrewman David Tranter

Leading Aircrewman Jacob Webb

RAF BENSON SUPPORT TO THE KING’S CORONATION FLYPAST

The Kings Coronation Flypast was to be a Tri-service event to mark the coronation which would include 68 aircraft from across defence.

Written By: Squadron Leader Karim Zid, 28 Sqn

The rotary element would lead the formation and comprise of 16 aircraft from all 3 services. This was made up of the following:

3 x Juno aircraft

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm 2 x Merlin and 1 x Wildcat

2 x CHF Merlin and 1 x Wildcat

1 x AAC Wildcat and 2 x Apache

3 x Chinook and 1 x Puma

To facilitate the package RAF Benson was chosen to host all rotary aircraft for staging and refuel, in total 22 aircraft would be hosted at Benson including a few spare aircraft just in case. The staging and refuel plan is the most critical as aircraft

need to be co-ordinated for arrival and be able to refuel in time to all depart at the same time. The plan was created as a team effort with

numerous other sections at RAF Benson. With the help of Flt Lt Robinson in operations the team was pulled together. Collaboration was essential

to the plans success involving Air Traffic Control, Tactical Supply Wing, Refuellers, MT, ground handlers, Fire Section, Met Office and individual force HQ’s. If the staging plan failed the flypast would also fail.

A few days prior to the event it was looking like weather would not be on our side. For the full formation to occur the weather needs to meet certain minimum cloud bases and visibility. This is to ensure a safe flypast over London. Flying nearly 70 aircraft over London some of which are very large is difficult. Prior to this, numerous planning events have occurred with the entire formation to ensure every aircraft type and captain understood their part in the

flypast and the importance of making timings to the second.

The day before the flypast it was clear weather would be an issue. As a result, the staging plan at Benson was changed to allow some aircraft to arrive earlier to get ahead of the bad weather.

All sections pulled together to adapt to a complex plan that had to be changed at short notice.

Unfortunately, in the end, the weather forced the decision that only the Rotary and The Red Arrows would conduct the flypast.

This placed extra strain on Benson due to several limitations. Despite having 3 Rotors turning refuelling spots we were only able to refuel 3 x Wildcat simultaneously with the other larger helicopters refuelling individually due to increased fire cover requirements. The morning of the flypast Team Benson worked its magic to accommodate all aircraft for shutdown refuels as they had arrived earlier ahead of the weather. This is a testament to the excellent work of RAF Benson.

The hard part of staging all aircraft was now done thanks to the efforts of the team at Benson. All 16 aircraft departed on time. The weather was poor and in true rotary fashion the formation battled through the weather, arriving in London, on time, over the palace.

The pictures of the aircraft over Buckingham Palace never tell the story of the energy, professionalism and commitment required on the ground to achieve such a feat. Benson can be justly proud of a job well done.

EX DRAGON CRIMSON CANYON

Written By: Airtpr Ward

After various delays, leading to almost thirty hours of travel, we arrived at Grand Junction, a small town on the Utah-Colorado border, eager for our hotel beds. There were still miles to traverse to our starting point and after another day of driving we finally arrived in Moab, Utah, the gateway for expeditions in the Utah desert.

Our plan was simple; canoe 125 miles down the Green River to its confluence with the Colorado River. There was much preparation to be done: nine days with no resupply and only what we could carry in our already heavy boats meant we were very restricted on equipment and provisions. A miscalculation would pose a very real danger down route

where there would be no phone signal for days or viable means of resupply or extraction.

As the day of departure broke grey skies greeted us. The weather forecast for the next two weeks was not much different and as we loaded our boats on a muddy bank in sideways rain, the challenge that lay before us became painfully real.

Less than 500 metres after setting off there was a stretch of grade 2 rapids – a baptism of fire for us novice skippers. As water flooded in over the bow, the prospect of a capsize and wet equipment for the foreseeable future seemed likely – fortunately, all boats made it through upright. After a long day of paddling into

the wind and rain, a steep and treacherous bank made getting to camp an exhausting and dangerous endeavor. As we sat under tarps in torrential rain, we all thought surely the weather couldn’t get any worse?

As the days progressed our confidence and skills improved, along with the scenery and

weather (or so we thought!) and spirits were high. A wide range of backgrounds and ranks made up the group, making for entertaining moments to say the least!

Day four started sunny and mild and the scenery was some of the best any of us had ever seen. Near the end of the day clouds rolled in and we all

As twenty soldiers and officers from the Army Air Corps and REME boarded a coach on a dreary March morning at Wattisham, the prospect of an upcoming adventure was enough to keep everyone going, despite it being 4am.

The boats are moored and cleaned by the river while camp is established.

The triumphant Ex Dragon Crimson Canyon team at the end of their epic adventure.

geared up for rain, however, the sky gave us some of the heaviest hail anyone had ever experienced. Not only was this freezing and felt like being shot with a BB gun, it also made paddling very laborious. Despite it being an incredibly tough day, we were past the halfway mark!

During the next few days we really hit our stride, covering 20 miles in one day alone. As we got deeper into Canyon Lands National Park, we were in one of the most remote places in the USA, seeing breathtaking scenery only accessible by canoe.

We woke on day seven to grey skies and the sound of raging water. Just downstream from our camp was a vicious grade 2 rapid section. After watching a demonstration from one

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY COMMENDATION

His quick thinking and intervention prevented a suicidal teenage girl from jumping off the bridge, earning him a prestigious national life-saving honour.

of the highly experienced instructors, it was the turn of the first of our twelve boats. Things initially looked good; the line was perfect but then, an over-powered stroke from the stern brought the canoe side on to the flow of water. We all watched hopelessly as it capsized, sinking the confidence of the remaining boats. Despite some misjudged lines, the rest of the boats made it through upright and unscathed, marking the last major hurdle of the trip. For the last 25 miles we truly felt like captains of our boats. Before we knew it, we were at our final camp, exhausted and ready for a shower, safe in the knowledge that we had seen incredible sights and completed a challenge that few people would ever even attempt. After 125 miles we can all proudly call ourselves canoeists.

In recognition of his remarkable actions, FS Matthew Stewart was presented with a Royal Humane Society Certificate of Commendation. Andrew Chapman, Secretary of the Society, praised Stewart as “the right person in the right place at the right time.”

The incident occurred around 9pm on the evening of 2 Mar 23. As FS Stewart drove over Wallingford Bridge, he noticed a girl sitting on the wall, facing the water below, and sensed something was amiss. Unwilling to simply pass on by he parked his car and approached her noticing that she has tied a rock to herself, clearly contemplating taking her own life in the river below.

To prevent the tragedy from unfolding, FS Stewart gently engaged the girl in conversation whilst asking a passer-by to call the emergency services. He skilfully kept her talking for a crucial 25 minutes until emergency services arrived at the scene. It was later discovered that the girl had been missing for three days. Thanks to FS Stewart’s intervention, she was taken into the care of the police and social services, averting a potential tragedy in which she could have drowned.

Recognizing Stewart’s empathy and effective communication, Chapman highlighted the critical role FS Stewart played in saving the girl’s life. His selfless actions make him a deserving recipient of the upcoming award.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when they exhibit compassion and take decisive action during a crisis. FS Stewart’s intervention not only saved a life but also serves as an inspiration to others.

The entrance to Labyrinth Canyon provides the first views of the scenery to come.

LCpl Todd demonstrates excellent resilience and high morale in the face of inclement weather!

Andrew Chapman expressed his admiration, stating,

Flight Sergeant (FS) Stewart’s journey back to RAF Benson took an unexpected turn when he became a life-saving hero on Wallingford Bridge.

FS Stewart (R) being congratulated by Comd JHC, AVM Smith.

“Without doubt, FS Stewart was the right person in the right place at the right time.”

HONOURS AND AWARDS

Earlier this year Air Vice-Marshal Coleman carried out one of his final duties as Commander Joint Helicopter Command presenting the following honours and awards to personnel under his Command.

Flight Sergeant Young – Meritorious Service Medal

Lieutenant Commander McClelland – 2nd Clasp to Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Warrant Officer 1st Class Carter – Clasp to Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Warrant Officer 2nd Class Cook – Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Sergeant Dharmathilaka – Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Lieutenant Colonel Campbell – Commander JHC Commendation

Lieutenant Commander McClelland – Commander JHC Commendation

Lieutenant Commander Wells - Commander JHC Commendation

Major Atkinson-Willes - Commander JHC Commendation

Squadron Leader Smith - Commander JHC Commendation

Warrant Officer 2nd Class Owen - Commander JHC Commendation

Mr Durnford - Commander JHC Commendation

Staff Sergeant Atherton – Air Safety Award

Sergeant Foulkes - Air Safety Award

Sergeant Hopkins - Air Safety Award

Lance Corporal Fisher - Air Safety Award

Flight Sergeant Young.

Lieutenant Commander McClelland. Warrant Officer 1st Class Carter.

Warrant Officer 2nd Class Cook.

Sergeant Dharmathilaka. Lieutenant Colonel Campbell. Lieutenant Commander Wells.

Major Atkinson-Willes. Squadron Leader Smith. Warrant Officer 2nd Class Owen.

Mr Durnford.

Staff Sergeant Atherton.

Sergeant Hopkins. Lance Corporal Fisher. Sergeant Foulkes.

847 NAS OP CLOCKWORK DEPLOYMENT 2023

They deploy every winter to the High North, ensuring they can support the Royal Marines – the Nation’s cold weather warfare specialists –alongside Norwegian forces and other NATO allies in the event of an emergency.

The force operates two helicopters: large Merlins for moving substantial numbers of troops and kit around, and smaller, more manoeuvrable Wildcats which perform a myriad of duties on and above the battlefield. Wildcats are small, light and foldable enough to be moved by RAF Military Air Transport (Mil AT). However, with Mil AT at a premium this winter due to other operations and commitments – notably the RAF delivering aid to Turkey after the terrible earthquake – the Wildcats flew up to Bardufoss instead. This meant a journey of more than 1,400 miles from the helicopters’ home at RNAS Yeovilton – in legs of two hours or so at a time, hopping from airfield to airfield through England, Scotland, the Shetlands and then across

the North Sea to Norway, then up the west coast for a good 700 miles to their destination.

While Wildcat is fast and nimble thanks to being relatively lightweight, it also means it must avoid clouds in Norway where the threat of icing up is much greater than in more temperate UK skies. Coupled with the ever-changing nature of weather in Norway, such environmental factors place higher demands on the aircrew than when in the UK. Thanks to frequent bad weather, a journey which should have taken the

fliers three days… took them eight. This is the first time 847’s Wildcats took the sea route, which was an impressive feat without the support of shipping.

The goal of Clockwork is to ensure Arctic rookies can live/fly/maintain/fight in this harshest of environments (temperatures of -30C at times, or lower) by day or night, so that they are able to support Commandos and their allies in most circumstances. “Operating helicopters from an ice- and snow covered landscape with the temperature dipping to the low -20s is challenging for all squadron personnel,” said Lieutenant Paul Smalley, Training Officer of 847 Naval Air Squadron which operates the battlefield Wildcat. “Pilots need regular exposure to what we call the ‘Degraded Visual Environment’ presented by the snow covered landscape in Norway in order to maintain the skills required to operate their helicopter in the harshest of environments.”

The Wildcats can find themselves acting as reconnaissance, moving

personnel and kit around, calling in air, artillery and naval gunfire strikes, and gathering intelligence among other tasks. To earn their Environmental Qualification, aircrew most complete a series of assessments covering mountain flying, cross-country navigation, and flying in pairs.

The landscape around Bardufoss is especially suited to Arctic/mountain training, with Istind rising 4,900ft just three miles south of the airfield. Its impressive shape looms over Bardufoss and hides the low Arctic sunlight for much of the morning. As for the surrounding fjords and valleys where the Royal Marines and amphibious ships conduct their winter training, they provide a challenging environment for safe navigation, where the difficulties of poor radio communications, power lines and inclement weather all place extra burdens on aircrew.

The bad weather which dogged the squadron flying out to Norway elected to stick around, but thanks to a concerted effort by fliers and engineers/technicians alike, the squadron achieved a record number of sorties/flying time in a restricted period, ensuring four new pilots are now trained in Arctic operations, alongside a new instructor.

As the deployment to Norway drew to a close, the weather brightened up considerably, allowing for more challenging training, notably ferrying supplies to remote locations in the field – slung in giant sacks beneath the helicopter: in this case, a large 300kg truck tyre.

At the start of 2023, 847 Naval Air Squadron’s Commando Wildcats of the Commando Helicopter Force decamped from their home in Somerset to deep inside the Arctic Circle: the Norwegian Air Base at Bardufoss.

Self guarding and security are key when deployed in the field.

Commando MAOT preparing to fasten underslung load.

Commando Wildcat carrying a fuel bladder.

The snow cloud builds significantly as the helicopter approaches for both the pickup and the drop-off, so the front and rear crews in the helicopter have to work seamlessly together to avoid hitting or injuring the Mobile Air Operations Team, the ground crew responsible for attaching the strop to the load.

Clockwork runs side-by-side with – but separate from – the Royal Marines’ annual winter deployment, this year named Joint Viking. The emphasis is getting 847’s personnel Arctic trained… but if there’s time and opportunity, the fliers will join in to provide support.

Lieutenant Mike Pengelly, normally 847’s warfare instructor, swapped the skies for the seas and spent five days

aboard the UK’s amphibious flagship HMS Albion, advising on the scope of aviation support available to the Royal Marines of Yankee Company from Arbroath’s 45 Commando, the troops on the ground.

“Overall Operation Clockwork 23 has been a challenging but rewarding deployment and shown that the squadron always comes together to face adversity and produce a solid output,” said Captain Ralph Whyte, an Army Air Corps officer on exchange with 847 Squadron.

By the time the deployment ended, missions to support Turkey’s earthquake victims had tailed off, making transports available to bring the Wildcats home directly.

Engineers work whatever the conditions.

Ice Breaking Drills are undertaken by everyone who deploy to Norway.

Loading onto RAF MILAT for the return journey to the UK from Bardufoss.

Commando Wildcat preparing to collect underslung load.

EX CHINTHE DRIFT

Written By: Capt Roberts

Apache AH Mk1 has operated from Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships for over 15 years.

656 Sqn flew maritime operations into Libya on Operation ELLAMY in 2011 and today are 1 Avn BCTs only maritime attack specialists. Ex CHINTHE DRIFT, in March 2023, will likely be the last planned embarkation of Mk1 Apache on an RFA / RN vessel. The aim was to generate and refresh maritime capability that would see 656 Sqn Group maintain a credible maritime attack force until the Apache Mk1 is retired in spring 2024. The exercise also included Army Avn Standards and the 4 Regiment AAC Qualified Helicopter Instructors to ensure the capability is taken forward to the new AH64E.

RFA Argus is primarily the UK’s casualty receiving ship and the small flight deck above is seemingly an afterthought to the hugely impressive hospital facility contained in the bowels

of the ship (one of the only ships in the world with an MRI scanner). Unlike the vast

supercarriers of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth, Argus can only fit

3 helicopters on deck and every time one is moved from the (snug) hangar to the flight deck it must have its blades folded. Aircraft moves once on deck were akin to helicopter chess as aircraft moves had to planned methodically to stop a usable aircraft being stuck on an unusable spot. Coupled with the requirements post every flight to wash the engines of corrosive salt water, the REME and Ground Support Flight (GSF) had their work cut out but performed excellently, despite the challenging and cramped living and working conditions. It was not uncommon for cold waves to be spraying onto the groundcrew, as they prepared the aircraft for departure and tied it down post flight. The success of the flying was testament to the professionalism the GSF and REME in challenging environmental conditions.

REME unfold rotor blades on deck.

RFA Argus at anchor.

The first objective was to gain Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQ) for new aircrew and refresh qualifications for aircrew with previous deck experience. Unlike the football pitch size deck of the supercarriers, Argus doesn’t have much room to move. Many junior

pilots, and even some of the more senior pilots, found themselves working hard to stay on the lines, and that was in the daytime! The challenge was multiplied at night, with no moon (Apache cannot use night vision system from ships so back to reversionary flying), rain, low

cloud and choppy sea states. Despite the typical February storms that delayed some days flying, 656 Sqn Group managed to DLQ all aircrew. Once this was complete the focus switched to Role Qualification (RQ) training. This involved flying tactical pairs strike missions away from

‘mother’ onto coastal targets; a much more natural environment for the aircrew than hovering alongside a deck 60ft over the sea!  By the end of the exercise, all the training objectives were complete. This was no easy task and is the first maritime exercise in recent memory where a complete reset of DLQ and RQ was achieved for a Sqn Group. As a bonus, it was decided that all aircrew were Eligible for the Royal Navy Embarked Aviation Qualification – further adding to the credibility of the Sqn for future deployments. Exercise CHINTHE DRIFT should ensure a baseline of understanding is taken to the AH64E maritime operations and, crucially, AH Mk1 remains a credible maritime strike asset for 1 AVN BCT.

Capt Roberts

656 Sqn 4AAC

An Apache lifts for Deck Landing training.

Apaches secured safely below decks.

EX SCHUSS SLAYER – ST ANTON AM ARLBERG

Written By: FS Fryatt

Heading

Austrian

With the traditional houses and the ever-wonderful Austrian hospitality, it truly is a beautiful area that offers everything for the Alpine adventurer. Having ran ski expeditions now for over 20 years in St Anton and in the surrounding satellite villages and ski areas of St Christoph, Stuben, Schrocken, Warth, Lech and Zurs, they provide a training area that ticks every box for all abilities. It’s extremely well-connected and has a fast lift system allowing the skiing areas to extend to approximately 650km. The beginner areas at St Anton and Zurs were particularly good with all the necessary slopes and facilities to progress at a steady pace offering the complete novice the safe environment to pursue the alpine sports, putting themselves in stretch yet feeling overjoyed at the progress they have achieved. This season has seen the addition of the 2023 allmountain training area located on the Rendhl side of St Anton which provided an amazing facility. For experienced skiers who wanted to pursue the Ski Foundation 2 qualification, this area has a fully automated avalanche training area with pre buried casualty transceivers and offered the off-mountain touring area. The area is regularly policed which not only gave an amazing training opportunity but also offered peace of mind to me as the expedition leader and to the other instructors on the exped. As the group’s

abilities progressed, the Arlberg region offered endless challenging runs with many opportunities to review and adjust techniques on the move. The mountains can be unpredictable, and you can be sunbathing one second and then can’t see further than two feet in front the next. The weather during the Exped was at times incredibly pleasant however, low cloud, heavy snow and high winds were all encountered, adding to the AT experience providing additional challenges to the students and staff. It is fair to say it was Alpine weather at its best and indeed, challenged even the most experienced of skiers.

into the

Alps is breath taking, nestled in the heart of the Tirol in the Arlberg region of Austria, St Anton am Arlberg is a stereotypical Austrian village.

With over 40 personnel from RAF Benson on the Exped, the learning challenges encountered by the participants were all very different. However, when the dust or should I say snow settled, there were 24 Ski Foundation 1 qualifications and 14 Ski Foundation 2 qualifications achieved. Four of the Exped members have been put forward to Ski Foundation 3 and ultimately so that they achieve Ski Leader 1 to become instructors in the future. To allow Personnel Development Training and team building, each group was set several tasks during the week. One of the groups had to reach a designated point by means of navigation and leadership skills, aided by the Piste maps and local area signed information posts. This proved extremely successful and tested everyone in an unfamiliar winter environment. All personnel who took part in Ex SCHUSS SLAYER have shown determination, ambition and in some cases courage, to overcome many obstacles and personal fears

to rise to the challenges that were set.

This expedition was designed to stretch the participants but also provided a rewarding experience, both in terms of the organisation and the execution. The facilities and training areas which now include the allmountain training area are worthy of note, the lower areas of St Anton, Lech and Zurs are highly recommended for future winter expeditions. For the more advanced elements of AT, this area proved to be ideally situated: allowing all the planned activities to be conducted safely. This expedition has run for many years and is seamless to those taking part, St Anton is a fabulous ski area and the power of adventurous training cannot be understated in any way as it continues to offer personal confidence and team building whilst also aiding retention in the service and giving people a life skill in a sport that may be out of reach to many.

EX MONTIJO MERLIN

The exercise based out of Montijo Airbase, just across the Tagus River from the city of Lisbon was primarily aimed at providing the student pilots and aircrewmen of 846 Operational Conversion Flight (OCF) experience of deploying through continental airspace with all of the additional considerations that it entails – essential skills as they move forward to the front line where they will be operationally deployable within 5 days.

The exercise also enabled the formalising of an affiliation between 846 NAS and 751 Sqn during a momentous year of anniversaries, not only for both squadrons but for the long-standing relationship between the United Kingdom and Portugal.

“Before I took over Command of 846, I knew that 2023 was an important year for the Sqn” explains Commander Richard Bartram,

Commanding Officer of 846 NAS. “On 1 April 1943, 846 NAS was formed and this year is the 80th Anniversary of that formation”. While researching the Squadron’s history he discovered that following the Second World War, 846 NAS was renumbered 751 NAS. Delving further and, although 751 NAS has been consigned to the history books, a 751 Sqn was still in existence with the Portuguese Airforce and by coincidence was also equipped with the EH101 Merlin.

“751 Sqn, whose motto ‘Para Que Outros Vivam – That Others May Live’ main role is to provide Search and Rescue coverage, often at very long range, around the Portuguese coast and from the Azores and Maderia way out into the Atlantic. 846 NAS and the Commando Helicopter Force’s main role is to provide a Littoral Air Assault capability to 3 Commando Brigade; it was quite clear that although we fly ostensibly the same

aircraft, there was much we could learn from each other in how we operate. It also provides my OCF students the ideal opportunity to plan and execute a continental landaway”.

Contacting the Portuguese Airforce through the Defence Attaché to Portugal, who readily agreed to forming the affiliation, Cdr Bartram welcomed the Commanding Officer of 751 Sqn, Major Daniel Silva, to RNAS Yeovilton just before Christmas 2022. “Daniel was in the UK carrying out some routine simulator sorties at RAF Benson and so by extending their stay by a few days, we were able to welcome him and his team to 846 NAS and show them around the Squadron, our aircraft and the new Merlin Mk4 simulator facility”.

In another happy coincidence 2023 is also the 45th Anniversary of the formation of 751 Sqn and, most notably of all, also the 650th Anniversary of The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of 1373, signed on 16 June 1373 between King Edward III of England and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal. It established a treaty of "perpetual friendships, unions [and] alliances" between the two seafaring states and is the oldest continuous treaty in effect to this day.

Fast forward to May 2023 and with the portents for an affiliation and ongoing relationship between the

The Commando flyers of 846 Naval Air Squadron returned to RNAS Yeovilton in early June following the highly successful Exercise Montijo Merlin with 751 Sqn of the Portuguese Airforce.

two squadrons looking increasingly positive, 3 Merlin Mk4/4As deployed to Montijo Air Base via Bilbao and Porto. Upon arrival at Montijo, the “Junglies” of 846 wasted no time in familiarising themselves with the local area and terrain.

“Montijo is perfectly placed to conduct numerous training serials that we need to be proficient in. From low flying to air gunnery, mountain flying, winching and fast roping to ships at sea, the training estate available to 751 Sqn is impressive with easy access to all of it within an hour’s flying time. The biggest bonus is the excellent flying weather they have here for most of the year” explains Cdr Bartram.

With familiarisation flights, including an overhead transit of Lisbon International Airport, low flying and tactical pairs work, completed on the first day it was time to move on to

mixed formation work with the Portuguese. A mixed formation of 2 846 NAS Merlins and a 751 Sqn Merlin headed out to the mountain training areas, conducting basic formation keeping procedures and some low flying serials enroute.

“751 Sqn don’t often get to practice their formation flying; for us it’s our “bread and butter” and so this was the perfect opportunity for them to gradually work up their formation flying skills while showing us where they conduct their mountain flying training” explains Cdr Bartram.

With mountains extending up to 6500 feet the formation split into single elements to practice flying to mountain peaks - an essential skill for operations in Norway, coming back together to conduct some tactical low flying on the way back to Montijo.

Aircrew from 846 also had the opportunity to fly with the 751 during their SAR training sorties. Witnessing simulated casualty evacuations from large container ships transiting the shipping lanes

between the two Commanding Officers of 846 NAS and 751 Sqn, setting out the affiliation and the bilateral agreement of how it is hoped the two Merlin squadrons can

off Lisbon, cliff winching on the Portuguese coast and stretcher recoveries from the sea, in an example of interoperability, one sortie culminated with an 846 Aircrewman operating in conjunction with the 751 Pilots to recover a Portuguese Rescue Swimmer.

The highlight of the week came with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

continue to work together in future. Witnessed by Chris Sainty, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Portugal, Colonel Diná Azevedo, the Base Commander of Montijo and Lieutenant Colonel Kian Murphy, Defence Attaché to Portugal and Cabo Verde, Commander Bartram and Major Silva signed the MOU before taking to the skies in a mixed formation flight around the iconic Lisbon waterfront.

With the departing civilian air traffic being held at Lisbon International Airport for this momentous flight, 751 Sqn led the way and the 4 Merlin formation took in the Cristo Rei statue, Ponte 25 de Abril and Vasco de Gama suspension bridges, as well as the Portuguese coast before returning to Motijo to conduct a formation flypast of the station headquarters; a career highlight for the

aircrew participating. With flying complete the generous Portuguese hosts organised a social event for the aircrew and engineers of 846 to enjoy some local Portuguese produce, exchange gifts and wish them well prior to their return to the UK.

“Exercise Montijo Merlin has achieved an incredible amount in a short space of

time” says Cdr Bartram “We’ve achieved all our training goals and, both in the air and on the ground, the aircrew and engineers from both squadrons have learnt an incredible amount about how each other operate. This is a momentous year for 846 NAS, 751 Sqn and the UK and Portugal relationship; it has been fantastic to forge this bond with a squadron

that not only has shared the same “number plate“ as us, but with this MOU we will not only further develop an enduring two-way association and exchange ideas and best practices for operating the Merlin, but also further deepen this long and storied relationship of “friendship, union and alliance” dating back 650 years” – we will definitely be returning”.

EX TUSKER RAPTOR

During that time many professional and personal bonds were created and for 27 Sqn RAF Odiham that bond was with the French parachute unit the GCP (Groupement des Commandos Parachutistes). Nearly a year after leaving Mali, 27 Sqn kept those relationships alive and found themselves working with the French paras again. Ex TUSKER RAPTOR, named after the two unit’s emblems (an elephant for 27 Sqn and a bird of prey for the 1 RCP), was a unit level, selfgenerated exercise consisting of 2 CH-47s in support of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (1RCP) in Southeast France.

The exercise in May started with the deployment of personnel and equipment by CH-47 from RAF Odiham to Pamiers, France. This was achieved on a Friday, with the 2 aircraft landing on the 1 RCP football pitch to be welcomed by the French in the afternoon. The weekend was then spent integrating and planning for the week to come. Saturday and Sunday saw the engineers prepare the aircraft, whilst the aircrew and ops team prepared for four full days of trooping in an unfamiliar and mountainous area.

The flying consisted of trooping and mountain flying with the RCP camp acting as the base of operations throughout the exercise. Although weather and aircraft serviceability had an impact 27 Sqn were able to achieve all that was requested by 1 RCP, moving around 1500 PAX over the duration of the

exercise. The tasking saw the insert and exfil of numerous platoons to multiple different landing sites, including the GCP. The serials consisted of MEDEVAC, reaction to contact drills, reactive tasking and live trooping all overlaid on poor weather and unfamiliar airspace. Mountain flying in the Pyrenees, formation flying, and overseas flying training sorties were

conducted by all, meaning a huge amount was achieved during a short period, with little resource.

27 Sqn were hosted superbly by the 1 RCP throughout the exercise and the great integration and cooperation between the two units lead to tangible efficiency which was noticeable by the end of the week, with the RCP organising

and running the tasking lines with little input from the UK aircrew. As has been seen in Mali the professionalism of the French Military parallels UK Armed Forces’ standards and every expectation was met during the exercise in Pamiers. The opinion of the 1 RCP and GCP from the Sqn personnel on the detachment could not be higher and all those from 27 Sqn who took part are looking forward to working with them again in the future, whether in the UK or in France.

The UK Chinook Force spent 4 years in Mali on Op NEWCOMBE in support of the French counter terrorism mission Op BARKHANE.

TREKKING IN PATAGONIA

Written By: CPO Drury

Travelling to Chile was a long and tiring experience arriving after many hours at our first destination, Santiago, for an overnight stop before completing the 4-hour flight to Puerto Natales.

From here it was hiking, buses and a catamaran of all things to arrive at our campsite, in Torres Del Paine National Park. The site had everything we needed, including spectacular scenery but unlike Santiago which had been a very pleasant 30ºC, our campsite was a mere 6 ºC, a sign of things to come.

Day 1 was a shake-out hike to Britanico Lookout covering 29Km and 1420m of climbing taking a little over 8 hours. Carrying light packs with food and warm clothes a fast pace was maintained throughout the day with the group acquitting itself well. The varied weather (wind, rain and limited visibility) did little to dampen everyone’s spirits but nevertheless tested people and equipment in equal measure with some considering the wisdom of their footwear choices.

Day 2 dawned bright and clear and heralded the start of some serious walking. We would not be returning to Paine Grande for 5 days so having broken camp

we headed into the hills with fully loaded packs to begin our trek. With terrain similar to the Lake District and the weather warm and bright the team once more set a brisk pace. As the day progressed the effects of carrying the additional weight began to take its toll, people began to tire, feet became sore and towards the end our night stop could not come soon enough. With persistently strong winds we made camp in a sheltered spot and attended to the inevitable blisters and aching limbs. Discomfort was

soon forgotten though as the clear night sky delivered breathtaking views of the Milky Way.

Over the next few days, as we climbed higher, the walking become more demanding, and the temperature began to drop lower. Forestry tracks made way to open land and amazing scenic views and the weather kept us on our toes with our Gortex never far from hand. Waking to snow on the ground at Camp Dickson the challenges of cold weather trekking focussed everyone’s attention, frozen tents had to be packed and personal admin become tougher in the wintry conditions.

It was freezing when at last we moved onto the glacier but, after all, this was why we had

come here, the scenery was simply spectacular, and you could see why people from all over the world come to visit Patagonia and Torres Del Paine. The deep snow and fatigue made for a slow climb, but the summit was more than worth the effort, most if not all were still smiling, and it provided a spectacular backdrop to reflect on our expedition.

The descent proved to be one of the most challenging afternoons of the entire trip, if only we had thought to bring skis. As the deep snow made way to solid ice many lost their footing, slipping and sliding down parts of the trail. Suspended walkways took us across high traverses until the western edge of the trail opened up and we could

begin to feel the warming effects of the sun. The campsite beckoned and the opportunity for hot food and a hot shower quickened tired legs.

Our final day was a short 12Km walk back to where it all began, spirits were high as we recalled our achievements of the last few days. I will alway s

remember this adventure as one of the highlights of my Royal Navy service and if you should ever get the opportunity to travel here yourselves, grab it with both hands. With images and memories of mountains, glaciers, and Condors our thoughts inevitably turned to the journey home to the UK by Planes, Buses and Catamarans!

CORONATION FLYPAST

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. For many, the preceding months had been a combination of excitement, hard-work, and determination that the day’s events were to be conducted perfectly. A sentiment that many at RAF Odiham echoed as the sun began to rise.

Sadly, the weather had not been given the memo, and the bright, almost cloudless skies of the day before had been replaced by dark grey, low clouds, accompanied by a constant combination of strong winds and rain. Not ideal conditions for a flypast over Buckingham Palace, an event that was highly anticipated and set to be the culmination of a spectacle of Military display, the like of which had not been seen since the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953.

Despite the weather, for those at RAF Odiham, the day continued as planned. Six Chinooks in total were wheeled out of their dry hangers and positioned on the dispersal. Only three were planned to take part in the flypast, however contingencies for an event of this magnitude needed to be in place, so each Squadron had provided a spare, just in case.

Engineers from each Squadron had performed their pre-flight checks and deemed all the primary aircraft airworthy. The pilots, co-pilots and crewmen had completed their pre-flight briefs and weather checks for the day, so now began the waiting game. Speculation was rife - would the weather conditions improve enough for all the RAF aircraft to take part

in the flypast? Would there be a scaled down flypast? Would there even be a flypast at all?

Speculation had to be put aside though, as the clock ticked to 12:30 the walk out to the aircraft started. The pilots and crewmen were already

on board, waiting for their passengers, rotors turning, anticipating the moment when they would begin their lift into formation. The route had been planned; the first stop was RAF Benson to link up with the rest of the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) contingent.

It still wasn’t clear if there was going to be a flypast, but at 12:41, three Chinooks manoeuvred off the dispersal into position, noses pointed West and lifted into the mizzle.

Transiting across to RAF Benson to link up with the

Saturday 6th May 2023 was a historic moment in British History that few alive today have been privileged to witness before.

Flypast viewed from Buckingham Palace.

RAF Odiham Chinook and RAF Benson Puma over The Mall in London.

other JHC Helicopters gave an insight into just how difficult the weather conditions were proving to be. Crosswinds and eddying low clouds buffeted the aircraft on the short journey to Oxfordshire, so it came as no surprise when it was announced over the radio that all other elements of the Flypast, except for the rotary element and the Red Arrows had been cancelled.

It was a momentary stop off a Benson, as the helicopters joining the flypast from the Royal Navy, Commando Helicopter Force, Army Air Corps and RAF Shawbury moved into their positions, and the RAF Benson Puma slotted into place behind the Chinooks. This manoeuvre complete, the whole rotary wave lifted as one and moved off towards London. The usually short flight to the Capital was extended which meant skirting around the north of London, following the route of the M25, before turning in towards the city around Epping. Approaching London from this angle meant that the flight along The Mall and over Buckingham Palace would be timed and positioned perfectly.

The anticipation inside the aircraft was growing, with cameras at the windows, as those lucky enough to be on the flight hoped to capture a shot of the coronation celebrations from a very unique vantage point.

The iconic landscape of central London came into view and the excited crowds around London were just visible in the haze below. The anticipation within the cabin was almost tangible as the crews made their final position adjustments. The Mall came into view below, with the focal point, Buckingham Palace just visible in the distance.

Exactly on time, the flypast passed over His Majesty The King, and Her Majesty The Queen, in celebration of this once in a lifetime event. Joined by members of the Royal Family and an enthusiastic crowd of well-wishers, all turned their faces skyward to watch the procession of helicopters from across JHC as they carried out their commemoration to those assembled.

Then, less than 30 seconds later, the flypast was complete. All that remained was the short journey home to RAF Odiham, whilst the rest of the helicopter contingent dispersed to their home bases. Touching down at 15:10, the reality of the day had not quite set in. The pride felt by those involved was immense, being able to carry out the flypast in such uncertain conditions, for such a historic occasion was a career highlight. All that was left to do was to head on home, join the celebrations of family and friends and maybe have a bit of Coronation Quiche.

JHC PERSONNEL RECOGNISED IN THE 2023 KING'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST

The following current and former JHC personnel have been recognised by His Majesty the King in his first Official Birthday Honours.

Appointments to the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

As Officers (OBE)

Col R Ball

Wg Cdr T Affleck

As Members (MBE)

AS1 (now acting Cpl) P D Lama

Meritorious Service Medal

WO1 (now Capt) S A Williams

MAcr S Cartledge

Acting WO L B Pearce

First Sea Lord Commendation

Maj USMC T Nell

PO D Sutherland

Chief of the General Staff Commendation

Maj H Hayward

Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation

SSgt S L Thomas

Chief of the Air Staff Commendation

Cpl O J Flower

Royal Navy Commendation

Maj M O’Sullivan CPO C Douglas

Commander Field Army Commendation

Capt M Greening

G6 Sigs Dept, 47 Regt RA (Team Commendation)

Deputy Commander Operations Commendation

Flt Lt (now Sqn Ldr) G R Smith

7 Sqn Trg Flt, RAF Odiham (Team Commendation)

Chief Joint Operations Commendation

Maj R Jones

Sqn Ldr M Bridge

Commander Joint Helicopter Command Commendation

Lt T Morris

Lt M Pengelly

Capt R Clarke

Flt Lt S Bradley

Flt Lt (now Sqn Ldr) B Johnson

Flt Lt S Hollick

Fg Off R Bull

WO1 E A Patterson

A/WO2 L Keatley

CPO R Martin

FS R White

CSgt M Carter

PO D Calderwood

Sgt N Dunstan

A/Sgt S McVay

Cpl D Scaddan

Cpl M Towner

LCpl A White

LCpl R Simpson

Mr G Kelly

Mrs H Walton

667 Sqn AAC (Team Commendation)

SFOC MSS Team, Wattisham (Team Commendation)

28 Sqn Eng Sp Flt, RAF Benson (Team Commendation)

Logs Spt Sect, Tactical Supply Wing (Team Commendation)

Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group Commendation

Sqn Ldr A E J Gough

Sqn Ldr R M Webb

Flt Lt S Chambers

Sgt S P Ash

A/Sgt K L Douglas

JHC Helicopters manoeuvre into position at RAF Benson.

EX TALON GUARDIAN

Written By: SSgt Bateman

On the 20th February, 662 Squadron AAC deployed to Woodbridge Airfield and Stanford Training Area on Exercise TALON GUARDIAN (Ex TG) 2023.

The exercise was to challenge and test the Squadron in conducting aviation operations from an austere environment in preparation for its upcoming Readiness Validation on Ex WESSEX STORM. It would see the Squadron develop and improve fieldcraft and survivability; command and control; agility; and lethality while conducting multi-ship missions by day and night.

Woodbridge is located by the coast, which brought its own unique challenges. Operating in a ’salt laden’ environment incurs a burden on aircrew, ground crew and engineers. The airfield allowed the Squadron to exercise dispersion, reducing its ‘footprint’ in a single location and therefore enhancing the survivability within a combat scenario.

As part of Ex TG, comms as ever proved an essential tool in enabling the Squadrons’ decision action cycle. It allowed the Squadron to project forward a smaller

Squadron Command Post (CP) to Stanford Training Area (STANTA), approximately 65km away, and a Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP), CP c.150km away. The Signals Section were able to establish High Frequency comms between all CPs, passing information in support of a planning exercise run at Aviation Task Force 4 (ATF). The new AH-64E SATCOM capability was proven for the first time in an exercise scenario, delivering tactical comms across the country. The Groundcrew played an essential role in support of the Squadron pushing forward into the Divisional ‘Deep’ battlespace, setting up FARP’s in Shobdon, White Waltham and Bassingbourn, significantly enhancing the reach of the aircraft.

Engineering Support dispersed to a greater extent than has been exercised for some time, with Maintenance Teams up to 3km apart, significantly enhancing the survivability of the aircraft and Squadron. Aircraft availability on AH64-E continues to go from strength

to strength, with 100 hours flown in a two week period, a serious level of output.

The flying portion of Ex TG centred around the aircrew training to tactically manoeuvre formations to Find and Destroy targets without being detected. Crews made use of AH64-E’s enhanced systems and sensors, striking targets across the full breadth of the country. Significant time was spent planning and developing the new tactics and procedures necessary to increase the survivability of the aircraft and crew.

Not all the flying was dedicated to tactics however, and the squadron were able to help the ATF with a Find tasking, testing their ability to remain undetected while being hunted by the worlds most advanced battlefield helicopter. There was also time to allow for a few wellearned Air Experience Flights to reward a small number of Signallers, Groundcrew and Technicians for excelling and underpinning the success of Ex TG. The Squadron

were lucky to be tasked with conducting a professional aerial photo shoot, the first time AH64-E has been involved in Air-to-Air photography. A drivers’ rest period fell over a 6-Nations Rugby Match, and there was enough time to catch a breath while enjoying an England fixture. A large screen in a disused hangar allowed all departments to come together from their otherwise dispersed locations .

As Ex TG drew to an end, the Squadron was able to come together for this end of exercise photograph at Woodbridge Airfield before the Flight of four Apache AH-64E Gunships departed for their final mission. The Squadron and the UK had achieved three firsts: 662 was the first British Army front line squadron to field the AH-64E on a challenging exercise; the first AH-64E 4-point FARP was conducted ; and it was the first 4-ship strike mission conducted by the UK’s newest, and arguable most lethal, battle winning asset. A fine way to wrap up Exercise TALON GUARDIAN 2023.

RAF ODIHAM CLIMBING CLUB

Written By: AS1 Ryan Croxford and AS1 Oli Underwood

Not only is the team asserting its dominance in competitions; the climbing club has grown considerably as a social community as well, attending weekends both in the UK and abroad. Climbing at RAF Odiham has recently become one of the largest, most active, and most exciting sports to be a part of on Station.

Toward the end of April, the club took part in the illustrious RAFMA Festival of Climbing. The premiere event of the RAF climbing calendar took place over a long weekend, split into two phases – the championship itself, and outdoor climbing/ mountaineering activities held throughout the Peak District. Competitors for the RAF championship came from units across the UK and overseas, and were divided into five categories: Novice (anyone who is not a confident lead climber), Female Open, Men’s U25, Men’s Open and Men’s Masters.

RAF Odiham dominated in each category with every member of the club in the top 10. A particular mention should go out to AS1(T) Rhys Hall (1st Men’s U25) and Cpl Dean ‘Dino’ Stock (2nd Men’s Open). Such a showing resulted in RAF Odiham taking home the Stn trophy for the best overall performance!

The remainder of the weekend aimed to provide outdoor climbing lessons and skill development. The RAFMA

was able to provide a several instructors, most coming from representatives from different Stns including RAF Odiham’s own – Flt Lt Richardson and Cpl Fillingham-Doyle. These weekends provide an exclusive opportunity to develop climbing skills, meet other climbers, and encourage further development.

Overseas climbing opportunities saw members of the club venture to Fontainebleau, a region of France just south of Paris that is frequently described as ‘the Mecca for bouldering

Since its inception the RAF Odiham Climbing Club has continuously developed individuals from across the Station, improving their climbing strength and skillset, which have been used both competitively and socially – this has been demonstrated by its recent successes at the Royal Air Force Mountaineering Association (RAFMA) Festival of Climbing.

in Europe’. The quantity and quality of boulder problems in this beautiful forest-region is immense, with a large and varied selection of routes that are great for both beginners and experts. In February a small team of RAF Odiham climbers braved the tall, harsh crags of Costa Blanca. They went to Spain with the intent to improve their technical climbing ability, as well as their mental capacity to deal with situations when pushed to their limits. The weeklong trip culminated in multi-pitch climbing routes of up to 100m in height and they pushed the

boundaries of their climbing ability and their comfort zone.

Over the winter, the club competed in the Armed Forces Bouldering League (AFBL) where personnel from across the three services gathered to compete in a series of rounds that tested their bouldering technique, mental strength, and physical resilience. Each individual round is located at a different climbing gym across the country. Having attended several of these events, which cater for climbers of all levels, it was decided to set up our own bouldering competition!

A local bouldering hall in Southampton provided access to their climbing gym for a day and our fellow Joint Helicopter Command unit , RAF Benson, were invited to take part.

Organised by club members Fg Off Stephens and AS1(T) Richards, it worked much like the AFBL albeit on a smaller scale. The event comprised of two categories, elite and novice, with fierce but friendly competition between RAF Odiham and RAF Benson personnel, podium places being won by both. Prizes included: climbing chalk, T-shirts, and mugs, all provided by the club or donated from friendly climbing companies. It was an incredible day, with the fixture expected to become an annual competition for the club.

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