Joint Helicopter Support Squadron

JHSS continue to provide vital Helicopter Handling support to the JHC.

Written By: Flt Lt Matty Snape

2021 has been a busy year for the Sqn, with personnel deployed in several countries supporting rotary operations and exercises. Notwithstanding the increased Sqn commitments, JHSS have entered teams into various high-profile sport and adventure training events and achieved commendable results. In this edition of LZ we share the experiences from some of the exercises and events that the Sqn has participated in over the last few months.

Exercise ASKARI STORM, Kenya by Flt Lt Jovan Watty JHSS MAOTL

In August, a JHSS Military Assessment Team (MAT) deployed to Kenya. The team, Flt Lt Watty and Sgt Palmer, were responsible for reassessing the Helicopter Landing Sites used by the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), which supports the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) helicopters and Training Area clearance activities. In addition, the team was tasked to support the upcoming deployment of elements of the Puma Force to BATUK.

Whilst in country, the team were required to set the conditions for a full Mobile Air Operations Team (MAOT) deployment, which would consist of six personnel to support and enable aircrew environmental training. The MAOT responsibilities will also include HLS marking and management, preparation and loading of underslung loads by day and night in remote areas of the vast Kenyan plains. Once fully deployed, they will also support Ex INUA ASKARI, a Battle Group level deployment of 2 Rifles, through passenger processing and freight loading, both internal and external.

To transit the vast training areas, the team was fortunate to utilise the services of Tropic Air, a MOD-contracted civilian air carrier. Over three days they flew to over 45 sites in the various BATUK training areas. In a more creative and somewhat unusual way to get round the AOR, the team also found themselves white water rafting between sites situated along a river!

One of the highlights of the deployment was a Battle of Britain event with invited guests from the neighbouring Kenyan Air Force base, and special guests from the British High Commission and BATUK. With a Sunset Ceremony and vignettes about the battle presented, it was a great way to highlight the celebrated traditions of the RAF in a nontraditional setting.

In all, the JHSS MAT deployment was a huge success and paved the way for future Puma Force operations to support land forces in Kenya. With increased emphasis on aviation support to Kenya through the development of a Land Regional Hub, Kenya may well become a frequent deployment for JHSS MAOTs.

Ex NORTHERN STRIKE (Gore Trophy) by Sgt Ben Regan JHSS BSM.

JHSS entered a unique mixed Army/RAF team to compete in the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) annual military skills competition, Ex NORTHERN STRIKE. A challenging event both mentally and physically for all participants which demonstrated a high level of robustness and teamwork. A very intense day of different stands was not helped by the afternoon’s biblical weather that welcomed us, turning the training area into a swamp!

“Despite limited training opportunities and the infamously bad weather at DST Leconfield, the team performed brilliantly coming 24th in a competitive field of 50, beating several much larger major units in the process. I am very proud of the full teams' efforts.” said Communications Specialist and Team Captain, Cpl Slade. SAC Gemma Bloomfield commented, “It was nice to experience the whole ethos

Ex NORTHERN STRIKE.

JHSS MAT in Kenya, Flt Lt Watty and Sgt Palmer.

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