NAVY NEWS, JUNE 2011 Safe landing


AVIATORS from 847 Naval Air Squadron and the men and women who keep them airborne in Afghanistan


loved ones. As the group entered their hangar at RN Air Station Yeovilton after their four-month deployment they were met with cheers and applause – not least from the new Commanding Officer of the Somerset base, Cdre Paul Chivers. During their deployment, the squadron – part of the Commando Helicopter Force – operated from Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, along with their counterparts from the RAF and Army Air Corps. 847 are no strangers to the difficult flying conditions and challenging environment of


Afghanistan, as they were previously deployed on an earlier phase of Operation Herrick with their Lynx Mk 7 helicopters.


returned home to a rapturous reception from friends and


have


capable of operating during the day in the cooler months, and during the nights in the hotter temperatures of the Afghan summer.


The squadron subsequently converted to the Lynx Mk 9A, which has new engines that provide an all-year- round capability with little degradation in performance.


performance upgrade, the 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun has been replaced with the 0.5 inch M3M, which has a longer range, improved accuracy and multi-role ammunition. This weapon,


with the MX-15 surveillance camera system, has provided a significantly improved ability to provide effective top cover to patrols transporting essential supplies to the troops.


combined Along with the But the old Mk 7s were only


Commanding Officer of 847 NAS, praised the hard work of all members of the squadron. “Preparations for this deployment essentially started back in July last year and the return to RNAS Yeovilton will mark


challenging but rewarding


operations for the squadron,” Cdr Riggall.


delivered the essential escort and surveillance capability we were tasked with. “I would like to think that we


most importantly, we have effort as always, period of said Lt


“It has been a team but


the end of a Lt Cdr Andrew Riggall,


a slightly different perspective on the deployment. “This has been a very productive


tour,” he said. “The experience of working


with my British counterparts has been extremely valuable and very enjoyable – but I am now looking forward to spending some time with my wife and family.” Whilst those returning will take some well-earned leave, the remainder of the squadron are working hard in a very different environment to Helmand (or even Somerset), embarked in HMS Albion on the Cougar deployment (see centre pages).


have acquitted ourselves well, and the difference the new Lynx has made in terms of power, armament and surveillance capability has been remarkable.” The Lynx Mk 9A is a true multi-role helicopter, and during their tour 847 NAS provided an airborne escort service to the troops on the ground. They


over-watch and reconnaissance for ground forces and close air support.


were used to move essential equipment around Helmand, providing crucial support to UK troops fighting the Taleban, and undertook numerous


with the United States Marine Corps. Maj David Sutton,


NAS, said: “The squadron has achieved a considerable amount over the past four months and we are confident that our efforts will help make Afghanistan a more peaceful country. “This is an extremely tight- knit squadron and we are relieved that all our people have returned safely.” POAET Richard Pickles


said: “The squadron has put a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring our men and women are fully prepared for this operation. “The engineers worked extremely hard to ensure our aircraft were ready 24/7 for any eventuality. “It is fantastic being home in


Somerset and we can’t wait to go on some well-deserved leave.” Maj Brian Grant USMC offered


30 Cdo in the field – and on silver screen


SIX decades ago, an offensive Naval intelligence unit made up of Royal Marines ventured into Norway to capture vital Nazi technology that helped the Allies win World War 2. As Navy News went to press, a new film telling the courageous story of 30 Cdo – Age of Heroes, starring Sean Bean – went on general release. Its release comes as the current 30 Cdo –


or 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, to use their full title – are embarked on their first operational tour since that offensive back in 1943. Despite their wartime successes, 30 Cdo were disbanded during post- war demobilisation, and it was only last December that the exalted title was reintroduced when it was adopted by UK Landing Force Command Support Group to better reflect the unit’s role and continued use of the skills, techniques and methodology learnt by their forebears. In early April, 30 Cdo deployed to Afghanistan on


squadrons – Communications, Support, Logistics and Y Squadron – each at the forefront of obtaining and processing intelligence. They have been bolstered in Afghanistan


by two Royal Artillery batteries, who provide Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) assets and surveillance experts. On Herrick 14, 30 Cdo Support Squadron is the Brigade Reconnaissance Force, an agile and flexible force, able to go deep into enemy territory unsupported and for protracted periods. Their Officer Commanding, Maj Nick


Now Brings You Unbeatable UK Deals Too


TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXCLUSIVE DEALS ACROSS 23 DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS


Op Herrick 14 as part of 3 Cdo Bde RM. The primary role of the unit, made up predominantly of Royals but also including RN, RAF and Army personnel, is to gather information, understand that information to derive intelligence from it and thus influence operational decisions. Lt Col Matt Stovin-Bradford RM, the CO of


information superiority on the battlefield and gain intelligence from the enemy to ensure the future success of British and Afghan forces,” he said. “While 30 Cdo isn’t the only intelligence unit in Afghanistan, it is among the few which can trace their lineage back to World War 2, applying many of the same covert principles but with the most modern technology.” The modern day 30 Cdo comprises four


30 Cdo, explained the role played by his men and women in the fight against the insurgents. “30 Cdo’s


mission in Afghanistan is to gain


battlefield and can find and identify insurgents, through basic soldiering methods to the most technical unmanned air vehicles, all while maintaining the ability to attack the enemy where he feels safe. “Our activities frequently generate exploitable intelligence which we pass back to HQ Task Force Helmand.” Information and intelligence is also collected and analysed by Y Squadron and their attached Intelligence Corps specialists. Y Squadron intercept enemy communications and fuse their findings with the 30 Company Intelligence Teams who pass information to commanders to make tactical decisions based on the very best, up-to- date assessments of what is going on. Through a combination of these and many other


skills, in the short time they have been deployed, 30 Cdo have seized large quantities of opium, tens of thousands of US Dollars used to buy weapons and equipment on the black market, and been in close contact with the enemy in combat.


“The BRF is independent on the


Foster RM, said: “Our job is to conduct intelligence-led operations, focused very much in the insurgents’ safe havens, operating well ahead of other Coalition forces.


LOW RATE FINANCE & FULL PART EX-FACILITIES PLUS THE BEST MILITARY PRICES AVAILABLE. CALL US TODAY WITH YOUR “BEST DEAL” AND WE’LL SHOW YOU A BETTER ONE… SIMPLE!! “No Hi Finance Rates, No Middlemen. Deal Direct With Us From Order To delivery”


Europe’s Largest Tax Free Dealer


PUT DOWN THE UCKERS AND PICK UP THE PHONE FOR YOUR BEST CAR DEAL


of missions 847 On other occasions the aircraft also provided convoy


l The excitement mounts (right) before members of 847 NAS return home to Yeovilton. One of the reunions saw Maj David Sutton RM greeted by his wife Sarah and daughters Heather, four, and two-year- old Ruby. (Below) A Lynx Mk 9A helicopter of 847 NAS with two RN Sea Kings over Afghanistan


Pictures: LA(Phots) Vicki Benwell and Alex Cave


9


Owned and operated by ex-Royal Navy personnel, so understanding your needs better than any other car dealer


Call Us On 01273 574000 WWW.GRIFFINTAXFREE.COM


Fax 01273 679967 German Freephone 08001 800 560


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44