Joint Helicopters Rise to Afghan Challenge

, British helicopter crews in Afghanistan are hard at work supporting ground troops in security and reconstruction work across Helmand province. 
 
A typical day for the pilots and crews might include re-supply missions, a medical evacuation from the middle of a battle and transporting troops and humanitarian aid across the region. 
 
The Chinook, Apache and Lynx helicopters of the Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) are based mainly at Kandahar airfield, with a small number located at Camp Bastion in Helmand. From there, they can provide an immediate response to any incident. 
 
Squadron Leader Paul Shepherd, officer-commanding 1310 Flight JHF(A), said one of the unit's main strengths was that it had personnel from all three Services: “At any given time, the unit is faced with a variety of challenging tasks across Helmand,” the Chinook pilot said. “Out here we have Army Air Corps and Royal Marine pilots flying RAF Chinooks, and Royal Navy pilots in the Apache attack helicopters. 
 
“It's testimony to the level of integration we have achieved here that this doesn't even raise an eyebrow anymore. Reputations are built purely on professional competency and capability and there is a great deal of mutual respect between the Chinook and Apache crews.” 
 
The Chinook transport helicopters are often escorted by WAH-64 Apache attack helicopters, who protect them from enemy forces on the ground. The Apache's secure radios allow them to co-ordinate with friendly ground forces and other aircraft to find a safe route for the Chinooks. 
 
Sqn Ldr Shepherd said there was strong mutual respect between the JHF(A) personnel and troops on the ground: 
 
“We are aware of how difficult the job is for the ground troops, and all of our crews are well aware of the importance of their task and are highly motivated. 
 
“A typical day could begin with meeting a member of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) to discuss transporting tonnes of aid to a forward distribution point. Many of the roads are unsuitable for heavy vehicles and many of the routes through valleys can be attacked by insurgents or bandits. 
 
“Consequently helicopters are often the only reliable method of transportation.” 
 
After being placed in under-slung load nets by teams from the Joint Helicopter Support Unit from RAF Odiham, the aid is flown out to the distribution point. Meanwhile, other Chinook pilots are leaving on a mission to rescue a wounded soldier from the Afghan National Army (ANA). 
 
On the ground a British liaison team working with the ANA find a safe location for the Chinook to land so the casualty can be swiftly evacuated. 
 
Apaches sweep ahead of the Chinooks to find a clear path for them, and they flare into the landing site. The casualty is aboard in less than 30 seconds and the Chinook lifts off for the hospital at Camp Bastion. 
 
Back at Bastion another Chinook mission is leaving to deliver a 105mm light gun, rations, ammunition and, most importantly, the post to a convoy of British vehicles which have been roaming the northern plains of Helmand interdicting insurgents and providing mobile security to some of the fixed bases. 
 
Again the Apache sweep ahead and talk to the ground troops before the Chinooks commit to the dangerous landing phase. The mission brings another busy day to an end. 
 
The Chinook crews in Afghanistan rotate between personnel provided from both 18 and 27 Squadrons from RAF Odiham. The engineering personnel are also working hard to keep the aircraft flying in such punishing conditions. 
 
Sqn Ldr Shepherd said: 
 
“The facilities in Afghanistan are good, the climate is pleasant for much of the year and there is a definite feeling that this is a job worth doing. 
 
“The aircraft, crews and support personnel have all put in an outstanding performance so far and have drawn a lot of genuine respect and thanks from other units. 
 
“Nothing else can do what the helicopters are doing in Afghanistan and the contribution that the aircraft and JHF(A) as a whole provide is vital to the operation.” 
 
Wing Commander Steve Shell, the commanding officer of Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) praised all of the pilots and ground crews for their dedication and professionalism. He said: 
 
“We have pilots and crew from all three Services in this unit, and their ability to work together has been inspirational. They continue to deal with all the challenges Afghanistan presents in an incredibly professional and courageous manner.”