Wed, Dec 02, 2009
Helos Now Available For Front Line Operations After Quick
Turnaround
Just two weeks after arriving in Afghanistan, the initial RAF
Merlin Force has now passed the extensive pre-flight checks
enabling them to take to the Afghan skies one month ahead of
schedule. This declaration of an Initial Operating Capability means
that following transportation to Afghanistan, re-assembly and
pre-flight checks, Merlins are now available for operational flying
on the front line.
The Merlins are transporting troops to and from the Forward
Operating Bases and are resupplying them with ammunition, food and
equipment.
The full Merlin deployment to Afghanistan will be completed by
the end of this year, providing a significant increase in UK
military helicopters. Merlins can carry up to 20 personnel and will
provide an additional capability to the Chinook, Sea King and
Lynx.
"This is a tremendous achievement by the Merlin Helicopter
Force," said Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Rear Admiral Tony
Johnstone-Burt. "Having left Iraq in the summer, they have
retrained the aircrew and reconfigured the aircraft for Afghanistan
in double-quick time. This marks a tangible enhancement of
helicopter capability in theater, and is a major step forward in
supporting our troops. The whole Joint Helicopter Force's morale is
very high; the first Merlins are now operating on the front line,
and more will follow."
"The delivery of Merlin in Afghanistan almost a month ahead of
schedule is testament to the outstanding efforts and teamwork of
the Merlin Force and RAF Benson," said Group Captain Jonathan Burr,
Station Commander at RAF Benson, where the Merlin Force is based.
"We have pulled out all the stops to get the aircraft into
Afghanistan as soon as possible and are now ready to provide
significant helicopter lift to the troops in Helmand."
"I am really pleased that the Merlin helicopters are now up and
running in Afghanistan and have been given the green light for
operations," added Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth. "The delivery
of this capability is one month ahead of schedule and it is an
outstanding effort, achieved through the ongoing determination and
sheer hard work applied by all those involved."
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