RAF Force Protection Wing defending Camp Bastion
7 Jan 10
Having arrived in December, personnel of No 1 RAF Force Protection Wing (No 1 FP Wg) from RAF Wittering are now out on the ground protecting Camp Bastion in Helmand, Afghanistan.
Senior Aircraftman Michael Brooks of No 3 Squadron RAF Regiment gets some extra practice on the dune buggies that he will be using during his tour of duty
[Picture: Corporal Steve Bain RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The Wing, which comprises personnel from 3 Squadron RAF Regiment, the RAF Police and FP Wing Headquarters, completed its Reception Staging and Onward Integration (RSOI) training - a package that prepares all new arrivals in theatre for their roles - immediately on arrival in theatre.
No 1 FP Wing is charged with defending the Camp from insurgents and protecting aircraft approaching and leaving the Airfield.
Their in-depth RSOI training covered counter-improvised explosive device procedures, compound clearance, combat first aid, specialist vehicle training, live firing, and local environment and intelligence briefings.
The Camp is a busy airfield too - Bastion is the fifth busiest UK-run airport, with over 13,000 aircraft movements a month of military and civilian fixed wing and rotary aircraft from a multitude of nations.
The Airfield is commanded by 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, an RAF unit which is made up mainly of non-formed unit personnel from RAF units across the UK.
No 1 RAF Force Protection Wing personnel are briefed on improvised explosive devices by the Joint Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team
[Picture: Corporal Steve Bain RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The regiment's gunners will be patrolling for days at a time and also living in austere conditions at patrol bases in the Ground Defence Area around Bastion Airfield to provide a potent deterrent to any attack by insurgents.
They will also be helping the local population and working alongside the Afghan National Security Forces and local elders to gain the Afghan people's support and help local governance and communities to flourish.
Wing Commander Mick Smeath, Officer Commanding No 1 FP Wg, said:
"The task facing Number 1 RAF FP Wing should not be underestimated and will be a considerable challenge. However, now that we have arrived in Afghanistan and have successfully taken over our task, it is clear that the training conducted prior to deployment has prepared us well.
"Maintaining a safe environment for the Royal Air Force's aircraft operating from Bastion Airfield, while also ensuring that we provide wider security for those living at the base and for the local population surrounding it, is a task that brings with it much responsibility.
Sergeant Al Holmes of No 3 Squadron RAF Regiment
[Picture: Corporal Steve Bain RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"This responsibility will not be taken lightly and I am confident that, to a man, all of those under my command will rise to the challenge in the true traditions of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Regiment."
Squadron Leader Andy Jones, Officer Commanding 3 Squadron RAF Regiment, said:
"3 Squadron have taken over operations at an interesting time and will be intimately involved in the delivery of security, economic opportunity and education to the Afghan people living in the villages surrounding Camp Bastion.
"All the men under my command are excited by this challenge and look forward to what will be an exceptionally rewarding tour."