Royal Navy Harriers Play Key Role In Southern Afghanistan

, Since they deployed to Afghanistan in September, the pilots and ground crew of 800 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) have been providing Close Air Support (CAS) for the UK Task Force deployed in southern Afghanistan, picking up where the Royal Air Force Harrier crews left off. 
 
The Squadron, who are normally based at RAF Cottesmore, have maintained a constant level of air support to both the UK Task Force and other Coalition forces operating in southern Afghanistan, not only in the kinetic role but also providing photographic imagery to aid the planning of future operations and as a deterrence to Taliban attacks. 
 
Part of Joint Force Harrier (JFH), this is the first operational deployment of 800 NAS since they converted from the FA2 Sea Harrier aircraft to the Harrier GR7, bringing with it a new ground attack role. With a total of seven Harrier GR7s in theatre the Squadron conducts a minimum of three daytime and one night time patrol, with a pair of aircraft flying on each. 
 
On top of this commitment there is a team permanently on 30 minutes notice to move in the Ground Close Air Support (GCAS) role, in support of troops on the ground. During October the squadron conducted eight GCAS scrambles in reaction to various incidents throughout southern Afghanistan. In additon the period saw the pilots fly over 503 hours and drop over 32,335 lbs of ordinance in direct support of the troops on the ground. 
 
An 800 NAS squadron pilot described life in a Harrier cockpit: 
 
“The pace of life for us in the cockpit can go from almost mundane to the most alert and hectic state you could imagine. 
 
“It is a privileged view we get circling over the battlefield, and at times frustrating when you are forced to watch RPG rounds being fired into coalition positions and being powerless to do anything, as we try to avoid collateral damage, until you can actually find where it is coming from, which can at times feel like an age.” 
 
The ground crew are responsible for all elements of aircraft maintenance throughout the deployment. This is carried out in extreme weather conditions ranging from extreme heat to monsoon thunder and lightning storms. 
 
Under the command of Lieutenant Commander David Scopes, Air Engineering Officer (AEO), the ground crew work a shift pattern of 12 hours on, 12 hours off continually for 10 days before switching from days to nights or vice versa. 
 
The engineers are continually servicing and fixing the aircraft to maintain the highest possible sate of readiness. Chief Petty Officer Lee Garth controls his team of five aircraft engineers as they tackle one of the most difficult technical engineering challenges, a task which involves stripping the wings from the aircraft prior to removing the engine by crane. Only then can the actual work on the aircraft be completed. CPO Garth explained: 
 
“This is the most intricate task that we do, the lads have to work closely as a team in order to overcome the problems that we find. This was particularly difficult because the hangar doesn't allow room for mistakes whilst lifting the wings or engine using the crane.” 
 
800 Naval Air Squadron are continuing to provide effective Close Air Support which is an essential component in bringing about security and stability to the region. 
 
800 Naval Air Squadron are just one of many Royal Navy organisations currently operating in Afghanistan, 500 miles from the nearest ocean. The Commander of the Amphibious Task Group and his staff are in the process of providing the core staff in the ISAF HQ in Kabul. HQ 3 Commando Brigade are currently providing the nucleus of the UK Task Force HQ with their Brigadier, Jerry Thomas, the Commander of all UK forces in Afghanistan. 
 
42 and 45 Commando are currently deployed in Helmand Province providing security and support to the Afghan Security Forces. The Command Support Group, Royal Marines is leading on all Intelligence, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (ISTAR) in Helmand and the new Royal Marines Armoured Support Group, equipped with VIKING, is deployed on its first operational tour. In addition the Helmand field hospital is being led and staffed by the Royal Navy and all logistic support for Helmand comes from the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines.