DTN News: RAF Merlins Begin Operating In Afghanistan

DTN News: RAF Merlins Begin Operating In Afghanistan *Source: DTN News / UK Ministry of Defence; issued November 30, 2009 (NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - December 1, 2009: Having arrived in Afghanistan two weeks ago, 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.The first Merlin helicopters deployed to Afghanistan have achieved Initial Operating Capability one month ahead of schedule, and will now complement Chinook and Lynx aircraft already in theatre. (UK MoD photo) 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. Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, said: "This is a tremendous achievement by the Merlin Helicopter Force. Having left Iraq in the summer, they have retrained the aircrew and reconfigured the aircraft for Afghanistan in double-quick time. A Merlin from 78 Squadron takes to the skies over Helmand province, Afghanistan [Picture: Major Paul Smyth, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009] "This marks a tangible enhancement of helicopter capability in theatre, 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." Group Captain Jonathan Burr, Station Commander at RAF Benson, where the Merlin Force is based, said: "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. "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." Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "I am really pleased that the Merlin helicopters are now up and running in Afghanistan and have been given the green light for operations. "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."