617 Sqn in the Middle East
31 May 2013
Royal Air Force personnel from 617 Squadron take
part in a multinational exercise from 906 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW)
in the Middle East.
Exercise Shaheen Star 4, a Combined Air Operation (COMAO) exercise, was conducted over the skies of the Middle East during May 2013. 617 Squadron squadron from RAF Lossiemouth commenced flying on 3 May for three weeks, culminating in a large scale exercise. In addition to host nation, the exercise involved aircraft types from the United States Air Force (USAF) and the French Air Force (FAF), all being supported by the ground element from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The COMAO allowed 617 Squadron to train in high-end war fighting scenarios against 21st Century threats with other nations. In turn, this forged coalition relations as equipment and personnel were tested to the limit.The detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Mark Still, stated: “The exercise satisfied and exceeded it’s aims of increasing the squadron’s capability. It also provided the opportunity for 617 Squadron to enhance UK Defence relations in this region through personal liaison with the Host Nation, USAF, FAF and ADF.” Corporal Sean Williamson, a squadron avionics technician, stated: “Our primary role is to provide fast air cover for troops on the ground. This exercise has allowed us to train these skills in a similar environment to Afghanistan, as we prepare to deploy there later this year.” 617 Squadron return home to RAF Lossiemouth at the end of May in order to continue training and begin preparation for their deployment on Operation Herrick at the end of the year.
Editor: Flt Lt Tim Peakman.Exercise Shaheen Star 4, a Combined Air Operation (COMAO) exercise, was conducted over the skies of the Middle East during May 2013. 617 Squadron squadron from RAF Lossiemouth commenced flying on 3 May for three weeks, culminating in a large scale exercise. In addition to host nation, the exercise involved aircraft types from the United States Air Force (USAF) and the French Air Force (FAF), all being supported by the ground element from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The COMAO allowed 617 Squadron to train in high-end war fighting scenarios against 21st Century threats with other nations. In turn, this forged coalition relations as equipment and personnel were tested to the limit.The detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Mark Still, stated: “The exercise satisfied and exceeded it’s aims of increasing the squadron’s capability. It also provided the opportunity for 617 Squadron to enhance UK Defence relations in this region through personal liaison with the Host Nation, USAF, FAF and ADF.” Corporal Sean Williamson, a squadron avionics technician, stated: “Our primary role is to provide fast air cover for troops on the ground. This exercise has allowed us to train these skills in a similar environment to Afghanistan, as we prepare to deploy there later this year.” 617 Squadron return home to RAF Lossiemouth at the end of May in order to continue training and begin preparation for their deployment on Operation Herrick at the end of the year.
Photography: Cpl Babbs Robinson.
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