There is indeed no place like home; the personnel of 847 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) seemed to be saying as they returned yesterday to their base at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset, after a four month deployment to Afghanistan.
As they entered their Hangar they received rapturous applause from both families and friends and the new Commanding Officer of the base, Commodore Paul Chivers OBE.
Vigilance learnt that during their deployment, the Squadron operated from CampBastion in Helmand Provence along with their counter-parts from the RAF and Army Air Corps. 847 NAS are no strangers to the difficult flying conditions and challenging environment of Afghanistan, as they have previously deployed on Operation HERRICK with their Lynx Mk 7 helicopters.
According to an MoD source the Mk 7’s were only capable of operating in the colder months and during the nights in the hotter temperatures of the Afghan summer. The Squadron therefore converted to the Lynx Mk 9A which has new engines that provide an all year round capability with little degradation in performance. Along with the performance upgrade, the 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun has been replaced with the 0.5 inch M3M, which has a longer range, improved accuracy and multi-role ammunition. This weapon, combined with the MX-15 surveillance camera system, has provided a significantly enhanced capability to provide top cover to patrols transporting essential supplies to the troops.
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Riggall, Commanding Officer 847 NAS praised the hard work of all members of the Squadron: "Preparations for this deployment essentially started back in July last year and the return to RNAS Yeovilton will mark the end of a challenging but rewarding period of operations for the Squadron. It has been a team effort as always, but most importantly, we have delivered the essential escort and surveillance capability we were tasked with. I would like to think that we have acquitted ourselves well and the difference the new Lynx has made in terms of power, armament and surveillance capability has been remarkable.”
Vigilance gathered that the Lynx Mk 9A is a true multi-role helicopter and during their tour 847 NAS conducted Support Helicopter escort to the troops on the ground. They also provided convoy over-watch and reconnaissance for ground forces and Close Air Support. The aircraft was also used to move essential equipment around Helmand, providing essential support to UK troops fighting the Taliban and undertook numerous missions with the United States Marine Corps.
It is said that whilst those returning will take some well-earned leave, the remainder of the Squadron are currently embarked in HMS Albion in the Mediterranean. Life is never easy for the men and women of 847 NAS.