11/12/09 & 19/12/09
Heads up guys:
AN-124 11 Dec Arr 1130L Dep 1500L
IL-76 19 Dec Arr 0930L Dep 2130L
Both Civvies im afraid. This is why they are coming into Waddington.
"Two surveillance planes based near Lincoln will be flying over Afghanistan this winter to boost air traffic control in the country, it was announced today.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said the Boeing E-3D Sentry aircraft from RAF Waddington were being sent to a base in the Middle East along with 200 personnel from 8 Squadron, Royal Air Force following a request from Nato.
The distinctive radar-domed aircraft will fly over Afghanistan during their deployment and are expected to return to RAF Waddington, along with the personnel, by the end of February 2010.
An increase in the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, including the recently-announced 30,000 extra troops from the US and 500 from the UK, had meant "more complex" air operations over the country.
"Nato has identified a need for improved air traffic control," Mr Ainsworth said in a written ministerial statement.
"I have therefore agreed a Nato request to commit two Boeing E3D Sentry aircraft and some 200 personnel from 8 Squadron, Royal Air Force, to fill this role as part of our standing contribution to the Nato Airborne Early Warning and Control Force."
The defence secretary said the deployment was separate to the troop increase for Afghanistan unveiled last month, which would not be affected.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said it was the first time RAF aircraft had been deployed to the region in this role."
Written by a local newspaper.
James
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