Page 12 - issue17.05.2019

Royal Air Force News Friday, May 17, 2019 P12

News

News bulletin

Afghan poll security fears

RAF ADVISORS are training
the Afghan Air Force in the fight
against insurgents and corruption
as the country goes to the polls.
The UK team is aiding the
country’s fledgling military police
the parliamentary elections, the
upcoming presidential vote, and
humanitarian aid operations.
Senior RAF air advisor Wg Cdr
Geoff Hall said: “The threat out
here is a challenge, but of course
FAMILY FUN: Youngsters get to grips with is not insurmountable. We have
the light ropes at Dandelions nursery all been well prepared by the RAF
Light work at Regiment.
“First and foremost, though are
the efforts of the 1st Battalion, The
Coningsby Royal Anglian Regiment who act as
our ‘Guardian Angels’.
“With the Vikings around, the
team can focus completely on
A NEW sensory room featuring providing the best assistance we
sound and light effects has opened can to our AAF and ministerial STRIKE CAPABILITY:
at Coningsby. counterparts.” Afghan Tucano A-29s in action,
The facility at the Lincolnshie RAF officers make up half of inset right, members of the RAF
training team in Kabul
station’s nursery is funded by the the Nato Train, Advise and Assist
RAF Central Fund and designed mission together with US and
to teach youngsters through play Australian colleagues.
activities. They regularly advise Nato-led, 41 nation mission to mobility around the helps us all.”
Nursery manager Jill Proctor counterparts from the Afghan Civil improve the capacity of Afghan capital Kabul. Wg Cdr Hall The Afghan Air
said: “It is an amazing facility for Aviation Authority, Ministry of national defence and security said: “It’s immensely satisfying to Force, which operates Tucano
children and families. Defence and Air Force on issues institutions since UK combat see a tangible effect on the Afghan A-29 combat aircraft has launched a
“We are hoping that the whole including strike capability and operations ended in 2014. Air Force as a result of our work number of raids against insurgents
Air Force community will benfit intelligence gathering. Codenamed Operation Toral, which goes towards providing a following training by UK and Nato
from using it.” Britain has contributed to the RAF personnel also deliver air safe and secure Afghanistan, which forces.