Squadron to prepare for deployment in Afghanistan at RAF Shawbury
Residents living near the north Shropshire air base RAF Shawbury as well as other areas of Shropshire may notice some unusual aerial activity this week.
RAF Shawbury and the Defence Helicopter Flying School are assisting with preparations for front line operations when ex-students come back to the unit with No 18 Squadron. The Squadron, based at RAF Odiham, will be operating from the airbase during the week 6 to 10 December including day and night flying.
The helicopters will arrive this morning and operate from the unit from this afternoon.
From Monday to Thursday they will also complete night flying until approximately 2200 each evening.
The Squadron regularly prepares for front line operations by operating from other units around the country, and have enjoyed two previous deployments to Shawbury.
All the crews would have previously trained at the unit at the Defence Helicopter Flying School and are all used to operating from the airfield. The flying they will be doing includes operating within the Shawbury low flying area as well as utilising the Mountain training areas in North Wales and ranges on the coast.
Details of the operations can be found at www.raf.mod.uk/rafshawbury/events/
The Squadron will use their time at the base to ensure it is ready for its forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of the ongoing operations. The deployment will be providing direct support to the ground operations by the 1st Royal Irish Regiment from Ternhill, who are currently deployed to Afghanistan.
