C-130Js join a fleet of RAF air mobility aircraft operating in the region under 38 Expeditionary Air Wing, including C-17 Globemaster, A400M Atlas and Voyager aircraft.
Since the 8th of September, 38 EAW has supported the movement of 700 passengers into and around the Caribbean, and enabled the delivery of more than 70 tonnes of freight to British Overseas Territories affected by the hurricanes.
Freight has included water filtration equipment and search and rescue gear for UK NGOs.
Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
RAF aircraft including, C-17, A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands.
By Saturday the 9th of September the EAW had enabled 11 flights around the region, moving more than 500 passengers and more than 30 tonnes of freight.
The Commanding Officer of 38 EAW, Wing Commander Gareth Burdett, said:
“This is 38 EAW’s very first deployment and I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved in just our first 36 hours. We know full well that people in our Overseas Territories are looking to the UK for its experience and excellence in delivering humanitarian aid.
The RAF is no stranger to this kind of work, and we’re pulling on our years of experience to make sure aid reaches people as swiftly as possible.”
38 EAW is currently managing aircraft and personnel in the UK, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
I wonder when Fallon will sell off the RAF and replace them with Ryan air in which to save a little money?