Royal Air Force
personnel have been put through testing training over Oman since the beginning of
October as 6 Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth conduct exercises with the Royal Air
Force of Oman (RAFO).
Nearly 250
personnel comprising RAF regular, reserve and civilian contractors serving
alongside the Royal Air Force of Oman have come together on Exercise Magic
Carpet 17. The Detachment Commander,
Wing Commander Billy Cooper said: “In two weeks of flying we have flown 102
sorties. The Typhoons have performed exceptionally well with first class
maintenance from our engineers.”
He
added: “Not only have my pilots been able to practice all the skills they need.
But it has been a fantastic opportunity to work in testing conditions for
everyone from our field caterers to armourers and the forward air controllers
who call in airpower.”
The RAF has
been hosted by the Royal Air Force of Oman who have provided extensive training
facilities. Wg Cdr Cooper said: “From the military perspective we have had excellent access
to ranges to drop precision guided bombs and to use Typhoon’s 27 mm cannon as
well as practising air defence alongside the RAFO F-16 jets.” He added, “But
for me, and I know I can speak for the whole detachment, I’ve particularly
enjoyed the opportunity to meet our hosts, experience the professionalism of
RAFO and see what Oman has to offer.”
Being in Oman
has provided training representative of the weather and flying conditions
expected on operations. The two weeks of flying have also enabled many
personnel in the air and on the ground to be efficiently qualified in delivering
live munitions.
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