Hi, TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY (FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER) EXPERIENCES OF OPERATION HERRICK 4 Operation Augustus Helmand See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ibCL3RfA1M "C/S Widow 70 is Flt Lt M Carter MC. First C/S he's talking to is Puff the Magic Dragon!" Quote, "On another deliberate operation Flight Lieutenant Carter and SAC Lucas deployed as part of the Battlegroup Tactical Group to control the Airspace and provide Close Air Support. The insertion at night was, unwittingly, onto a hot helicopter landing site and the 3 CH47 Chinooks that were inserting the first wave of troops took rounds through the cabin wounding troops inside. Once on the ground, after a heavy landing, chaos ensued due to the intensity of the fighting in the pitch black of night and a section of Afghan National Army troops adding to the confusion. Having spent too long on the ground, and before everyone could deplane, the Chinook took off. “We saw the 2 in front of us fall off the tailgate and we were left with the decision of do we stay or jump? We looked at each other and jumped hoping it was not too high” Flight Lieutenant Matt Carter. Once on the ground SAC Lucas covered Flight Lieutenant Carter while he established communications with the AC130 Spectre Gunship overhead and called in 105mm and 40mm fire onto the numerous Taliban positions that surrounded us." Comments by Flight Lieutenant Matt Carter who was awarded the Military Cross for his action. See http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafregiment/careers/fac.cfm Well done all. Regards, Mick D.
