Afghanistan

Naval officer creates Afghan Archers on helmand radio

Photographer Sgt Barry Pope RLC (Phot)

Naval officer creates Afghan Archers on helmand radio

Photographer Sgt Barry Pope RLC (Phot)

Naval officer creates Afghan Archers on helmand radio

Photographer Sgt Barry Pope RLC (Phot)

Lt Jo Nicholson

Photographer Sgt Barry Pope RLC (Phot)

Navy Captain Honoured For Afghan Engagement

A Royal Navy Captain has been awarded an OBE for his efforts in helping to forge closer links with the Afghan Government. Captain Jim Higham RN headed up the International Security Assistance Force’s Key Leader Engagement Team in Kabul, where he helped corral the efforts of the international community in building more effective links with President Hamid Karzai and the Afghan Government.

Navy Captain Honoured For Afghan Engagement

A Royal Navy Captain has been awarded an OBE for his efforts in helping to forge closer links with the Afghan Government. Captain Jim Higham RN headed up the International Security Assistance Force’s Key Leader Engagement Team in Kabul, where he helped corral the efforts of the international community in building more effective links with President Hamid Karzai and the Afghan Government.

Explosives Expert Honoured For Bravery In Afghanistan

A Royal Navy explosives expert who defused a series of complex devices in Afghanistan over a 16-hour period, despite soaring temperatures and threat of attack, has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. Lieutenant Commander Al Nekrews (pictured right), 40, is the Navy’s first ever High Threat IED Operator and was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months in 2012 where he led a four-man team in one of the busiest districts - Nahr-e Saraj.

Explosives Expert Honoured For Bravery In Afghanistan

A Royal Navy explosives expert who defused a series of complex devices in Afghanistan over a 16-hour period, despite soaring temperatures and threat of attack, has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. Lieutenant Commander Al Nekrews, 40, is the Navy’s first ever High Threat IED Operator and was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months in 2012 where he led a four-man team in one of the busiest districts - Nahr-e Saraj.

Explosives Expert Honoured For Bravery In Afghanistan

A Royal Navy explosives expert who defused a series of complex devices in Afghanistan over a 16-hour period, despite soaring temperatures and threat of attack, has been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. Lieutenant Commander Al Nekrews, 40, is the Navy’s first ever High Threat IED Operator and was deployed to Afghanistan for seven months in 2012 where he led a four-man team in one of the busiest districts - Nahr-e Saraj.

Team who spread the word across Helmand rewarded for peace efforts

Chief of Defence Staff General Sir David Julian Richards GCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen presents THE FIRMIN SWORD OF PEACE to Commander Steve Tatham Royal Navy on behalf of 15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group (15 POG) have been awarded the Firmin Sword of Peace in recognition of their work in Afghanistan. The award is given to the unit or establishment of each Service judged to have made the most valuable contribution to humanitarian activities by establishing good and friendly relations with the inhabitants of any community at home or overseas.

Team who spread the word across Helmand rewarded for peace efforts

A group photo with the Chief of Defence Staff General Sir David Julian Richards GCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen presenting THE FIRMIN SWORD OF PEACE to Commander Steve Tatham Royal Navy 15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group (15 POG) have been awarded the Firmin Sword of Peace in recognition of their work in Afghanistan. The award is given to the unit or establishment of each Service judged to have made the most valuable contribution to humanitarian activities by establishing good and friendly relations with the inhabitants of any community at home or overseas.

The Kabul Runner

The Kabul Runner

Historically significant mission in Afghanistan

42 COMMANDO J COMPANY ON HELICOPTER OPERATIONS On the 15 May 2011 J Company went on a Helo Operation which proved to be successfull and locals were very friendly and accomodating in the area. J company flew in to the area at 0400in the morning under cover of darkness just before first light. Thereafter they proceeded to do a friendly, thorough, surprise search of all the compounds in the area. Here J Company can be seen taking cover in a dry old poppy field whilst waiting for the chinook helicopter to come pick up them up extract after completion of the operation. The Images taken by LA(Phot) Hillhouse.

Historically significant mission in Afghanistan

42 COMMANDO J COMPANY ON HELICOPTER OPERATIONS On the 15 May 2011 J Company went on a Helo Operation which proved to be successfull and locals were very friendly and accomodating in the area. J company flew in to the area at 0400in the morning under cover of darkness just before first light. Thereafter they proceeded to do a friendly, thorough, surprise search of all the compounds in the area. Here Recce Troop can be seen patrolling through a wheat field between compounds. The Images taken by LA(Phot) Hillhouse.

Historically significant mission in Afghanistan

Members of Yankee Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines, based at Patrol Base Shamal Storrai, on a routine patrol to deny the insurgents freedom of movement and reassure the local population.

Historically significant mission in Afghanistan

Z coy on patrol in Jackels around their AO

Historically significant mission in Afghanistan

BRF Op Pot Khanger 10 Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke 30 COMMANDO FOLLOW IN FOOTSTEPS OF WW2 HEROES ON FRONTLINE IN AFGHANISTAN, Forst Operational Images of 30 Commando Since World War 2 on Operation Herrick 14. Sixty years ago, an offensive Naval intelligence unit made up of Royal Marines ventured into Norway to capture vital Nazi technology that helped the Allies win the Second World War. This weekend, a new film telling the courageous story of 30 Commando will be released in cinemas across the UK. Its release comes as 30 Commando are embarked on their first operational tour since that offensive back in 1943. Despite their successes in WW2, 30 Commando was disbanded during post war demobilisation. It was only last December that the auspicious title was reintroduced when it was adopted by United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group (UKLF CSG) to better reflect the unit’s role and continued use of the skills, techniques and methodology learnt by their forbearers during WW2. Six weeks ago, 30 Commando deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 14, as part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. The unit, made up predominantly of Royal Marines also includes Royal Navy, RAF and Army personnel. Their main job is to find information; understand the information to derive intelligence from it and thus enable operational decisions. Lieutenant Colonel Matt Stovin-Bradford RM is the Commanding Officer of 30 Commando. He explains the significant role his men and women play in the fight against the insurgents: “30 Commando’s mission in Afghanistan is to gain information superiority on the Battlefield and gain intelligence from the enemy to ensure the future success of British and Afghan forces. While 30 Commando aren’t the only intelligence unit in Afghanistan they are among the few who can trace their lineage back to WW2 applying many of the same covert principles but with the most modern technology.” The modern day 30 Commando comprises four Squadrons (Communications, Support, Logistics and Y Squadron) who are each at the forefront of o

Historically significant mission in Afghanistan

30 Commando Support Squadron who are the Brigade Reconnaissance Force take part in an operation in Helmand province Afghanistan. 30 Commando Royal Marines are embarked on their first operational tour since WW2. Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke

SOUTH WEST ROYAL NAVAL MEDIC RECEIVES BRAVERY HONOUR

SOUTH WEST ROYAL NAVAL MEDIC RECEIVES BRAVERY HONOUR

SOUTH WEST ROYAL NAVAL MEDIC RECEIVES BRAVERY HONOUR

SOUTH WEST ROYAL NAVAL MEDIC RECEIVES BRAVERY HONOUR

SOUTH WEST ROYAL NAVAL MEDIC RECEIVES BRAVERY HONOUR

Royal Marines seize huge bomb haul

The BRF has carried out a successful operation in an insurgent stronghold of Helmand that has resulted in a substantial weapons and IED find and a number of insurgents being detained.

Royal Marines seize huge bomb haul

The BRF has carried out a successful operation in an insurgent stronghold of Helmand that has resulted in a substantial weapons and IED find and a number of insurgents being detained.

Royal Marines seize huge bomb haul

BRF Op Pot Khanger 10Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke

Royal Marines seize huge bomb haul

30 Commando Support Squadron who are the Brigade Reconnaissance Force take part in an operation in Helmand province Afghanistan.30 Commando Royal Marines are embarked on their first operational tour since WW2. Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke

Royal Marines seize huge bomb haul

30 Commando Support Squadron who are the Brigade Reconnaissance Force take part in an operation in Helmand province Afghanistan.30 Commando Royal Marines are embarked on their first operational tour since WW2. Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke

Sea King Bagger in Afghan

Sea King Shadow in Afghan

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

854 NAS Bagger over Afghan

854 NAS Bagger over Afghan

Royal Marine in Afghanistan

ON PATROL WITH L COMPANY AT CHECK POINT ZARAWAROn the 31 July 2011 multiples of 42 Commando Royal Marines L Company based at Check point Zarawar went out on patrol in their area of operations which is renowned for its hostile insurgent activity. Here Mne Smith and his multiple can be seen taking cover in a corn field as the atmosphere in the area increases with enemy hostility.Images taken by LA(Phot) David Hillhouse.

Afghanistan at night

ON PATROL WITH L COMPANY AT CHECK POINT ZARAWAROn the 31 July 2011 multiples of 42 Commando Royal Marines L Company based at Check point Zarawar went out on patrol in their area of operations which is renowned for its hostile insurgent activity. Here a Royal Marine can be seen engaging enemy in a firing position as atmosphere in the area was getting very hostile.Images taken by LA(Phot) David Hillhouse.

Royal Marine in Afghanistan

30 Commando Support Squadron who are the Brigade Reconnaissance Force take part in an operation in Helmand province Afghanistan.30 Commando Royal Marines are embarked on their first operational tour since WW2. Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke

Leading Medical Assistant Iola White of the Royal Navy (foreground) offers healthcare advice to a member of the local population.

MSSG Navy Personell - CPO Thompson, WO Trevarthen, POET (ME) Mingard, CPO (UWW) Day, CPO (WE) Cuthbert

From left: CPO Robert ‘Tommo’ Thompson (37), Warrant Officer Class 1 Tim Trevarthen (49), PO Dylan Mingard (29), Chief Petty Officer Paul Day (37), CPO Craig Cuthbert (36) The five are serving in Afghanistan as part of the Military Stabilisation Support Group in Helmand Province. All five are in the same unit, serving alongside colleagues from the other services who make up the MSSG.

CPO Cuthbert on Patrol - Mokatter Qala south of the 601

CPO Craig Cuthbert who's serving in Afghanistan as part of the Military Stabilisation Support Group on patrol in Mokatter Qala, south of Route 601 in Helmand Province.

MSSG on Patrol Chah E Anjir

The Military Stabilisation Support Group on patrol in Helmand Province.

CPO (UWW) Day

CPO Paul Day who's serving in Afghanistan as part of the Military Stabilisation Support Group on patrol in Helmand Province.

Bastion to Blighty

Bastion to Blighty Challenge

Father and Son serve together in Afghanistan

On the 27th September 2011 personnel returning from theatre were presented with operational medals by Commodore P Bennet after a Dis-mount course held at HMS Nelson. *** Local Caption *** Image of WO2 Dave Swann for hometown story

Father and Son serve together in Afghanistan

Father and Son serve together in Afghanistan

Cheryl Cole

CHERYL COLE'S MORALE VISIT TO BRITISH TROOPS IN AFGHANISTANOn the 14 September 2011 Cheryl Cole paid the British Troops in Afghanistan a morale visit where she presented the British Forces with the Pride of Britain Award.Here she can be seen taking part in a demonstration by 42 Commando Royal Marines conducting a compound clearance followed by a casualty evacuation via a Chinook helicopter.She exclaimed that she had never experienced so much dust in her life before after the helicopter came in to extract the casualty.Images by LA(Phot) David Hillhouse.

Cheryl Cole

CHERYL COLE'S MORALE VISIT TO BRITISH TROOPS IN AFGHANISTANOn the 14 September 2011 Cheryl Cole paid the British Troops in Afghanistan a morale visit where she presented the British Forces with the Pride of Britain Award.Here she can be seen taking part in a demonstration by 42 Commando Royal Marines conducting a compound clearance followed by a casualty evacuation via a Chinook helicopter.She exclaimed that she had never experienced so much dust in her life before after the helicopter came in to extract the casualty.Images by LA(Phot) David Hillhouse.

Cheryl Cole

CHERYL COLE'S MORALE VISIT TO BRITISH TROOPS IN AFGHANISTANOn the 14 September 2011 Cheryl Cole paid the British Troops in Afghanistan a morale visit where she presented the British Forces with the Pride of Britain Award.Here she can be seen taking part in a demonstration by 42 Commando Royal Marines conducting a compound clearance followed by a casualty evacuation via a Chinook helicopter.She exclaimed that she had never experienced so much dust in her life before after the helicopter came in to extract the casualty.Images by LA(Phot) David Hillhouse.

Cheryl Cole

CHERYL COLE'S MORALE VISIT TO BRITISH TROOPS IN AFGHANISTANOn the 14 September 2011 Cheryl Cole paid the British Troops in Afghanistan a morale visit where she presented the British Forces with the Pride of Britain Award.Here she can be seen taking part in a demonstration by 42 Commando Royal Marines conducting a compound clearance followed by a casualty evacuation via a Chinook helicopter.She exclaimed that she had never experienced so much dust in her life before after the helicopter came in to extract the casualty.Images by LA(Phot) David Hillhouse.

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole during a visit to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. She is wearing a personalised multi-terrain pattern shirt embroidered with the Royal Marine Commando badge and the dagger flash of 3 Commando Brigade and ballistic glasses. During her visit, to present UK forces with a Pride of Britain Award, she met troops from 3 Commando Brigade who are serving as Task Force Helmand and personnel from Joint Force Support (Afghanistan) who are currently deployed on Operation Herrick 14. Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke, 3 Commando Brigade

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole travelled to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan to meet the troops of 3 Commando Brigade and Joint Force Support Currently deployed on Operation Herrick 14. She is here to Present the Mirror's Pride of Britain Award to UK Armed Forces from all services.Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke, 3 Commando Brigade

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole travelled to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan to meet the troops of 3 Commando Brigade and Joint Force Support Currently deployed on Operation Herrick 14. She is here to Present the Mirror's Pride of Britain Award to UK Armed Forces from all services.Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke, 3 Commando Brigade

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole travelled to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan to meet the troops of 3 Commando Brigade and Joint Force Support Currently deployed on Operation Herrick 14. She is here to Present the Mirror's Pride of Britain Award to UK Armed Forces from all services.Pictures By: PO (PHOT) Hamish Burke, 3 Commando Brigade

The Royal Marines have handed over responsibility for the British mission in Helmand to 20 Armoured Brigade

The Royal Marines have handed over responsibility for the British mission in Helmand to 20 Armoured Brigade

The Royal Marines have handed over responsibility for the British mission in Helmand to 20 Armoured Brigade

A storm over Camp Bastion

A storm over Camp Bastion

Barclays Woman of the Year. Picture by Janie Airey

Barclays Woman of the Year. Picture by Janie Airey

Surg Cdr Sarah Stapley

Barclays Woman of the Year. Picture by Janie Airey

Rebecca with her Operational Medal

On the 25th October 2011 personnel returning from theatre were presented with operational medals by ACOS( DNPS) after a Dis-mount course held at HMS Nelson. LWtr Rebecca Aitken

Rebecca in Theatre

A selection of portraits of people in or supporting British troops in Afghanistan. Pictured is Leading Writer Becky Aitkin, 31 from Basingstoke. Becky is working in the role 3 field hospital as Ward Master on Camp Bastion, in Afghanistan

Rebecca out in Theatre

A selection of portraits of people in or supporting British troops in Afghanistan. Pictured is Leading Writer Becky Aitkin, 31 from Basingstoke. Becky is working in the role 3 field hospital as Ward Master on Camp Bastion, in Afghanistan

In his first visit to troops in Afghanistan, the Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Defence, led tributes to the fallen at an Armistice Day parade held at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

Photographer - Sgt Steve Blake RLC (Army Photographer) - Combat Camera Team, Operation Herrick 15 In his first visit to troops in Afghanistan, the Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Defence, led tributes to the fallen at an Armistice Day parade held at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Conditions were clear and sunny. UK Tri-service and Coalition personnel, as well as civilian contractors, MOD personnel and other civilian staff working at the Camp attended the service. Among other VIPs were Lt Gen JJC Bucknall CBE Late COLDM GDS laid a wreath representing all fallen British and Commonwealth personnel. Comd JFSp(A) Cmdre CL Walker RN, DComd RC(SW), Brig N Welch OBE Late RGBWLI and Comd BSN, Gp Capt C D Da’Silva MA RAF lay wreaths on behalf of the three services. NOTE TO DESKS: MoD release authorised handout images. All images remain crown copyright. Photo credit to read - Sergeant Steve Blake RLC (Phot) Email: steveblake@mediaops.army.mod.uk richardwatt@mediaops.army.mod.uk shanewilkinson@mediaops.army.mod.uk Steve Blake - 07901 590150 Richard Watt - 07836 515306 Shane Wilkinson - 07901 590723

The Royal Navy medics and Royal Marines bandsmen who formed the Ambulance Response Troop

The ART with Surgeon Commodore Andrew Hughes, Director Royal Naval Medical Services (DRNMS)

Ground crew carrying out checks on a Sea King ASaC as a RAF Merlin Mk3 taxis at Camp Bastion

Royal Navy Sea King Mk 7 SKASaC helicopters from 854 Naval Air Squadron normally based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall seen operating as part of the Joint Helicopter Force Afghanistan from Camp Bastion, Helmand Province. Photograph shows a Royal Navy Sea King Mk7 helicopter (left) on the flight line at Camp Bastion as a Royal Air Force Merlin Mk3 passes in the background

Chinook taking off as ground crew carry out checks on a Sea King ASaC at Camp Bastion

Royal Navy Sea King Mk 7 SKASaC helicopters from 854 Naval Air Squadron normally based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall seen operating as part of the Joint Helicopter Force Afghanistan from Camp Bastion, Helmand Province. Photograph shows a Royal Navy Sea King Mk7 helicopter on the flight line at Camp Bastion as a Royal Air Force Chinook from 1310 Flight flys overhead.

Observers monitor the radar picture in the back of a Sea King ASaC

People at workAircrew of 849 NAS at work in a Seaking aircraft, over the coast of Cornwall.Continuation training detecting small boats and aircraft operating of the North Cornish coast. *** Local Caption *** Pictured- Pilot- Observer- Lt Cheryl Gilbertson.Video footage also avaliable from this photex.

Observers monitor the radar picture in the back of a Sea King ASaC

People at work Aircrew of 849 NAS at work in a Seaking aircraft, over the coast of Cornwall. Continuation training detecting small boats and aircraft operating of the North Cornish coast. *** Local Caption *** Pictured- Observer- Lt Cheryl Gilbertson, Observer- Lt Cdr Paul Mullowney. Video footage also avaliable from this photex.

GRASSY DEPLOYS TO AFGHAN PASTURES

GRASSY DEPLOYS TO AFGHAN PASTURES

Grassy Meadows

Grassy Meadows

Fix bayonets

Operation VolcanoOn the 30th Jan 07 M Company of 42 Commando Royal Marines, mounted an Operation to clear compounds used by the Taliban in the area of BARIKJO in Kajaki which is situated in the Helmand Province of Southern Afghanistan.Captain Mackenzie Green, Officer Comanding 10 Troop M Company (Right) sends a situation report during the initial breech (entry) into the enemy compounds.Images by LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner 42 Commando Royal MarinesBickleigh BarracksPlymouthDevonPL6 7AJFor further information contact;Lt Paul G Youngman RNPublic Relations Officer (PRO)Address: as aboveTelephone: (01752) 727025Fax :(01752)839705Military :93788 7025

Fix bayonets

Operation VolcanoOn the 30th Jan 07 M Company of 42 Commando Royal Marines, mounted an Operation to clear compounds used by the Taliban in the area of BARIKJO in Kajaki which is situated in the Helmand Province of Southern Afghanistan.Captain Mackenzie Green, Officer Comanding 10 Troop M Company (Right) sends a situation report during the initial breech (entry) into the enemy compounds.Images by LA(Phot) Gaz Faulkner 42 Commando Royal MarinesBickleigh BarracksPlymouthDevonPL6 7AJFor further information contact;Lt Paul G Youngman RNPublic Relations Officer (PRO)Address: as aboveTelephone: (01752) 727025Fax :(01752)839705Military :93788 7025

On patrol

Please credit LA(Phot) Si EthellPictured are Royal Marines of 5 Troop, Bravo Company, 40 Commando at Sangin. As some members of the company move through FOB (Forward Operating Base) Jackson, in preparation for the handover to the Americans at the end of Op Herrick 12.

Afghan sunset

Pictured are members of X-Ray Company during a recent ground domination patrol. The men of X-Ray Company have recently moved their location from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Robinson to FOB Nolay. The patrol was conducted in to the surrounding green zone and was to gain information on the impact of ISAF forces in the area.Cleared for release by unit P.R.OPhotographic Section, RM Condor, Arbroath, Scotland, DD11 3SJ

Hearts and minds

PICTURE BYLINE MUST READ: LA(PHOT) AJ MACLEOD/MOD17/02/08Pictured arevRoyal Marines and attached ranks of 40 Commando’s Bravo Company Group, based at Sangin, provide medical assistance to wounded Afghan children. 2 Girls were seriously injures when Taliban fighters launched a rocket attack at the Sangin Forward Operating Base. The girls were brought to to the FOB where they recieved medical assistance, and were later flown to Camp Bastion for further treatment. The Royal Marines from 40 Commando are halfway through their 6 month deployment to Afghanistan and are based in Taunton. They are working within 52 Infantry Brigade alongside the Royal Marines of the Armoured Support Group and their colleagues from the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm.PICTURE BYLINE MUST READ: LA(PHOT) AJ MACLEOD/MODFOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT LT P NEWALL, pjnewall@gmail.com

Taking 5

Arbroath based 45 Commando Royal Marines have settled in to their 6 month tour in Northern Helmand. They have responsibility for the entire Upper Sangin Valley, stretching from Sangin itself all the way north to Kajaki and its well known dam. Pictured are members of Victor Company at Kajaki in Northern Helmand Province in Afghanistan. Victor Company are currently located near the Hydro Dam that produces eletricity for Helmand.Cleared for release by unit P.R.OPhotographic Section, RM Condor, Arbroath, Scotland, DD11 3SJ

THREE ROYAL NAVY BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERTS2

THREE ROYAL NAVY BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERTS DEPLOY TO AFGHANISTAN Three Portsmouth-based Royal Navy explosives experts are heading to Afghanistan to help in the fight against deadly roadside bombs. Chief Petty Officer (Diver) Kev Amaira, Petty Officer (Diver) Simon Crew and a Leading Seaman (Diver) of Fleet Diving Unit 2 based at Horsea Island will spend six months supporting the British Army in training Afghan forces in bomb disposal operations. CPO(D) Amaira, (44) will be mentoring Afghan National Security Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and deploying with them on patrols from various forward operating bases. PO(D) Crew, (36), will work with the Coalition Force Training Team (EOD) in Camp Bastion and LS(D) will join front-line patrols working from various locations with colleagues from the British Army’s Royal Logistic Corps. CPO(D) Amaira said: “The most challenging aspect will be the language barrier and the cultural differences – it will be a real eye-opener for us. But the emphasis is very much on training the Afghan forces and we are looking forward to passing on our expertise and helping them in this important task. The aim is to hand over the EOD role entirely to Afghan forces within three to four years.” The trio leave the UK in the next two to three weeks. For further information contact Press Officer Simon Smith on 02392 723025

THREE ROYAL NAVY BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERTS

THREE ROYAL NAVY BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERTS DEPLOY TO AFGHANISTAN Three Portsmouth-based Royal Navy explosives experts are heading to Afghanistan to help in the fight against deadly roadside bombs. Chief Petty Officer (Diver) Kev Amaira, Petty Officer (Diver) Simon Crew and a Leading Seaman (Diver) of Fleet Diving Unit 2 based at Horsea Island will spend six months supporting the British Army in training Afghan forces in bomb disposal operations. CPO(D) Amaira, (44) will be mentoring Afghan National Security Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and deploying with them on patrols from various forward operating bases. PO(D) Crew, (36), will work with the Coalition Force Training Team (EOD) in Camp Bastion and LS(D) will join front-line patrols working from various locations with colleagues from the British Army’s Royal Logistic Corps. CPO(D) Amaira said: “The most challenging aspect will be the language barrier and the cultural differences – it will be a real eye-opener for us. But the emphasis is very much on training the Afghan forces and we are looking forward to passing on our expertise and helping them in this important task. The aim is to hand over the EOD role entirely to Afghan forces within three to four years.” The trio leave the UK in the next two to three weeks. For further information contact Press Officer Simon Smith on 02392 723025

THREE ROYAL NAVY BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERTS1

THREE ROYAL NAVY BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERTS DEPLOY TO AFGHANISTAN Three Portsmouth-based Royal Navy explosives experts are heading to Afghanistan to help in the fight against deadly roadside bombs. Chief Petty Officer (Diver) Kev Amaira, Petty Officer (Diver) Simon Crew and a Leading Seaman (Diver) of Fleet Diving Unit 2 based at Horsea Island will spend six months supporting the British Army in training Afghan forces in bomb disposal operations. CPO(D) Amaira, (44) will be mentoring Afghan National Security Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and deploying with them on patrols from various forward operating bases. PO(D) Crew, (36), will work with the Coalition Force Training Team (EOD) in Camp Bastion and LS(D) will join front-line patrols working from various locations with colleagues from the British Army’s Royal Logistic Corps. CPO(D) Amaira said: “The most challenging aspect will be the language barrier and the cultural differences – it will be a real eye-opener for us. But the emphasis is very much on training the Afghan forces and we are looking forward to passing on our expertise and helping them in this important task. The aim is to hand over the EOD role entirely to Afghan forces within three to four years.” The trio leave the UK in the next two to three weeks. For further information contact Press Officer Simon Smith on 02392 723025