Welcome
back dad! After twelve weeks away, IX(B) and XIII Squadron aircrew are
greeted by friends and family on May 6th. © Kevin Jackson |
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Article
and Photos by:
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Kevin
Jackson
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©
ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SHARPSHOOTER - Military
Aviation Journal. NO PHOTOS MAYBE USED/PUBLISHED WITHOUT THE PERMISSION
OF THE INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SHARPSHOOTER - Military Aviation
Journal.
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Flying
the flag
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"Delightful Debs", Tornado GR4 ZA607/AB also marked up with
ALARM and LGB mission tallies. |
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Although personnel from II(AC) and 31 Squadrons had returned the previous week on a transport aircraft, the IX(B) and XIII crews returning today would signify the largest single return by the Marham Tornado fleet and would symbolize the return of the majority of Marham's squadrons. Although the majority of RAF assets in the Gulf have now returned a number of Tornado's will remain in-theatre to support coalition ground troops inside Iraq for the foreseeable future.
The
Fat Ladies Not Singing Yet!
Another Marham squadron that quietly deployed to the Middle East was 39(1PRU) with their Canberra PR9s. Although the two Canberra's that deployed are 44 years old this year the squadron was tasked with the important Anti-TBM reconnaissance role - Scud hunting.
Wing Commander Ken Smith, OC 39(1PRU) Squadron explained that despite their age, the aircraft are still performing magnificently: "It is a mature aircraft, but also an extremely capable aircraft but it does take a lot of work for the engineers to keep it serviceable. In the hot, dry weather we got about 95 percent serviceability which is really good for an aircraft of that age."
Also notable is the experience of the squadron's aircrew, with both a pilot and navigator flying recent combat missions at the age of 57. New aircrews are still converting to the Canberra, with two ex-VC-10 pilots recently becoming mission ready.
The Canberra PR9s have about three more years of useful airframe life left. Unfortunately when they are finally retired there will be nothing to replace them in their role of high altitude reconnaissance. They will be sorely missed.
With thanks to the RAF Marham CRO and staff for their assistance in the preparation of this article.
Aircraft & Markings | |
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ZA542/DM
- 'Danger Mouse - Dallas Dhu' Mission markings - 4 dumb bombs, 7 LGBs |
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ZA592/BJ
- Has a sharksmouth. Has a 'Combat Air Wing' badge on tail Mission markings - 4 dumb bombs, 9 LGBs |
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ZA607/AB
- Port side 'Delightful Debs' + small Knight in armour with 'Make all
sure' under intake.Starboard side - Coat of arms with inscription 'We
are one' |
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ZD714/AJW
- 'Johnny Walker' Mission markings - 8 LGBs, 3 (either) Stormshadow or Maverick missiles |
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ZD794/F
- 'Glenfarclas' Mission markings - 5 LGBs |
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ZD850/AJT
- Christmas tree with spare part gifts, inscribed 'Rects Controllers Dream'
and 'The glory is in the giving' Also a small round bomb with a face with
'Boing' written next to it. No mission markings. |
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ZG707/B
- A beaver riding a LGB with a wrench in its hand (paw?) with the initials
B.A.B.S. Mission markings - 2 small dumb, 2 large dumb bombs. 8 ALARMs and 27 LGBs |
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ZG726/K
- Painting of 'Kylie' on the starboard side. Has a 'Combat Air Wing' badge
on tail. Mission markings - 12 LGBs |
Wing
Commander Ken Smith, OC 39(1PRU) Squadron. |
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The artwork applied by the squadron groundcrew on ZD850/AJT is believed to have originated due to this aircraft becoming unserviceable and donating various parts to the rest of the fleet in Kuwait. |
©
Kevin Jackson
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