Squadron stays as British withdraw

Combat operations in Iraq may have officially ended for the UK, but personnel from RAF Honington will be remaining in Basra as British activity there winds down.
In a ceremony at Basra airport last Thursday, the British armed forces lowered their flag and formally handed control of the base to the American military, six years after the war began.

But 150 airmen from 15 Squadron RAF Regiment, who left for a four-month tour of duty in February, still remain in Basra and will be one of the last units to leave the base when it is handed over to Iraq's security forces.

Last month, the squadron joined a joint US/UK patrol to Il Mithar, a village north of their base in Basra, where they met Iraqi National Police and delivered footballs, books and stationery to schools, getting the chance to speak to some of the pupils there.

Meanwhile, back in Britain, the Government's commitment to the conflict in Afghanistan was underlined as it opened a £14 million facility designed to help troops train for combat in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Defence officially opened new areas at its Stanford Training Area (Stanta), just north of Thetford, last Thursday, with the new facility to provide training to all troops deploying to Afghanistan.

With the help of Afghan nationals and others who will take on the role of insurgents, its rural Middle Eastern village and urban Middle Eastern complex have been designed to mirror situations soldiers could find on the ground.

The training area, which was previously used for training troops heading to Northern Ireland and took eight months to develop, will replicate the sights, smells and sounds of the region, with calls to prayer across a market place, a family home and a network of claustrophobic alleyways.

General Sir David Richards, commander in chief of land forces, said: "These new training facilities mean that we will be giving our soldiers the very best chance to succeed in today's complex operations and return home safely.

"I am proud that we can now offer today's armed forces the facilities they deserve to best equip them for the job we ask of them on operations."

Last goodbye - BBC video of 51 Sqn RAF Reg

Click here for the video on the BBC website - The 51 Squadron RAF Regiment come to the end of their final tour of duty in Iraq and prepare to fly home.

Last goodbye for Basra troops - BBC Radio

BBC Scotland's Cameron Buttle reports from Basra as the last Scottish unit to serve in Iraq complete its tour of duty.

Smiles and sunshine as Scots troops come home safe from Iraq - The Scotsman

By JOHN ROSS
SHORTLY after noon they emerged from their plane into the sunshine – and a heroes' welcome featuring massed pipes and drams.

The last Scottish unit to serve in Iraq were back on home soil and ready for an emotional reunion with loved ones.

The 150 members of the RAF 51 Squadron and 2622 (Highland) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, who have spent the past six

months in Basra, were piped off the plane at RAF Lossiemouth, where a small crowd of families had gathered to witness their return.

Also waiting for them was a welcoming array of whisky supplied by a local distillery.

Group Captain Al Monkman, the base commander, paid tribute to the ground troops who were responsible for security at Basra airport and worked on "hearts and minds" operations, building relationships with the Iraqi people.

He said the troops had completed six months of hard work in 50-degree heat. "It's a selfless role they play looking after the lives of people in the base and, most importantly, getting outside the wire, talking to the locals and explaining to them why we are there and what we can do to help the Iraqis."

He said work in the region was paying off and there had "barely been a shot fired in anger" during the tour and no casualties. "Not only have the attacks on the base down there dwindled, but the local elections have had a kick-start," he said.

"There is now a generation of Iraqis for whom British troops is not a dirty word but a team of friendly people who came and helped their own security and left them in a better place.

"If you compare Iraq in 1990 to Iraq in 2009 it's nothing short of a transformation. These guys have added the last bricks to the wall. To leave a country in such good shape is a natural end to a campaign."

Group Capt Monkman said simple things such as a football match between the troops and an Iraqi village team showed the progress made: "Two or three years ago that would never have happened, and it was proof of the goodwill and the improved security situation."

While it is hoped they will not have to return to Iraq, the troops are already planning a return to Afghanistan next summer.

Group Capt Monkman said deploying to two wars has presented troops with a "challenging operational tempo" over the past few years. "Hopefully now we will get back working in a single theatre," he added.

At yesterday's homecoming there was relief from family as well as troops.

For Senior Aircraftsman Alan Wells, 22, it is only the second time he has seen his son Jake, who was born four months ago during a spell of leave. He and his partner, Amanda Orton, now plan to marry later this month.

He said: "It's great to be back and now I plan to spend as much time with Jake as possible."

Troops aid disabled Basra boy

WINTRY weather may be hitting football matches at home but Moray troops in Basra found themselves shying away from slide tackles as they took on local villagers in a game on a barren pitch.

The match involving 51 Squadron RAF Regiment from RAF Lossiemouth, was a sign of the improving security situation in Iraq and the bonds of friendship being formed were further strengthened as they handed over a wheelchair donated by All Mobility Highlands in Elgin to a disabled 12-year-old boy.
Until now, Rashash Muslim Al Hemdani, has had to rely on family members to carry him from one place to another within the village but the special gift will vastly improve his quality of life.

The youngster is not able to walk and has only a limited ability to communicate, but his medical condition has never been diagnosed due to the lack of medical facilities in the area.

He was spotted in the streets of his village of Al Khora where personnel from the RAF Regiment were liaising with local leaders and sheiks, and they stepped in with their offer of help.

"Today was basically people helping other people," said Squadron Leader James Lennie, who is the Officer Commanding.

"From a military perspective this helps us build stronger relationships with locals and their leaders."

Flight Lieutenant John Rees, the deputy squadron commander, added: "This is a great opportunity to improve the life of a young Iraqi through the goodwill of the people of Elgin. It is comforting for squadron personnel to know that the job we do is well supported by the public back home."

Villagers gathered around while the boy's wheelchair was adjusted to fit him by Captain Jeff Johnson, a US Army National Guardsman, who is an occupational therapist back in America.
51 Squadron are tasked with the security of the Contingency Operating Base (COB) in Basra and have built up a strong rapport with local people, leading to the sporting challenge on the football fiield.