#11 Cyprus | Father and son together on deployment? | Fancy a Brew?
In a behind the scenes look at the latest episode of our podcast, hear from a father and son deployed to Cyprus together helping to defeat Daesh
☕️ Welcome back to the twelfth episode of our podcast.
In the latest episode, join Senior aircraftman Ciaran and his father Flight Lieutenant Stuart as they share their stories and experiences of deploying together as father and son on Operation SHADER.
The global terrorist group Daesh previously took advantage of regional instability and political upheaval to control areas of Syria and Iraq roughly the size of the UK.
The UK Armed Forces’ mission in the Middle East has seen them work alongside 80 other nations to help provide safe and stable communities for the Iraqi people to live and work in, with the operation carried out both on land and in the air.
Haven’t listened to the episode yet? Make sure to check it out 👇
Take a look at some highlights from the episode below👇
What is the overall aim of Operation SHADER?
SAC Ciaran: “Operation SHADER kicked off in 2014, with the main goal being to defeat Daesh in the Middle East. We are here to gather surveillance and intelligence on Daesh. The Air Component Commander’s intent was first to defeat Daesh, secondly to deter malign actors and thirdly to also reassure friends and allies that are also operating in the region.
“Obviously we don’t just do Operation SHADER while we are out here, we are also taking part in Operation FORTIS, and Operation KIPION, so we have a massive collection of operations going on at one time.
Daesh poses a threat to UK national security as it seeks to expand its terror network, using propaganda to radicalise and recruit citizens from the UK and around the world. That’s why the UK Armed Forces work day and night overseas to help keep Britain safe.
What is the most interesting thing about this deployment?
Flt Lt Stuart: “The Sentry aircraft is preparing for retirement now, and we are moving onto the E-7 Wedgetail, so effectively it is our last deployment with the Sentry but we are looking forward to our first deployment with the new aircraft.
SAC Ciaran: “I think you can tell that there is an atmosphere on the Squadron, it’s like the last swan song and everyone is excited to be a part of it because it is historical. When we get back to the UK, it will be quite emotional for everyone involved.
“It’s weird because I have been on Sentry now for 17 years since 2004, and now the aircraft is retiring, but there is new aircraft coming in and I am looking forward to that.”
— Flight Lieutenant Stuart
What was it like deploying together?
Flt Lt Stuart: “It was hard at the start wasn’t it, trying to set everything up and get everything together, but it was normal for me.
SAC Ciaran: “This was obviously my first deployment, so my first deployment was with my dad. I knew it would be different and out of the ordinary but it has come together quite well and I think that we work together pretty well.
How does it differ from being deployed during a global pandemic?
Flit Lt Stuart: “It has been really good actually because as a Squadron, you are a bubble, and the Royal Air Force has been really good with supporting people getting vaccinated and continuing to deliver operations.
SAC Ciaran: “I agree, I think in comparison to the rest of the world which is a bit all over the place at the minute, being deployed has been positive; I have had both of my vaccinations. Obviously, there are limiting factors such as face masks, hand sanitiser and social distancing, but that is going on across the entire planet and we are all involved in that, even when on operations.
How are you able to keep physically and mentally fit whilst on deployment?
SAC Ciaran: “I feel that we are quite lucky whilst out on this deployment, the station provides loads of different aspects to maintain fitness, especially physical. You have got the gym which is really good, we have astroturf, football pitches, loads of different sports clubs going on.
For your mental wellbeing, I would say that we are all just one big team here, everyone looks out for each other, everyone sits together. The Chaplaincy centre here is amazing, and the Padre is amazing. There are different sections you can go into if you ever need to talk, and while we are on deployment that is massively important.”
