RAF Puma Helicopter detachment returns from Afghanistan
The RAF Puma detachment that has been serving in Afghanistan in support of the NATO Resolute Support Mission recently returned to RAF Benson as part of the withdrawal of NATO forces from the country
The three Puma helicopters and the personnel from Joint Helicopter Command have been serving in Kabul since March 2015 on Operation TORAL. The government has decided to withdraw all British troops assigned to NATO’s mission in Afghanistan.
Operation TORAL is the codename given to the British element of NATO’s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.
The helicopters have recently returned to their base in Oxfordshire. They were flown from Kabul to RAF Brize Norton on an Antonov AN-225 (a Strategic airlift aircraft).
Since March 2015, the detachment has been serving as part of the NATO-led non-combat mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, known as the Resolute Support Mission.
During this period, the detachment has been formed from 33 Squadron and 230 Squadron, with support from other JHC personnel and units.
“This is a significant time for the Puma Force as an enduring and rewarding operation comes to a close. The commitment and professionalism of the whole team has been exceptional, whether they’ve been deployed or provided support from the UK. I’m extremely proud of everyone and they should look back on all that they have achieved with pride.”
— Group Captain Nick Paton, Puma Force Commander
During the operation, the Pumas were based at Kabul International Airport. From there, they were able to provide vital airborne transport to UK and NATO forces to mitigate the extant ground threat.
They operated in all conditions, even the harsh Afghan winters.
This included transporting personnel and equipment around the different urban, mountainous and desert terrains in the Kabul area, as well as supporting the deployment of the NATO Security Quick Reaction Force as needed.
During the deployment, the Pumas flew 12,800 hours, which is the equivalent of over 533 days in the air.
The medium support helicopters also transported 126,000 passengers and moved 660,000kgs of freight.
“The RAF Puma Force have done a superb job in supporting the UK’s mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces since 2015. Their contribution over such a sustained period has been second to none and they can be incredibly proud of the significant part they played.”
— Air Vice-Marshal Nigel Colman, Commander Joint Helicopter Command
