An Cosantóir

NO 1 OPERATIONS WING A YEAR IN REVIEW BY LT LAUREN CUSACK PHOTOS BY VARIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS O ne cannot stress the importance of the capabilities of the fleet and personnel in No 1 Operations Wing, at the forefront of critical operations carrying out a wide variety of operations in service to the state, the public and other organisations. 101 SQN – SURVEILLANCE & AIRLIFT This squadron plays a pivotal role in maritime defence, aerial surveillance and logistical support for various state agencies and the wider DF. With two C295MW Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) aircraft entering service this year, and a third C295MW Military Transport aircraft (MTA) to enter service in 2025, the Air Corps has seen the introduction of its most advanced aircraft to date. Throughout the integration period the CN-235 aircraft continued to provide the State with vital operational output. These two aircraft will retire in 2023, after amassing over 20,000 hours each. The coming year will see a leap forward in the Air Corps capabilities, providing a number of new, demanding and exciting opportunities for growth and development throughout the DF, built on the proud and unbroken service of 101 Squadron for almost 50 years. 102 SQN - AIR TRANSPORT The core function of this squadron is the provision of the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS). 102 is tasked with short and medium haul missions to Europe and this year also conducted flights to the Middle East. Apart from MATS, 102 squadron also fulfils vital roles in the areas of air ambulance and service support to the wider DF. Looking to the future, processes to acquire a new aircraft has begun, which signals a new chapter for 102 in terms of providing service to the state and its citizens. 104 SQN - SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE With the qualification of new pilots and the retirement of experienced flight officers, this squadron has been kept busy with a high number of training courses, while also partaking in numerous operations in service to the state. 104 Sqn has 4 PC-12 aircraft which have carried out ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) flights in 2023, including being heavily involved in the joint operation with ARW and AGS, off the coast of Waterford in September. The PC-12 has been utilised in the support of other Units in the Air Corps and wider Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) and the HSE. A number of resupply missions to Irish troops serving in UNIFIL and UNDOF were successfully completed throughout the year, showing the range and capability of the aircraft and also the professionalism and dedication of the flight and maintenance crews. The versatility of the aircraft in the Unit and the expertise of the crews who fly and maintain them is vital to continue providing the high level of service and output from the Unit. AIR CORPS COLLEGE ACC continued to be the engine that supplied the Air Corps with sufficiently trained personnel across all areas in 2023, despite the ongoing HR challenges. In March, members of the 80th Aptce class and GS recruit platoon passed out. The 3* Airmen were posted to AC operational units and the Aptces will now begin their 4 years of technical training to become qualified aircraft mechanics. They will join the 78th & 79th Aptce Classes in the Technical Training School which is an EASA Part 147 recognised institution. In June, the 77th Aptce Class passed out becoming qualified aircraft mechanics. As part of their final year project, they designed and built a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) simulator and gave a superb demonstration of its operation to GOC AC. Yet again, these students demonstrated the technical prowess of the Air Cops technical training facility. Induction of the new Trainee Military Aircraft System Technician (TMAST) class is currently underway in the Joint induction Training Centre in Gormanston. On the Flying side, the 29th YO Wings Course (7) continued their Wings Course training on the PC-9 with the finish line in sight in the 1st Quarter of 2024. Following them up are the 30th YO's Wings Course (5) who are currently completing their Ground-school in the Flying Training School. Nipping at their heels are the future 31st YO's Wings Course who will complete their training in DFTC in April 2024 and the future 32nd YO's Wings Course who have just started in the DFTC. There have been some changes in the FTS with the promotion of Capt McDermott to Comdt. He takes over Command of FTS from Comdt Snowdon who moves to ACC 2IC. An Instructors Course is currently ongoing to qualify two new QFI's following the departure of Lt Gavin Byrne to the RAAF and imminent retirement of Capt Damien Kelly. One of the highlights of the Year was the awarding of the DF Values award for Moral Courage to Lt's Blake & Godden for their successful recovery of a PC-9 to Baldonnel in 2021 following an in-flight engine failure. All of this training was facilitated by robust maintenance practices in FTS that often saw 7/8 aircraft serviceable with 150hr + 300hr inspections completed on site. MTS broke some new ground this year with the completion of the very first and second Senior NCO's Courses qualifying 40 students for further promotion and facilitating a Level 7 qualification with SETU for the award of a diploma in Leadership, Management & Defence Studies. MTS Instructors also participated in NATO Lessons Learned Courses in Sweden, Personnel Recovery Course in Germany, Urban SERE Course Workshops – Czech Republic & Belgium and Operation Red Flag in the US. In addition 6 ACC personnel served overseas in a variety of roles this year. Altogether a busy year for Air Corps College. Roll on 2024. An Cosantóir November / December 2023 www.military.ie/magazine 22 | AIR CORPS: A YEAR IN REVIEW Air Corps taking part in the successful Op PIANO in Sep 23 The Air Corps recently received a new C295 aircraft Air Corps Honour Guard for Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin

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