An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir November / December 2024 www.military.ie/magazine 26 | NO. 1 OPERATIONS WING 101 SQUADRON – SURVEILLANCE AND AIRLIFT BY LT RONAN O'LEARY In 2024, 101 (Surveillance & Airlift) Sqn continued with the introduction to service of the Airbus C-295 MSA and retired the CN-235 from its role after 30 years unwavering service to the State. As consolidation of our Maritime Defence & Security (MDSO) role has continued to evolve, the Sqn has also conducted logistics support to various units of the Defence Forces, delivering troops to Cyprus and various locations in support of the EUBG. 101 Sqn has taken part in all aspects of public relations activity, at home with our first display at the Bray Air Display, and abroad with a crew representing the Air Corps at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, UK. Although our primary focus has remained on training to attain full operational capability, the Sqn has developed and continues to expand understanding of new technologies on the aircraft. For the first time, the aircraft are capable of conducting Infra-Red analysis of pollution events at sea and we have introduced LiDAR systems for topographical and bathymetric sub-surface detection. These new systems complement our comprehensive communications suite and will ensure 101 Sqn can continue providing "Eyes Over the Sea" for many years to come. 102 SQUADRON– AIR TRAINSPORT BY COMDT PETER SMYTH 2024 represented a period of transition for 102 Squadron as the current platform, the Learjet 45, approaches the end of its service life within No 1 Operations Wing. Nonetheless, the squadron remained operationally active on numerous fronts throughout the period and this included a number of notable operations ranging from EU prisoner reparation flights with An Garda Síochána through to numerous Air Ambulance missions, a capability which remains a core and significant aspect of 102 Sqn. Expanding on this, the squadron was directly involved with training and collaboration with the HSE Critical Care Retrieval Service to ensure maximum co-operation and to enable the Learjet 45 platform to be used as effectively as possible in this key and vital area. In addition, the squadron was tasked with numerous service support and logistics missions in support of the wider Air Corps and Defence Forces and offered an efficient platform for timely and effective mission completion within Europe. As we approach the end of 2024, 102 Sqn is very much building for the future and the new strategic reach platform procurement project is almost complete. This will mark a significant upgrade in capability for the State. As such, substantial preparations are underway to plan accordingly for this new platform with focus on increasing our resources and updating our SOPs to ensure we are in a position to extract maximum utility from this new platform once entered into service. In the interim, 102 Sqn will continue to utilise the Learjet 45 and provide ongoing service and utility through the various capabilities of the platform and our personnel. 104 SQUADRON – SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE BY CAPT JOSEPH WARD 104 Squadron has demonstrated exceptional versatility throughout 2024, leveraging the Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft, with its 'Spectre' variant to accomplish a wide range of essential missions. The Squadron's international operations have been diverse. Challenging resupply missions to locations such as Beirut (UNIFIL), Sarajevo (EUFOR), Kosovo (KFOR), and Germany (EUBG) have played a vital role in supporting Irish peacekeeping efforts throughout the world. These missions underscore Ireland's commitment to global stability and assistance. On the domestic front, 104 Squadron has been active in enhancing national security. Having carried out essential Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions across Ireland and patrolling undersea cables off the coast, contributing significantly to the protection of critical infrastructure. The PC-12NG has shown great utility in the Ministerial Air Transport role and has proven invaluable for government officials travelling across Ireland and Europe. A highlight of 104 Sqn's VIP transport duties was the honour of flying the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, marking a significant moment for the Squadron. Throughout the year, the Squadron has been tasked with multiple critical air ambulance missions, showcasing the aircraft's reliability and versatility in the role. A notable achievement in this area was the Squadron's first neonatal incubator transfer, completed successfully this year. The PC-12NG's adaptability has been key to meeting these diverse mission requirements. Whether transporting passengers, carrying cargo, or conducting aerial surveillance, these aircraft have consistently proven their worth. NO. 3 OPERATIONS WING BY LT SHANE O'CONNELL As the year draws to a close, it's clear that 2024 has been an exceptionally busy and productive period for No. 3 Operations Wing and the world of helicopter flying. From Emergency Aeromedical Service missions to expanding aircrew training programmes, each squadron has demonstrated resilience and dedication, ensuring continued excellence in operations. From Night Vision Goggle Training to international flying off the island, the year has been ever-changing and exciting for No 3 Operations Wing. Looking ahead to 2025, the future is filled with exciting opportunities as these squadrons continue to grow and evolve, with new technologies and capabilities on the horizon. 301 SQUADRON: EXPANDING CAPABILITIES AND OPERATIONS 301 Squadron has had a standout year, completing numerous Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service missions, which are vital for supporting the National Ambulance Service with urgent trauma and medical operations nationwide. Two new 301 Sqn pilots have achieved AW139 operational ratings, contributing the squadron's ongoing high operational tempo. Another four pilots are currently in the process of AW139 training, ensuring the squadron remains strong and flexible to meet future AIR CORPS A YEAR IN REVIEW

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