As mentioned on Twitter yesterday, the RAF got in touch yesterday got in touch with OnTheWight yesterday to give use some more details of the arrival of the Army to the Isle of Wight via Chinook Helicopter.
They also said they’d send over some photos of the Chinook in action. Well they haven’t disappointed, as you can see from the gallery of photos below. The words are theirs – Ed.
Members from the Royal Air Force and Army helped to deliver vital supplies and Reserve soldiers helping the flood relief effort on the Isle of Wight.
An RAF Chinook was called in to air lift two military Land Rovers to the Isle of Wight from a military base in Winchester. A team from the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire attached the under slung vehicles to the RAF Chinook.
Two Landrovers – light work
The specialist team composed of both RAF and Army personnel which work closely with all types of RAF helicopters, attached the vehicles weighing over three tonnes, a light load considering the Chinook has a maximum load carrying capability of approximately 10 tonnes (heavier than a Double Decker Bus).
The Land Rovers were transported along with their drivers and equipment to Newport where they would be used by Reservists from 7th Battalion The Rifles to help with the flood relief taking place on the Isle of Wight.
Storm affect on the Island
The Isle of Wight has experienced high winds and torrential rain over the past 24 hours and with expectations of more poor weather on the horizon the Government has sanctioned the use of the military to help with the flood relief efforts.
Flight Lieutenant Matt Shutler from II Squadron RAF Regiment who is second in command of the RAF contingent based in Windsor said
“This demonstrates the ability of the RAF and Army to work cohesively to achieve a common goal, in this case to provide urgent support to those affected by the floods on the Isle of Wight.”
RAF supplied photos
Click to see larger
