Keeping supplies to Afghanistan moving

One member of the seven-man specialist logistics team currently deployed to Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan is Senior Aircraftman Jonathan Howes, aged 32, who is a volunteer airman with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAAF).

Normally a cycle shop manager in Cradley Heath in the West Midlands, SAC Howes and his colleagues handle a staggering 350 tonnes of freight per week, and support a huge range of RAF and civilian aircraft.

Kandahar Airfield is a huge multi-national base and scores of freight pallets and vehicles move through the site every day on dozens of aircraft such as the TriStar, Airbus A300 and Hercules.

Largest of all is the C-17 which can carry 45 tonnes of freight over 5,000 miles (8,000km).

SAC Howes and his team are responsible for keeping this massive operation running properly, dealing with freight movements while facing the constant risk of rocket and mortar attacks.

He said:

"Among the kit we're dealing with are medical supplies for wounded troops, ammunition for those in the field, as well as food and water."

The Joint Movements Unit is also responsible for helping to distribute mail to the thousands of UK troops throughout Afghanistan, providing a much-needed link to their families and friends:

"We work 13 hours per day, seven days per week, for up to four months," SAC Howes added. "It's all a bit different from the nine-to-five routine back home - though I won't mind getting away from this heat!"

Back in the UK, SAC Howes works for Hawk Factory Cycle Stores and has done so since 1993. He is a relief manager for managers and assistance managers covering nine stores in the Midlands, most recently spending more time at the Newark store. His job includes selling, repairing, as well as building, bikes and being the general manager of the store.

He joined the RAAF four-and-a-half years ago because, he said:

"I've always had an interest in the RAF, I love travelling and working with aircraft. My parents are really pleased and support me all the way although they weren't keen on me coming out to Afghanistan because of how dangerous it is out here. I would also like to thank my employers who were very supportive."

This is his first operational tour but during his volunteer service SAC Howes has been deployed to the USA, Canada, Norway and the Czech Republic.

He added:

"We are some of the busiest personnel in Afghanistan and we're dedicated to ensuring that the troops on the ground get the vital equipment and supplies they need as fast as possible. The war can't be fought if we don't keep the supplies moving, and it's great to know that guys in the field are better off thanks to our work."