Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS)

BENSON, OXFORDSHIRE

OC: Maj A Hughes • 2IC: Flt Lt J Traynor • SSM: WO2 P Devine

The fourth quarter of 2022 has been fast paced and rewarding for JHSS. Personnel have enabled aviation LIFT on exercises and operations both in the UK and abroad and achieved sporting success for both the Army and RAF.

Ex HOOKERS SWORD

In December, JHSS deployed to Longmoor on Ex HOOKERS SWORD for the annual CT Bravo exercise, covering infantry skills at troop level with an aviation spin. Exercising troops were tasked with the reconnaissance of landing points for aircraft and having to defend them from enemy forces as well as practicing battlefield first aid, navigation and LOAC as there were complex serials with white forces. This gave the junior commanders the chance to test their leadership ability whilst operating in their stretch zone; enabling them to be fighting fit for any future deployments.

Sporting achievements

RLC personnel from JHSS deployed on Ex NORDIC KNEESTRETCH and Ski RLC 2022 in Norway. JHSS sent a team to compete against all major units where it was placed fifth in the Nordic competition and sixth overall. A fantastic showing from the Sqn’s athletes. JHSS also has two players in the RLC football team and four who competed in the RLC squash championship. Finally, JHSS dominated the RAF Benson Station Commanders Cup, a monthly event where all sections from across the station compete in sporting events. JHSS competitors did not lose a single event throughout the entire year.

Enduring commitments

JHSS continues to commit troops globally in support of aviation operations. These include sending troops to Brunei, Falklands, Kenya, Norway and California as well as holding standby duties for Hurricane relief in the Caribbean and sending a small team out to Cyprus in support of Commando Helicopter Force. These commitments ensure the troops are current and competent, enabling all aircraft across JHC in a variety of environments, allowing the Sqn to be a highly adaptable and deployable force that is highly relied upon by the wider Army and RAF to enable the movement of troops and equipment in any situation.

Looking forward

The Sqn now looks forward to continuing to support aviation on exercises in Kenya, California, Oman and Estonia and anywhere else the Support Helicopter Force requires the Sqn to support them. JHSS is also sending troops out to support 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team exercises, providing specialist SME knowledge to the units deployed.