The Workhorse of Helmand: A Chinook Crewman's Account of Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq

Mick Fry's exposure to Afghanistan spanned over 10 years and countless deployments, including watching 9/11 unfold in Australia, leaving the deck of HMS Ocean off the coast of Pakistan under the cover of darkness, and the chaos of Helmand Province. The Chinook helicopter was the workhorse of British Military operations, and the crews from RAF Odiham faced their mortality on a daily basis. His story is both gripping and confronting, taking the reader on a journey through combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Mick Fry, a RAF Chinook crewman, had a profound exposure to Afghanistan over a span of over 10 years and numerous deployments. From witnessing the events of 9/11 unfold in Australia to departing from the deck of HMS Ocean off the coast of Pakistan under the cover of darkness, he experienced the full spectrum of the conflict. The Chinook helicopter played a crucial role in British military operations in Afghanistan, and the crews from RAF Odiham faced their own mortality on a daily basis. Whether it was participating in air assault missions against a determined enemy, extracting casualties from the battlefield amidst gunfire, or engaging in a race against time to save lives, Mick witnessed the best and worst of humanity. His story is both gripping and confronting, taking the reader on a journey through combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The author paints a gritty picture of repeated operational deployments, balancing harrowing scenes with the humor and camaraderie of comrades, as well as the exhilaration of surviving Taliban RPGs and AK47 fire.

Introduction:
Mick Fry, a RAF Chinook crewman, had a profound exposure to Afghanistan over a span of over 10 years and numerous deployments. From witnessing the events of 9/11 unfold in Australia to departing from the deck of HMS Ocean off the coast of Pakistan under the cover of darkness, he experienced the full spectrum of the conflict. The Chinook helicopter played a crucial role in British military operations in Afghanistan, and the crews from RAF Odiham faced their own mortality on a daily basis. Whether it was participating in air assault missions against a determined enemy, extracting casualties from the battlefield amidst gunfire, or engaging in a race against time to save lives, Mick witnessed the best and worst of humanity. His story is both gripping and confronting, taking the reader on a journey through combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The author paints a gritty picture of repeated operational deployments, balancing harrowing scenes with the humor and camaraderie of comrades, as well as the exhilaration of surviving Taliban RPGs and AK47 fire.

Deployments:
Mick's exposure to Afghanistan began with his deployment to Australia in 2001, where he witnessed the unfolding of 9/11 from afar. He was stationed at RAF Odiham, a base in Hampshire, England, and his duties included supporting British military operations in Afghanistan. Over the years, Mick participated in countless deployments to Afghanistan, each one more challenging than the last. He served in various roles, including air assault missions, casualty extraction, and transporting supplies to troops on the ground.

One of the most memorable deployments for Mick was in 2006, when he was part of a team that conducted air assault missions against a determined enemy. The mission was intense, and the enemy resistance was fierce. Mick and his colleagues faced multiple threats, including mortar fire, RPGs, and AK47 fire. Despite the danger, Mick and his team managed to complete the mission successfully, extracting casualties and delivering supplies to the troops on the ground.

Another challenging deployment for Mick was in 2008, when he was part of a team that conducted casualty extraction operations in Helmand Province. Helmand Province was one of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan, and the teams faced constant threats from the Taliban. Mick and his colleagues worked tirelessly to extract casualties from the battlefield, often under fire and in a race against time. They faced numerous challenges, including navigating through treacherous terrain, avoiding landmines, and dealing with the heat and dust of the desert.

One of the most harrowing experiences for Mick was when he was involved in a life-or-death race against time to save the life of a colleague who had been injured in a roadside bombing. Mick and his team worked tirelessly to transport the colleague to a medical facility, navigating through heavy traffic and avoiding enemy fire. Despite the danger, they managed to arrive at the medical facility in time to save the colleague's life.

Throughout his deployments, Mick witnessed both the best and worst of humanity. He saw the bravery and selflessness of his colleagues, who risked their lives to support their fellow troops. He also saw the devastation and destruction caused by the conflict, including the loss of lives and the destruction of homes and communities.

Mick's story is both gripping and confronting. It takes the reader on a journey through combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The author paints a gritty picture of repeated operational deployments, balancing harrowing
Conclusion:
Mick Fry's exposure to Afghanistan spanned over 10 years and countless deployments, from watching 9/11 unfold in Australia, leaving the deck of HMS Ocean off the coast of Pakistan under the cover of darkness, all the way through numerous fighting seasons and the chaos of Helmand Province. The Chinook helicopter was the workhorse of the British Military operations in Afghanistan, and the crews from RAF Odiham were confronted by their own mortality on an almost daily basis as they worked tirelessly and skilfully to support the troops on the ground. Whether it was taking part in air assault missions against a determined enemy, or extracting casualties from the battlefield under fire, and in a life or death race against time, Mick witnessed both the best and worst of humanity on a daily basis. His story is both gripping and confronting, taking the reader on a journey through combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The Author paints a gritty picture of repeated operational deployments, balancing harrowing scenes and the ever present threat of death with the humor and camaraderie of comrades and the exhilaration of surviving Taliban RPGs and AK47 fire.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399075510