RAF gunner foils Afghan bombers
A keen-eyed RAF gunner has been commended by US and UK commanders for his life-saving diligence in Afghanistan.
![An RAF gunner from 51 Squadron RAF Regiment mans an observation post at Camp Bastion (library image) [Picture: Sergeant Ross Tilly RAF, Crown copyright]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a613f80ed915d7dfea6e2e0/s300_AUAB_UNC_20140304_021_068.jpg)
An RAF gunner mans an observation post at Camp Bastion (library image)
Lance Corporal Mark Marvin鈥檚 actions led to the unearthing of 3 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the break-up of an insurgent cell.
Lance Corporal Marvin, of 51 Squadron , was on duty in a watchtower on Bastion鈥檚 perimeter when a 鈥榗hange in the pattern of life鈥� caught his attention.
A prominent track leading from Camp Bastion鈥檚 south gate to the main wadi road, used by United States forces, lay in his observation arcs. As Lance Corporal Marvin watched, a motorbike stopped twice along its route. He said:
Motorbikes don鈥檛 usually stop there and it looked like someone was digging on the other side of it so I sent a report.
The motorbike and its rider were tracked to a compound, where the Quick Reaction Force of 58 Squadron paid a visit. Battery packs and other IED-making equipment were discovered and several suspects were found to have explosive residue on their hands. Two suspects were detained and 3 IEDs that had already been planted were recovered.
Because Lance Corporal Marvin鈥檚 actions undoubtedly saved US lives his watchtower was paid a visit by Major General Scott Miller, commander of , who handed the non-commissioned officer a commendation.
Lance Corporal Mark Marvin [Picture: Crown copyright]
Lance Corporal Marvin said:
I didn鈥檛 really expect anything. I was doing the job that I was supposed to do. The lads are pleased for me and I suppose it鈥檚 good for the squadron that I received the commendation.
Lance Corporal Marvin was also given a commendation by Air Commodore Al Gillespie, the Air Component Commander of 83 Expeditionary Air Group, prior to 51 Squadron鈥檚 return to RAF Lossiemouth.
51 and 58 Squadrons are both part of 5 Force Protection Wing, which provided security for Bastion Airfield, run by 903 Expeditionary Air Wing. The men of 5 Force Protection Wing endured one of the worst Helmand winters in living memory during their tour of duty.
The commander of 5 Force Protection Wing, Wing Commander Piers Holland, praised Lance Corporal Marvin for his actions which, he said, contributed to the success of the wing鈥檚 tour. Wing Commander Holland said:
We did our job, we did it well and we did it with pride. We maintained a secure and undisrupted perimeter and maintained on-base security. And, importantly, we brought everybody home.
We also ensured the safety of all fixed-wing aircraft operating to and from Bastion Airfield and had no ground-to-air attacks against them.