Mali: New British Commander Takes Charge Of RAF Chinook Detachment

A new British National Component Commander has taken command of the RAF Chinook detachment serving in Mali in support of a French-led counter-insurgency operation.

Commander Colin Kiernan, of the Royal Navy, has taken over from the Army Air Corps' Lieutenant Colonel Steve Brining after a handover ceremony at Gao Airbase in the west African country.

Cdr Kiernan is taking charge of the detachment that includes 1310 Flight RAF which operates three CH-47 Chinook helicopters in the country under the UK's Operation Newcombe.

The helicopters are flown by aircrew from the RAF's 27 Squadron, providing heavy-lift capability and allowing the French-led operation to extend its range.

1310 Flight is deployed in a combat support role and is fully integrated into the French Groupement Tactique Désert-Aérocombat.

Speaking after his appointment, Cdr Kiernan said: "Command of the CH-47 contribution to Op Newcombe is a privilege and honour of no equal, for me. 

"I have been handed a highly motivated and capable team of RAF and Army personnel who, despite the environmental and operational challenges are always ready to deliver. 

"Our continued deployment here demonstrates Britain’s commitment to working with France and other allies to address shared security challenges in our host nation Mali and the wider Sahel, a region affected by instability and extremism."

In the last six months, the Chinook detachment has played an important role in the French-led Operation Barkhane, expanding boundaries of non-combat missions in response to a significant increase in operational tempo.

The helicopters have delivered nearly 700 hours of operational tasking, including delivering 400 tonnes of freight and over 3,500 personnel across the area of operations.

Outgoing commander, Lt Col Brining, said it had been an "immense privilege" and thanked personnel for their efforts.

Mali has stood on the brink of chaos in recent times, including a coup that overthrew its president and prime minister, plus continued struggles against Islamic extremism.

Soldiers from the British Army are also deployed to Mali as part of a separate UN peacekeeping mission in the country.

Last month, the Commanding Officer of the UK Task Group in the country said the troops were ready to start "operations directly contributing to the UN". 

Three-hundred British troops began arriving in Mali in December for what is described as the UN's most dangerous peacekeeping mission.

Cover image: Lieutenant Steve Brining hands over to Commander Colin Kiernan (Picture: RAF).