It was all eyes to the skies as the fire service and an RAF Chinook helicopter took part in a special military exercise on the Island this afternoon (Tuesday).
A Chinook, from RAF Odiham in Hampshire, landed at Jersey Camp on the outskirts of Newport for a multi-agency operation.
Working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the aim of the drill was to test the lifting capability of the Chinook.
The pre-planned exercise, at Jersey Camp, near Newtown, saw the huge aircraft demonstrate its heavy-lift capabilities by "under slinging" a high-volume pump (HVP) used by the fire service in major flood situations.
The aircraft, from 27 Squadron, completed a number of approaches and load pickups to make sure the Island's responding agencies were familiar with the operating procedures of Chinook helicopters, including helicopter landing site operations.
This is important should the helicopters ever be tasked to assist civilian authorities on the Island in the event of a major incident.
The rare sight marked the culmination of a two-day training exercise involving RAF and Army personnel from the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron, based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.
Wing Commander Shaun Ryles, RAF regional liaison officer, said:
"The value of such a visit should not be underestimated.
"As well as forging strong links between RAF Odiham and the council’s emergency management team, the work carried out will complement existing contingency plans and allow for a swift and effective response from the RAF and other agencies, should a major incident occur.”
The Isle of Wight Council, HM Coastguard and Isle of Wight Ambulance Service were also involved in today's operation.
It's not the first time an exercise of this kind has taken place on the Island.
In 2016 Sandown Airport was the chosen venue for a similar operation.
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