http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/De...InKandahar.htm
'Mr Fixit' gets Hercules airborne in Kandahar
The quick thinking of an RAF operations officer serving at Kandahar in Afghanistan has been officially recognised with an award from a United States Air Force commander.
When a United States Air National Guard C130J Hercules aircraft, en route from Al Udeid in Qatar, suffered engine problems following a landing at Kandahar Air Force Base in Afghanistan, the United States Air Force contacted the RAF C130 Detachment for assistance.
USAF Technical Sergeant Ray Stone called Sergeant Andy McGarry, the C130 Operations Desk officer, to see what could be done. Andy promptly contacted the Detachment Engineering Officer to find out if the part that was required was in stock. Not only was the part, a bleed air shut off valve, available, but help was also on hand to fit it.
Two RAF technicians, Chief Technician Andy Hardman and Senior Aircraftman Andy Aikman, were swiftly dispatched to replace the failed component. Their rapid response enabled the aircraft to take off again only an hour and a quarter after landing. RAF Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Nick Harrington, was understandably proud of Sgt McGarry's efforts:
"Sergeant McGarry is the man to talk to when you want to get things done. His network of contacts spreads across the base, therefore it doesn't surprise me that he managed to arrange this in such short order."
Colonel William Cahoon, USAF Base Commander, presented a commemorative coin to Sergeant McGarry, in recognition of his support. The two technicians involved in repairing the aircraft were unable to be at the presentation but will receive their medals at a later date.
Sergeant McGarry was pleasantly surprised by the award, saying:
"We have built up a very good working relationship over the last three months and this sums it all up. I am just pleased to have been able to help."
The impressive turnaround time for the aircraft repair shows the responsiveness and professionalism of the RAF C130 detachment at Kandahar, which is drawn from all squadrons at RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire. The 48-strong team, 14 of whom are engineering staff, provides 24/7 cover for the four UK C130 aircraft at Kandahar.
There you go Andy, your own thread on PPRuNe.
(You doughnut-noshing, shiney-arsed Ops monkey)
I hope you're going to declare that gift on your Income Tax Return. You could probably set it off against the crate of beer that you're fined.
PS. You can get those coins in the BX for $4.99