CONFIDENT I AL
3RD DRAFT
bilateral exercise with the Italians to test the effectiveness of
their air defence systems. Home-based air defence and offensive
support aircraft and aircraft of RAF Germany have carried out
exchange visits with squadrons of other NATO countries. Strike
Command aircraft competed successfully in the Allied Forces Northern
Europe Tactical Reconnaissance Competition and came second in both
the individual and squadron competitions. RAF Germany also partici-
pated with distinction in the 1974 Allied Forces Central Europe
Tactical Weapons Meet. In November 1974 the Royal Air Force retained
the Fincastle Trophy, after the annual competition held between
the maritime air forces of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
and Canada. In the same month Vulcan crews of Strike Command
achieved their best-ever results in the United States Strategic
Air Command Bombing and Navigation Competition, winning both the
Mathis Trophy for combined Bombing and Navigation and the individual
Navigation Trophy.
THE REST OF THE WORLD
OPERATIONS
Suez Canal
65. At the request of the Egyptian Government the Royal Navy
helped to clear explosive war debris from the Suez Canal. HM Ships
Abdiel, Maxton, Wilton and Bossington, with members of the Fleet
Clearance Diving Team, played a significant part in the operation from
April to November 1974, and disposed of some 8,000 items of
explosive ordnance. The operation was carried out in conjunction
with Egyptian, "nited States and French forces.
Facilities were
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