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90before I do so, the picture needs to be balanced by an understanding ofthe wider supply contribution and, notably, the movements task.Initial supply activities concentrated on the issuing of spares andaccommodation stores to the Task Force and the planning necessary forcontinuity of supply and the replenishment of stocks. In this regard, theAMC aircraft lists were invaluable in providing the essential guidance onpriorities. The overall position on engines and airframes was generallysatisfactory, although the availability of role equipment and some Harrierspares were a cause for concern. A major challenge, however, was theassembly of a FAP for the Chinook, which, given the austere initialspares provisioning, gave rise to many shortages. Finally, the Vulcanrepresented a special case as plans were well advanced for disposal and,although these were suspended on 13 Apr, retrieving role equipment,especially refuelling probes, proved problematic.MovementsManagement of the movements task was a Joint Serviceresponsibility exercised through the Defence Operational MovementsStaff (DOMS). The initial problems related to the provision of shipping,including the necessary modifications for the transport of aircraft.However, in the absence of any relevant contingency plans, DOMS wascontinuously working against the clock.Ascension Island was of vital importance both as a forward supportbase and as a forward operating base; it was in effect our logistic centreof gravity.8 The first Hercules into Ascension Island carried advanceparties of Tactical Communications Wing (TCW), Tactical Supply Wing(TSW) and the UK Mobile Air Movements Squadron (MAMS).Thereafter, the main movements effort, beyond activating the airbridgeand developing the airfield%u2019s facilities, focused on the outload ofequipment destined to await the arrival of the Task Force. From an initialtrickle, a regular pattern of six Hercules and three VC10 flights a dayemerged, each flying a round trip of over 7000 nautical miles.In the absence of any organic heavy lift capability, following thedisposal of the Belfast fleet, it was necessary to charter additionaltransport aircraft at very short notice. For example, there was just twelvehours warning of the deployment of the first Victor tankers to AscensionIsland. The movement plan, requiring a total of fifteen aircraft, includingtwo Belfasts and two Boeing 707 freighters, was completed only seven