Senior Aircraftsman (SAC) Michael Thomas, from Boldon, makes sure the Royal Air Force's hi-tech communications gear is in top working order.

The 21-year-old is serving with the RAF's elite Tactical Communications Wing (TCW) at NATO's massive Kandahar Airfield, in southern Afghanistan.

His role is to install multi-million pound communications equipment, ranging from encrypted telephone systems to satellite communications dishes.

Working in 50-degree heat and choking dust, he helps British and NATO forces communicate effectively so they can continue to fight to release Afghanistan from the grips of the Taliban.

SAC Thomas, who has been in Afghanistan since May, said: "This is an incredibly important unit.

"Kandahar is a huge base and it's constantly expanding, so we have to keep up with the changes and make sure all of the new facilities are working properly.

"I have to check they have everything they need to be able to support the guys in the field facing the Taliban.

"Without good communications, nothing would work effectively."
The former Boldon School pupil joined the RAF in 2005, and has already been to Afghanistan twice before.

The avid Sunderland fan says the RAF's sporting opportunities have helped make deployed life a little more entertaining.

He said: "TCW played in an Afghanistan Champion's League football tournament.

"There were loads of teams from all of the national armed forces out here.

"Unfortunately, we lost to a Dutch team in the quarter finals, but it was great to take part and to see how many countries we're working with. I've been playing football for the RAF since joining. I play in the under-25s team.

"Last time I played we thrashed the Royal Navy's team, which was great."
SAC Thomas returns home next month and can't wait to see his girlfriend, Lizi, an RAF Senior Aircraftswoman, who is also serving with TCW.

"Lizi's been keeping in touch by sending out parcels," he added.

"It was great to get hold of new England and Sunderland football shirts from her.

"That sort of thing really keeps me going. Lizi knows how important that is, because we've been deployed together twice before. I've managed to see and do a lot since joining the RAF."