Buzzing the Indian Ocean off coast the extremely long coast line of Somalia somewhere between Hobyo and El Hur while on a sea search of pirate activity during operation Atalanta. The Dutch Cougar was operating from the Dutch Navy ship Johan de Witt.

Buzzing the shore lines of Somalia near Hafun, a pirate bastion, during the European Union anti-piracy Operation Atalanta. Flying this low at high speed is such fun and very spectacular. But photography during the turbulence (and unexpected movements of the helicopters while avoiding birds) is quite a challenge. Two Cougars were based at the HNLMS Johan de Witt, a Dutch Navy Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious warfare ship for the duration of some five months during the Operation.

Two crew heads, covered with helmets, look into the direction of the Cougars flight, just before a tactical landing.

At RIAT 2000

Pictured arriving along with Apache Longbow Q-22 to take part in RIAT 2010.

Testflown with an unknown F-ZK** registration it was delivered to the Netherlands AF as S-450 where it was taken on charge in May-1997. It carries a 300Sqn badge here, barely visible in front of the door. Note the soldiers hanging on the outside without parachutes, they were later rope-descending.

Dutch Cougar hovering just in front of us. Thanks!

Last of my 5 days at Fairford for RIAT 2010 and at last the sun is out giving excellent light for the Monday departures from the Air Display. (Canon 40D 40mm)

VIP helicopter of the Flugbereitschaft at Berlin - Tegel.

Helicopter of 300 squadron, based at Soesterberg (EHSB).

Netherlands AF S-459 taken on charge Jul-1998. Behind the cockpit it carries the 300 Sqn badge and on the aft fuselage a cougar's head