Now stored at Viterbo. Photo from: Air Force Museum of New Zealand

In Somalia on UN peacekeeping work. Photo from: Air Force Museum of New Zealand

During a coast line flight, parallel to Bender Qassim International Airport in Puntland, Somalia, we passed the Puntland Maritime Police Force location which is situated at the old Bosaso airport, just west of the new airport. Strikingly, the whole (at that time) unmarked "air force" was visible, both SA316Bs (ZU-RFB and ZU-RFC), the three Ayres S2R(T) Turbo Thrushes and the single Beech 300 (possibly 3X-GBL). One of the Thrushes, a two-seat variant, missed some parts of the wings, while the Alouette 3s were in maintenance.

Del as CCCP-46668 to AFL/North Kavkaz in May'74. In '94, transferred to Kuban Airlines as RA-46668 where it served up to Apr'04. Sold to Pecotox Air as ER-AZL up to Dec'06. Sold to Utage (still ER-AZL) in Jun'07. It was then seen in this colour scheme. In Oct'07 it was canx and it moved to Dr Congo. Early '08 it was seen as S9-KAS at Ambouli and it was advertised for lease in Feb'08 by Starlight Maritime UAE with base given as Iraq. From Jul'08, it was sold to Daallo Airlines in the same c/s with just a Daallo sticker. Badly damaged on 13 Jan'09, after nose-gear failure at Bosaso. Since wfu.

The UAE has been financing the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) since 2010. Besides two Alouette IIIs, the PMPF also operates three UAE-donated Ayres Thrushes. One of the three, all unmarked, is seen here (heavily cropped photo) diving to Bosaso after a maritime patrol mission.

The K50 airstrip, 50 km out of town, has been used as Mogadishu's airport in times of trouble. Aircraft believed to be operated by Air Bateleur. Formerly OY-BVI. Photo by: Pedram Yazdi / International Committee of the Red Cross

Part of French Army air corps (ALAT) deployed in Somalia during ONUSOM Operation.

Seen here on a support mission for French ALAT detachment during ONUSom operation.

Sad fate for these Hunters completely derelict near the apron. Note that the second in the background is a two-seater (T 77 version and CC701 coded).

A Royal Navy Lynx at full speed alongside my camera. The helicopter was based on board the Illustrious and participated in Operation Atalanta, the anti-piracy mission, off the coast of Somalia.

Somewhere south of Cape Guardafui

One ot the four Hunters w/o which sadly wait near the apron. Ex-Abu Dhabi Air Force.

Somewhere off Hobyo

Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) of a Dutch Cougar over the bow of the HNLMS Johan de Witt, a Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious warfare ship of the Dutch Navy.

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.

Fine study of a SH-60B Seahawk of the Spanish Armada (Spanish Naval). The helicopter visited the HNLMS Johan de Witt, which is the second Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious warfare ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy, while operating in Somalia waters during operation Atalanta, the European Union anti-piracy mission.

During Operation Atalanta, the European Union anti piracy mission in Somalia waters this rare SH-60B Seahawk of the Turkish Navy made a cross-deck landing at the Dutch amphibious landing dock ship HMLS Johan de Witt (L-801).