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 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.