The helicopters were instructed to fly from the bow to the stern of the SAS Drakenberg and then on request did a fly past from stern to bow.  However, it was clear that this was not all they intend doing.  The Alouette pilot decided that he wanted to have some fun, so he started throwing the Alouette around in a way I have not seen since the last air show when ours were still flying.  The Lynx pilot, clearly not going to be out done, started doing the same and soon we had two pilots trying their best to out do the other.  The male ego is a wonderful thing.  Especially if you are a pilot flying a helicopter belonging to somebody else and above all being paid to do so.  We did not mind.  We were seeing a display of exceptional skill, being performed by exceptional aircraft.

The Navy, not at all interested in the air show, was continuing the exercise as planned.  Ships were changing position within the task force.  The helicopters tried their best to keep the attention, but some of us did notice the ships.  Precision sailing by some very experienced captains.  Four nations, 9 ships and different languages.  The fact that all of the ships executed the drills (I don’t think that is Naval correct – forgive me) correctly and with such precision is a clear indication of the standard of the 4 different Navies.

The new SA Navy Frigates are lovely, but out in the ocean the new frigate becomes a beautiful sight. They move with such ease and unlike the other ships around her, she produces no smoke.  A feature of the underwater exhaust system and amongst the other ships it becomes clear that this is one feature of the ship that clearly would be used to a distinct advantage in battle.  When at speed, the power within is clearly visible.  They are impressive and it is clear that the Navy is very pleased with them.

Strike Craft

However impressive the Frigates might be, the older Strike Craft, obscured by the exhaust smoke, touched a sensitive nerve deep within.  Dwarfed by the ships around her, she compared small to the others.  Yet, when you look at her closely and analyse the weapons carried by the little dwarf, she would even now be able to deliver a powerful blow to who ever annoys her.  2 x 76mm guns, the same as the Frigates main gun. 6 x anti ship missiles (removed by now) and 2 x 20mm guns.  She is however short of a few surface to air missiles, a modern 35mm gun, powerful water jet, a few extra men and ample space.  OK, so she is not that impressive as the new Frigates, but she has history.  A life full of stories and an image imbedded in the minds of any South African between the age of 45 and 90.  It is because of the history and the story behind the Strike Craft, that I love it so much.