The Navy Vol_70_No_4 Oct 2008 - Navy League of Australia

In a scene reminiscent of the movie ‘Apocalypse Now’,
helicopters of the French Forces speed across the desert.
The only thing missing is Wagner’s ‘Ride of the Valkyries’and
the French Commander claiming “Somali Pirates don’t surf ”.
(Marine Nationale)
The French Army HOT armed Gazelle helicopter about to go into
action against the ‘Somali Marines’. (Marine Nationale)
Two of the Special Forces’ helicopters on the ground having
landed up to nine commandoes to capture six of the 12 pirates.
Their disabled vehicle can be seen off to the right. The fate
of the other six remains unknown. (Marine Nationale)
The Le Ponant tied along side the FS
JEAN BART after the pirate incident was
brought to an end. (Marine Nationale)
A French Navy Atlantic 2 MPA. Although thinking they had escaped,
an Atlantic was tracking the pirates across the Somali desert and
was able to vector the Special Forces’ helicopter attack force.
One of the French commandoes that participated in
the capture of six of the 12 pirates. All up, France
had 73 Special Forces personnel deployed to ships in
the operation to affect a rescue of Le Ponant’s crew
and apprehend the pirates. (Marine Nationale)
THE NAVY VOL. 70 NO. 4 15