EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

During their recent port visit to the Seychelles at the end of January, technicians from the newly embarked flight crew of EU Naval Force warship, FGS Hessen, successfully completed an engine change on one of the warship’s Sea Lynx Mark 88A helicopter.

The 20-men flight crew arrived from Germany to take over from the helicopter team already embarked as they had reached their end-of-tour after two and a half months with the EU Naval Force. During that time they had notched up 158 flying hours.

A helicopter engine change is a highly specialised procedure that requires a warship’s deck to be as stable as possible, which is why it was decided to do the change whilst the ship was still in port. Working in temperatures up to 30°C and with humidity rates above 80 percent, the technicians ensured they did not stop until the job was done.

Once the warship left harbour, test flights were conducted at sea to ensure the helicopter was fully operational.

Both of FGS Hessen’s Sea Lynx helicopters provide crucial air surveillance support to the EU Naval Force’s in the on-going fight against Somali piracy.