Harriers, Helicopters and Heat: a Grotty Day Out!

[Wissam24]

Following on from Andy's set, I've finally got round to sorting mine out from our trip to Grottaglie Navy Base. Could not have asked for better hosts here, friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic to show us what we wanted to see. The Harrier pilot who showed us round was, believe it or not, born in Colchester! You go all the way to the heel of Italy...

A brilliant day out, sadly no flying from the Navy boys but their open attitude made up for that, totally free access round the hangars and aircraft and a willingness to tow and pose a Harrier just for our photographic delight. The Guardia di Finanza chaps were equally as accommodating and put a flight on just for us - all round top guys, it's very refreshing to encounter this attitude.

Hopefully something different in here!

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare TAV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare AV-8B Harrier II+ by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Mlitare Sea King special scheme by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Mlitare Sea King special scheme by Sam Wise, on Flickr

You've got to be kidding me!
Marina Mlitare Sea King special scheme by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare SH90 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Italian Marina Militare crew having a laugh for the camera by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare SH90 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare HH212 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare HH212 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Marina Militare HH212 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

Guardia Di Finanza HH412 by Sam Wise, on Flickr

[nellis6]

Sad that you didn't get a chance to catch some AV-8's flying. Good to see the specially painted SH-3 is still being looked after! Some nice images in there though. I've worked with the Italian's quite a lot over recent years and found them always very hospitable, air force, army and navy. Nothing is too much trouble and I spent some time at Grottaglie a couple of years back and they were top guys!

Love the close-up of the AB.412

[Wissam24]

Well actually we did see one taking off when we visited Gioia del Colle earlier in the week, which was the fist Harrier I'd seen fly since I was in single figures. So I'm glad I got to see at least one fly.

As it goes Gioia del Colle was the only base where we had a negative experience with the hosts, or rather just the one host. Most were very pleased to see us with the Typhoon pilot being unbelievably enthusiastic about showing us round, but the guy who was tasked with looking after us clearly didn't want to know.

The special scheme Sea King was in great nick and they were quite proud to show it to us.

[Tommy]

Forgot to comment on this earlier, but some lovely stuff mate!

[Ledhead27]

Meh...they're alright I guess...

[Wissam24]

Thanks chaps. Would be grateful for some C&C on my photos here - anything I should be fixing or changing in my photography?

[paullangford]

Thanks chaps. Would be grateful for some C&C on my photos here - anything I should be fixing or changing in my photography?

Nice set Sam, far from me to comment on anything technically or creatively, they look spot on to me, thanks for sharing

[redbearing]

Great Set, variable stuff!

[sylvancatharsis]

Nice to see these! The Harriers are sweet, indeed, but I must say I'm quite fond of the Guardia di Finanza machines. Lovely schemes.

[Wissam24]

Agreed, it is a very attractive scheme, on great looking helicopters.