There was a hive of naval activity at Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Warterfront during the weekend of 1 and 2 September 2007. Six Nato warships visited South Africa for a five day stay as part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1). SNMG1 is one of four joint NATO maritime task forces.

The vessels are:

• A1442 - FGS Spessart (Germany)
• F805 - HNLMS Evertsen (Netherlands)
• F355 - Olfert Fischer (Danmark)
• CG60 - USS Normandy (USA)
• F331 - NRP Alvares Cabral(Portugal)
• FFH333 - HMCS Toronto (Canada)

The USS Normandy and the HMCS Toronto moored at the V & A Waterfront, seen here on September 1 - Image: Louis Vosloo

The Olfert Fischer next to the NRP Alavres Cabral moored at the V & A Waterfront, seen here on September 1 - Image: Louis Vosloo

Aviation participation was dissappointing, with only one naval helicopter, that of a Lynx Mk 95 on the Alvares Cabral.

In the absence of the official unveiling of thenew South African Super Lynx,the South African public was treated to a glimpse of what is to come when the SAAFs equivalent is officially introduced in a few weeks time.

The Super Lynx Mk 95 displayed on the Alvares Cabral has been around for some time. This example, with the serial number 19204, (constructor's number 376, ex ZH582) was delivered to the Esquadrilha de Helicopteros da Marinha in November 1993 - Image: Louis Vosloo

The Super Lynx - Image: Louis Vosloo

The Super Lynx - Image: Louis Vosloo

So from the Cape Town Aviation enthusiasts its a big obrigado to the Portuguese Navy for showing off their Lynx!

Source: airpic.co.za