UN Naval Crews in The Lebanon

On 20 December 2007, we were in position 33°38’9” north/034°58’56” east, 25 nautical miles from Beirut, heading 20 degrees, at speed of 15 knots. On the frigate Bavaria, the HC (Helo Controler) is sitting in front of the radar display screen in the OPZ (operation center), and waiting for Willi, who is at this moment flying back from Limassol/Zypern to the frigate, and about to emerge as a blip at the top left margin of the screen.

The Bavaria is under UNIFIL orders in the eastern Mediterranean, and on its way to Lebanon to prevent illegal weapons and terrorists being landed on the Lebanese coast, and handed over to the Hesbolla. The remit of the operation is based in Lebanese territorial waters, outside the 6-Mile Zone...