means they’ve been called into action for
more offensive duties. In 1999, Operation
‘Allied Force’ over Kosovo was their true
baptism of fire. Despite being a stone’s
throw from the Italian mainland, the
‘Wolves’ flew from the carrier in the
Adriatic Sea. Around 60 missions were
flown against ground targets, the Harrier
pilots expending both conventional and
laser-guided bombs.
Although it was not widely reported,
the Italian Harrier pilots completed
131 missions in support of Operation
‘Enduring Freedom’ from late 2001 into
the first months of 2002 as the Garibaldi
steamed along in the Indian Ocean.
During the three-month deployment,
the Harriers flew from the ship, whichRight top to
bottom: A Harrier
instructor runs
through a field
carrier landing
practice (FCLP)
briefing. Note the
details of nozzle
positions in
particular phases
of the pattern.
Dr Andreas Zeitler
Running FCLPs
out on the
aluminum matting
at Grottaglie.
Dr Andreas Zeitler
A Harrier works
the dummy deck
during FCLPs.
Dr Andreas Zeitler76-83 Italian Harriers C.indd 79 15/02/2018 13:50