Apache Over Libya

In May 2011 after a Mediterranean exercise to prove the Apache’s ability to work ship-borne, HMS Ocean and her embarked Apache attack helicopters from 656 Squadron, Army Air Corps were about to head home. But the civil war in Libya and the NATO air campaign intervened. A few days later the Author and his fellow Apache pilots and crewmen were in action at night over hostile territory.  In range to Gaddafi’s capable air and land forces once in sight of the coast, they had to fight their way into Libya, complete their mission, evading lethal ground fire, before the hazardous return to Ocean. Flying well within the reach of Libya’s state-of-the-art ground to air weapons, the Apaches made nightly raids at ultra low-level behind enemy lines. Apache Over Libya describes the experiences of eight Army and two Royal Navy pilots who played a significant role in the NATO led campaign. Despite fighting the best armed enemy British aircrew have faced in generations, they defied the odds and survived.  Vividly conveying the thrill and fear of flying the Apache in combat at sea and over enemy-held terrain, this is an unforgettable and unique first-hand account.