Last years NATO Tiger meet at Orland, Norway with codename "Arctic Tiger", was a huge success. With great photograph opportunities, absolute great weather, and a very relaxed and professional atmosphere. This year the Tiger Meet was actually planned at Lechfeld, in the South of Germany, but was cancelled due to the high pressure of combat activity of the squadron and the training of new pilots. To fill this gap, the French 11 Flottille requested if they could organise this Tiger Meet, as this would be a one time opportunity for them. This due the fact the 11 Flotille is normally a carrier based wing on the French nuclear aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle. This carrier was however planned to be out of service for almost a year, due the fact it was placed in a dry-dock for maintenance, and provided the needed time frame to plan this years NATO Tiger Meet. This year codenamed more appropriate to "Ocean Tiger 2008". Compared to last years Tiger Meet a lot of tiger squadrons showed interest in participating, and where present in large numbers. First time participant of a Tiger Meet was the Czech Republic 211 Squadron from Cáslav, which brought a new aircraft type in the shape of a JAS-39C/D Grippen. Also back during a Tiger Meet was the "Jet Training squadron" from Austria with two Saab 105's. And now participating for the third time, and hereby earning their full membership, was the Ala 15 from Zaragoza, Spain with four EF-18A/B+ Hornets. The Dutch 313 Squadron was also present with three F-16's, including the great F-16 solo display of Captain Ralph "Sheik" Aarts on the Sunday. And after their hard work of last year was the 338 Squadron from Orland, Norway only present during the weekend. And last but not least was the Italian 21 Grupo present with a AB-212ICO in a nice 90th anniversary scheme, however did they not participate in any missions. Some other squadrons where on the other hand not present, or only present with observers. The 192 Filo from Turkey and the Esquadra 301 from Portugal, operating both the F-16 where not present for unknown reasons. The 335 Mira from Greece, which is always very welcome with the A-7E & TA-7H, where only present with observers, as the squadron is in the middle of converting to the F-16 Block 52+. Every Tiger meet is a guarantee for great and colourful paint schemes. And this year was no exemption, with the host of the Tiger Meet with two Super Etendards in a black/red tiger scheme. The French EC 05.330 turned one of their Rafale aircraft into a eye catcher, in a awesome tiger scheme all over the aircraft, and one big tiger eye in the tail. The EC 01.012, also from France, was present with a nicely painted Mirage 2000C in a tiger coat and some French flag details. Spain was present with a Mirage F.1M, with a nicely detailed Ocean Tiger logo in the tail, where a Tiger is holding/catching a shark. And also a new kid on the block was a Nord 262E of the French Flotille 28F, which turned their aircraft into the same paint scheme used on the Super Etendard of last year, with a black and white tiger coat. All other squadrons had minor tiger details or changes, or the same great looking coats as seen during previous years. And when you say Tiger Meet, you think "Tiger Trophies". Big winner of the "Silver Tiger" was the Swiss 11 Staffel, which had the best overall performance/appearance during a NATO Tiger Meet. Other trophies that where awarded are: the "best Flying unit" and the "Tiger Games" winner where for the Belgium "31 Smaldeel". The "Best Skit" went to the organizing 11 Flottile, while the "Best looking Uniform" went to the French Chasse 01.012. And last but not least went the "Most fancy paint scheme" trophy to the French Chasse 05.330. All reviewed was this Tiger Meet put together with great care, also if you take notice of the fact not much time was available for the organisation. And most importantly where a lot of great looking aircraft gathered on the Bretagne tarmac. However was on the other hand in my humble opinion the aim set a little to high, in case of the allowed visitors on both days. Of course completely out of hand of the organisation was the almost "Fall" like weather during both days, which did no good to the colourful and beautiful participants. Special thanks goes to the 11 Flotille PRO for their hospitality, effort and their generous help in making this feature possible. See you at KB...