During Gulf War II, RAF Chinook helicopters of No 18 Sqn flying from the 'Viking' operating base deployed 40 Commando into the Oil Metering facility at Al Faw, Iraq.  The mission was not to attack, but to secure and defend, preventing the economic and environmental disaster that could have occurred had the facility been used for political gain.

The image portrays 2 CH47 Chinook helicopters departing the area to pick up more troops and supplies dwarfed by the massive communications antennae at the station.  The air hangs thick with sand as in addition to the many sorties by Chinook there had been a significant wind blowing in the days leading to the start of the campaign.  Ironically "Chinook" is a Red Indian term for a strong wind. On the ground a Steyr Pinzgauer vehicle which itself was carried into area beneath a Chinook can be seen.  The original painting won the 2004 GAvA Westland Trophy for the best rotary flight depiction.  The painting was conceived at the request of the crews that had completed the task, and who were involved in its production as advisors from the onset.