Seeing John Eacott's pictures of the US Presidential BlackHawks reminded me of these shots I had lurking on the hard drive. They were taken in June 2000 while my crew and I were on task in the Temburong National Park in Brunei.
The Sultan's Royal Flight - significantly reduced in size since 1998 - included a handful of these S70s. I believe that the aircraft which are now the LA Firehawks were originally to have supplemented this fleet, before the money ran out in Brunei... As you'd expect from the Sultan, the aircraft want for nothing by way of fitments; kid leather pilots seats, very-heavy-metal fittings everywhere. Massive air-conditioner on the side, but the crew were happy they had enough power available OEI to sort out any of the places they fly into.
Don't know the story behind the wacky paintwork along the side - I did hear a theory, but would prefer to hear the real version from someone who knows
As always, huge thanks to John Eacott who, despite the rapid transition from the ski season to what sounds like a potentially-busy fire-fighting session still finds time to help us lazy b******s out!