The NATO Tiger Association was started in 1959 to improve relationships between individual squadrons within NATO. Each of these squadrons used a tigers head in their squadron crest, the tiger standing as a symbol of strength, speed and hunting prowess. Since 1962 these Tiger Meets have become more than an excuse to paint their aircraft, they are now full-scale military exercises with the Tiger squadrons playing out a different scenario each year.

The 2008 meet was named 'Ocean Tiger' in recognition of the hosts - Flotille 11F of the French Navy. 11F are usually found aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle but, due to the vessel being in dry-dock for 'refuelling', the unit was able to host this year's Meet at their home Base d'Aéronautique Navale (BAN) Landivisiau in the Brittany region of North-West France.