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The reconnaissance eyes off Greece |
Visit to Larissa AFB 08-05-2009 |
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The history of Larissa air base
starts in 1912 with the establishment of the 1st Hellenic Air
Force Company at the airfield. And in 1928 the LARISSA 2nd
Aircraft Regiment with led to the reaming to Larissa air base in
1934. The 110 CW was formed in 1951 in Larissa as one of the
first CW of the HAF. At first 338 and 339 squadron formed the
110 cw flying the F-84 Thunderjet. In 1955 they where joined by
the 348 air-reconnaissance squadron.
For many years the RF-4E and F-4E dominated the scenery at
Larissa. With the arrival of the F-16 things changed and know
only the RF-4e remains.
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The history of the 337 Squadron,
following that of 335Sqn and 336Sqn, began when WW II ended.
Starting with the Spitfire the squadron transited via the T-33
and F-84G to a All-Weather Squadron, in 1960 when it redeployed
to the F-86D. Its status changed again to a Intercept Squadron
with the delivery of the F-5 in 1967.The Squadron stopped
operating as F-5A aircraft Squadron in 1978 when it was
re-established and redeployed to the 110CW as the 3rd F-4
aircraft Squadron. From that point air defence was the major task
off the squadron until new aircraft in the form off F-16 and
Mirage 2000 took over the task. The F-4 Phamtoms where replaced
by newer aircraft of the same type and upgraded during the
years of operation.
Compared to the first F-4E aircraft of the Air Force, they had
many differences in their electronic equipment, navigation and
weapon-delivery system.
With the introduction off the F-16 Block 52+ starting in 2006
the squadron is again at the front of aviation.
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348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
was formed out of 335 Squadron. With the delivery of the
RT-33 next to the F-84 G Thunderjet. It urged the 335 Squadron to form the 348 Tactical
Reconnaissance Flight.
Which on the 7th of July 1954, was
relocated to the 110CW at Larissa. These aircraft were later replaced with the new RF-84F Thunderflash.
The RF-84F Thunderflash aircraft was the only type of the aircraft
for a log period. Until the first RF-4E Phantom II were
acquired, which led HAF in the new era of air reconnaissance.
On March 29th 1991, the RF-84F aircraft were withdrawn after 34
years of active service, leaving in the Squadron’s inventory
very few RF-4Es, just enough to form a flight. However in August
1993, their number was increased with the addition of RF-4E
granted by Luftwaffe.
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We would like to thank the following persons for their help in arranging the visit; the Public relation office of
Hellenic Air Force and the staff at Larissa who escorted us during the
visit. |
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