In 1955 the first works started at
Andravida in this cold war period new airfields where build al
over Europe.
With the works completed , the 117 Combat Group was formed in
March 1961.
339 Squadron was assigned to the Combat Group with F-84F
aircraft, coming from Elefsis Airbase. Followed by 338 Squadron
in 1974. In May 1969, the 117 Combat Group was renamed to 117
Combat Wing and was chosen for the reception of new fighter F-4E
(PHANTOM). For this purpose the airfield infrastructure was
upgraded to resave the new aircraft. In 1991, between August and
November, the delivery of 28 new F-4E SRA aircraft was
completed. A other unit transferred to Andravida is the fighter
weapons school. With the latest upgrades for the F-4, Andravida
will be a F-4 field for some time still.
The 339 All Weather Squadron was
formed on July 7 1952, at Elefsis airbase, as the 339 Fighter
Bomber Squadron equipped with F-84G aircraft.
In August 1959 the Squadron received the new F-84F and
redeployed to Larissa airbase. In April 1960 it redeployed to
the Nea Anchialos airport at 111 Combat Wing. In March 1971 it
redeployed to Andravida airport at 117 Combat Wing where it is
based till today. In 1973 it redeployed temporarily to Araxos
airport as works where done at Andravida for the reception of
the F-4E Phantom II.
339 Sqn returns and integrates the new aircraft at the same time
is was renamed to 339 All Weather Intercept Squadron. In the
period after its main role off the Fighter Bomber mission
switches to the Intercept in February 1982.
The 338 Squadron was formed on
December 24 1952, at Elefsis airbase, like the 339 Fighter
Bomber Squadron it was equipped with F-84G Thunderjet aircraft.
In April 1953, it redeployed to Larissa where it stayed till
November 1956. In May 1958 it was incorporated into the 115 CW
at Souda till January 1960 when it was disbanded. In August 1953
it was reformed as the 338 Fighter Bomber Squadron at 115CW and
armed with the F-84F Thunderstreak. In June 1974 it redeployed
at 117CW Andravida where the F-4E Phantom II were delivered.
After the modernization, the Squadron aircraft assumed fighter
bomber missions, with results comparable to those of third
generation aircraft
Also based at Andravida is SOT, the
Greek Tactical Weapons School.
This units uses the following types F-4E, Mirage 2000BG/EG,
(T)A-7C/E/H and F-16C/D all drawn from active units.
Like in other countries the unit train the pilots in the
different weapons systems and tactic's.
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 Andravida who escorted us during the
visit.
Copyright Karo_aviation.nl
| All right reserved 2003-2015| Design by Ronald de Roij