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The reconnaissance eyes off Greece

Visit to Larissa AFB 08-05-2009

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.
	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.



346 Squadron was the second squadron that acquired the F-16C/D Block 30 combat aircraft in 1990. it was re-established at 111 Combat Wing at Nea Anghialos. The squadron relocated to the 110 CW in 1997. For about a year, it operated as a training Squadron for the pilots due to man the F-16 C/D Block 30 aircraft. The squadron named Jason, after the mythical Argonaut who searched for the Golden Fleece. Like most of the F-16’s squadrons 346 has a multi role tasks in both air defence and tactical operations.

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.

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.