Fighter Jet News
F-16 Fighting Falcon News
RNlAF 322 Sqn celebrates 60 years
June 17, 2003 (by
Stefaan Vanhastel) -
This year the 322nd Sqn of the Royal Netherlands Air Force celebrates its 60th anniversary. The occasion was marked by a reunion on Friday June 13th, 2003 at Leeuwarden Air Base.
322 Sqn traces its origins back to World War II. On june 13th, 1943, the 322nd was established in the United Kingdom and became operational on Spitfire.
On may 1st, 1981, the 322nd was the first unit in the RNlAF to achieve operational status on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The squadron participated in recent operations in Bosnia and Afghanistan.
RNLAF F-16AM #J-063 standing in the static display at the Tigermeet at Cambrai AB in 2003 adorned with 60 years markings of 322 squadron [Photo by David Mackey]
On may 1st, 1981, the 322nd was the first unit in the RNlAF to achieve operational status on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The squadron participated in recent operations in Bosnia and Afghanistan.
Additional images:
RNlAF F-16AM #J-004 is parked in the static at Leeuwarden AB in July of 1998 with the 322nd sqn 55 year anniversary scheme on the tail. [Michel Klaver collection]
RNlAF F-16A block 1 #J-218 from 322 sqn is adorned with the 50th aniversary markings of the squadron in 1993. [Eric Brand collection]
RNlAF F-16A block 10 #J-252 from 322 sqn is spotted here at Leeuwarden AB on June 10th, 1983 wearing the special color scheme celebrating the 40th anniversary of 322 sqn. The plane unfortunately crashed on October 4th, 1983 due to a heron ingestion during a heavy weight take off from Leeuwarden AB. The pilot was killed in the incident. [Wim Vis collection]
Related articles:
Tags
Tags