Emblem

“Διήλθωμεν δια πυρός και ύδατος” (We passed through fire and water)

The Squadron’s emblem symbolizes the continuous fight between good and evil, while at the same time, the force of water (blue eagle) shows its superiority when combating the destructive forces of fire (red dragon). On the top left corner, is the emblem of the HAF, while the Squadron’s motto (We Pass through Fire and Water) are last words said by St. Kosmas of Aitolou to his Turkish executioners. This metaphorically symbolizes the process of throwing water onto flame and confronting evil, which is also the purpose of the Squadron.
Call Sign: PROTEUS

Location

113 Combat Wing – Mikra Air Base

Established

2003

Aircraft served

• Canadair

Aircraft serving

• Canadair CL-415

Mission

The Squadron has seven (7) CL-415 in its current inventory, two of which have Multi-Purpose (MP) configuration adapted for search and rescue missions. The 338 Squadron operates with the CL-415, in aerial firefighting, tactical transportation and search and rescue missions.

The Squadron’s particular role, the fire fighting, is one aspect of the Air Forces’ social contribution to the Country and the citizens. The airplanes of 383 Squadron fight forest fires, which destroy the natural resources of our country and the property of Greek people.

In addition to fire-fighting, the CL-415 airplanes patrol the high risk areas throughout the whole country in order to prevent and extinguish forest fires as soon as possible. They also provide search and rescue to vessels throughout the Mediterranean territory.

In the frame of Greece’s foreign affairs policy, 383 Squadron supports other countries, suffering from disastrous fires.

During the summer period, operational control of the aircraft is assumed by the Fire Brigade.

The airplanes are based at the 113 Combat Wing (CW) and 117CW airports, while redeployed as detachments all over the country (i.e. Heraklion, Souda, Rodos, Karpathos, Kalamata) where fires break out.

During the winter period, the Squadron is in readiness for aerial firefighting and rescue missions.

The Squadron’s main role is the aerial firefighting, a very demanding task, especially during the filling-up of the water tanks from sea and during airdrops, taking into account that an airdrop takes place from an altitude of aprox. 100 ft. In addition, the crews are in a continuous 15 minute alert.

Apart from the aerial firefighting, readiness and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions are carried out from the squadron. For the SAR missions two rescue personnel is added to the crew and the airplane is equipped with a life raft for picking up survivors.

In addition, the CL-415s also carry out light transport missions when the weather conditions allow such an activity, even during night hours, because of their advanced navigation systems. In this framework and because of their multi-purpose role (amphibious), the CL-415 airplanes are often used to transport the 31 Search & Rescue Operations Squadron and the Hellenic Navy Underwater Demolition Teams.