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“Aρετά βαίνει διά μόχθων” (Virtue is achieved through pain)

(Euripides)

In the following verses the chorus addresses Iolaos.
“Ah, cast thee not down, but endure heaven’s stroke, nor thy spirit surrender unto anguished despair.
She hath won her a portion in death that the world shall praise, who hath out of her agony risen, her brethen’ s, our Athens’ defender; And a crown shall she wear of renown that the worship of men
on her brows shall place: For through tangle of trouble doth virtue unfaltering fare.”
(EURIPIDES, Children of Hercules, v. 619-25, Loeb, by A.S. Way).

Location

Souda Air Base

Established

1958

Subordination

Hellenic Tactical Air Force

Squadrons

• 340 Squadron
• 343 Squadron
• Flight Training Squadron

Aircraft served

• F-84G
• F-84F
• Τ-33
• A-7H

Aircraft serving

• F-16 C/D Block 52+

Mission

The mission of the 115 Combat Wing (115CW), is to maintain a high level of readiness and effectiveness. It is achieved by the appropriate organization, training of personnel and maintenance of the available means and systems. Furthermore, the undertaking and carrying out of air operations, at any given time, in total success.

History

• In 1958 the 115th Combat Group was established. At that time the first combat squadron landed over there, coming from the 112CW, the 338 Fighter Bomber Squadron, equipped with F-84G aircraft and then the 337 Fighter Bomber Squadron with F-84Gs aircraft.
• In 1960, the F-84G were replaced by the F-84F.
• In 1961, the Group had at its disposal the Maleme shooting range.
• In 1964, the 115 Combat Group was renamed to 115 Combat Wing and 340 Squadron was integrated to Unit.
• In 1975, the 115CW consists of two Squadrons, the 340 and 345 Fighter Bomber Squadronς which started to get modernized with the A-7H CORSAIR II, while new Support and Guard Squadrons are being formed at the same time.
• In 1977, the 347 Bomber Squadron was formed with A-7H aircraft, with the objective to be permanently based to the 110CW.
• On January 30 2001, the operation of 340 Squadron was suspended.
• The 2002 is a year of major changes in the operation and the structure of 115CW. In view of the forthcoming reception of the new F-16C/D Block 52+ fighter aircraft, the A/TA-7H aircraft, the ground support equipment and materials, as well as the pilots and technical personnel gradually redeployed to the 116CW, which will end on August 30 after the operation of 345 Squadron finally suspended.
• In 2003, the 340 and 343 Fighter Bomber Squadrons reentered operational status with the F-16 block 52+ C/D aircraft at the 115CW, from where they operate till today.
• In 2010, the ZEUS Air Demonstration Team was formed, representing the Hellenic Air Force at air shows in Greece and abroad.

Historical Memorial Site of Maleme – Battle of Crete 1941

Contact

E-mail: cmdr.115cw@haf.gr