117 Combat Wing
Emblem
“Eχθρούς αμύνου” (Defend yourselves against the enemies)
(“Quotations from the Seven Sages of Antiquity”,
Stoveus’ Anthology III, 8)
Location
Andravida Air Base
Established
1960
Subordination
Hellenic Tactical Air Force
Squadrons
Aircraft served
- F-84G Thunderjet
- F-84F Thunderstreak
- T-33A Silver Star
Aircraft serving
- F-4E Phantom II
Mission
The mission of 117 Combat Wing (117CW) 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, it is to undertake and successfully execute air operations at any given time.
History
The first infrastructure works for the Unit started at Andravida area in 1955.
In June 1960 the Killini – Andravida Air Detachment was established.
On March 4th, 1961, after a ministerial decision, the 117 Combat Group was formed, with the simultaneous abolition of the Air Detachment. The 339 Squadron, coming from Elefsis Airbase, was assigned to the Combat Group with F-84F Thunderstreak aircraft.
On May 15th, 1969, the 117 Combat Group was renamed to 117 Combat Wing and was chosen for the reception of a new fighter aircraft, the F-4E Phantom II, which would be delivered from the United States of America. For this purpose the older infrastructure was reconstructed and a new was built for the aircraft maintenance and personnel accommodation. In the meantime the 339 Sqn had been transferred to 116 CW at Araxos AB.
On April 5th, 1974, the first F-4E aircraft landed at the Unit, while the aircraft delivery was complete by the end of year. The 339 Sqn returned to the Unit along with the 338 Sqn, in June 1974. The two Fighter Squadrons, 338 and 339, were assigned the Fighter/Bomber and Interception role respectively.
In December 1976 the 368 Applied Training Flight was formed, operating with four T-33A aircraft until March 1989.
In 1978 the construction of the 3rd runway was completed and in November of the same year, the weather RADAR was installed. Ever since, the Unit is organized and operates in the same form as today.
After the end of the Cold War in 1990, the USA decided to concede to Greece 28 aircraft of Indiana’s National Guard named as “SRA” (Southeastern Regional Agreement). On the 3rd of August, 1991, nine F-4E SRA landed in Andravida AB, while the aircraft delivery was completed in November. The aircraft were placed to the 338Sqn who transferred her own to 339Sqn and 337Sqn (110CW).
After 23 years of presence in the Aegean Sea, HAF decided to upgrade the F-4E and RF-4E. At the end of 1997 the program “Peace Icarus 2000” began, providing both the structural reinforcement of aircraft and the quality improvement of their electronics. On December 18th, 2002, the delivery ceremony of the first upgraded aircraft was held in the Hellenic Aviation Industry facilities, and so began the integration of the upgraded aircraft in 117CW.
On July 6th, 2012, 339Sqn celebrated 60 years in service, followed by the 338Sqn, on July 20th, and festive events were held in 117CW.
On September 12th, 2014, celebrations were held in 117CW for the 40 years of F-4E presence of in the Greek skies (1974-2014).
On October 31st, 2017, the 339 Squadron stopped operating.
Contact
E-mail: itdept.117cw@haf.gr
