348 TRS Suspension of Operations

RF-4E Retirement

04th May 2017 - Larissa

On the 04th May 2017, 348 TRS (Tactical Recconosance Squadron) hosted a "spotters day" for the last flight of the Hellenic Air Force RF-4e Phantom II at Larissa Air Base home of the 110 Combat wing.

348 Squadron, one of the oldest and most historic Hellenic Air Force squadrons, the first and last reconnaissance squadron of the Hellenic Air Force.
With the RF-4E aircraft being delivered to the unit at Larissa. The unit will cease operations on the 05th May 2017 after 64 years of continuous operations.
The Hellenic Air Force is the last country in Europe to operate the RF-4E Phantom II. Though this iconic aircraft is still in operation with HAF in the form of F-4E AUP Phantom II operated by 338 and 339 Mira of 117 PM at Andrivida.
The last three operational RF-4e Phantom II aircraft performed two flights through the day, with other aircraft from units of the Hellenic Air Force. Including the second squadron based at larissa                    (337 Squadron)

RF-4E "7499" ex (35+52 of the German Air Force) in special markings cememorating 348 TRS for the 05th May 2017 at Larissa

"71765" RF-4E in the original colour scheme
The third operational RF-4E from the unit "7450" - Specially marked celebrating the operational dates for the squadron

"600" F-16D Block 52+ from 337 Mira "Ghost" squadron based at Larissa

"7499" Returning after the first sortie - Deploying it's drag shute to slow the aircraft down

F-16AM "FA-57" from the "Stingers" 1 Sqn at Florennes in Belgium was a welcome visitor to the celebrations

Mirage 2000 5-BG "505" from 331 Mira carried out a touch and go during the flying program

"7450" with full re-heat on take off to take part in the flypast 

"023" T-6A aircraft was used for the "Daedalus" demonstration display

F-16C Block 52+ "531" being used as the "ZEUS" demostration aircraft

F-16C Block 52+ "508" from 337 Mira with a beautiful backdrop of the mountains in the distance

Myself (Brian Waclawek) with two of the cartoon characters  prior to the main flying display

T-33A "58639/TR639" One of the many decoys deployed around the airfield at Larissa

F-104G "12601" again stored on the airfield
Thanks to:
The Commanding Officer and personnel of 348 TRS of Larissa Air Station.
Hellenic Air Force spokesman - Lt Colonel (P) Ioannis Tsitoumis.
Mrs Caroline Makropoulos, Defence section, British Embassy Athens