336 squadron at Araxos the last unit of the A-7 with the Greek air force - Farewell to the A-7
336 "Olympus" squadron home of the 116 Combat wing based at Araxos ,opened its gates to a select few on the 16/17th October 2014. To witness the retirement of the A-7 Corsair II from the Hellenic air force, the group were invited to view and photograph aircraft from the unit.
The A-7 Corsair II is a strike/fighter aircraft and was introduced into the HAF in 1975, 336 squadron is the last operational squadron within the Hellenic air force to fly the aircraft. Araxos situated on the western side of the southern peloponnuesus close to Patras, the base hosts two squadrons; 336 "Olympus" and the 335 "Tiger" squadron who operate the block 52+ F-16 C/D models. In addition the base hosts a SAR unit who operate the AB-205 helicopter.
During the event, access was given to the A-7 operational area including the open storage site. Due to the age of the A-7 aircraft and cost of repair. These frames have either become life expired or reached a point where repair was uneconomical. Therefore these aircraft have become a source for spare parts, in order to maintain the remaining few operational aircraft to the end of their service life.
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| TA-7C 156738 wfu and engineless placed in static area |
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| A-7E 157502 WFU and place in the static line out |
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| Ground crew clean the canopy prior to flight on One of the three flying TA-7C |
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| 154477 TA-7C was one of the aircarft used during the ceremony at Araxos for flying duties duties over the two days |
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| Specially marked A-7E from 336 Sqn taxies out to reposition into the main static display for the main ceremony |
| planned for the 17th October 2014. |
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| Specially marked Tiger scheme A-7E 158825 was being used in the static display |
During the 16th October, various aircraft visited Araxos whilst the sister squadron 335 "Tiger" squadron carried out sorties during the day. Images below, illustrate some of the aircraft noted through the day. |
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| "025" a Block 52 F-16D from 335 "Tiger" Squadron returning after a sortie from Araxos |
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| "145-209" ERJ-135LR from 352 MMYP Greek personnel for the cermony planned for the 17th October |
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| Specially marked "037" T-6A Texan II arrived for a flying demonstration |
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| F-16C Block 52+ "523" Arriving as support aircraft for the "Zeus" display F-16. |
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| Specially marked "Zeus - 505" F-16C Block 52+ arrives from 343 Mira based at Souda on the Greek island of Crete. |
| Thanks to: The Commanding Officer and personnel of 336 Squadron, Hellenic air Force Mrs Caroline Makropoulos, Defence section, British Embassy Athens |
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| TA-7C "156753" in the climb with 336 "Olympus" Squadron |