Photo Report by Daniele Faccioli.
On October 17th, 2014 The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) held an official retirement ceremony for its Vought A-7 Corsair IIs at Araxos Air Base, home of 116 Combat Wing. Operating the world’s last airworthy Corsair IIs, 336 Squadron decommissioned fifteen A-7E and two TA-7Cs at the event after thirty-nine years of active service.
The Hellenic Air Force acquired sixty A-7Hs and five TA-7Hs from Ling Temco Vought between 1975 and 1980. Between 1993 and 1994 the HAF acquired additional aircraft, fifty A-7Es and TA-7Cs freshly retired from the US Navy after the first Gulf War. Greece operated a fleet of 133 Corsair IIs which made them the largest international operator of the type. Portugal and Thailand were the other overseas A-7 customers. The A-7 Corsair II saw service in five HAF squadrons, flying a total of 355,000 sorties and 440,000 flight hours.
In the Hellenic Air Force, Corsair IIs were initially stationed at Larissa (347 Squadron “Perseas”) and Souda (340 “Fox” and 345 “Lailaps” Squadrons respectively). In 2002, the Corsairs were consolidated at Araxos Air Base (116 Combat Wing, 335 squadron “Tiger” and 336 squadron “Olympos”). 336 Squadron, the HAF’s second-oldest squadron, is scheduled to receive half of the co-located 335 Squadron’s Lochkheed Martin F-16 Block 52+ Fighting Falcons, thus continuing its operations.
Thanks to Daniele Faccioli for the pictures. Click HERE to visit Daniele’s website.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
These Corsairs were fabulous aircraft. I’d love seeing them on the airbase in Roosey Roads, PR.