Starfighter Squadron Exchanges - Rotations 1966-1970

German Air Force JBG31 (2nd Staffel) flying the F-104G, based at Norvenich, rotated with the USAF 55 TFS stationed at Wethersfield, UK, flying North America F-100c Super Sabre. It was a delayed two-way rotation. The Super Sabres flew to Norvenich, the F-104s would go to the UK in May..

German Air Force JBG31 (1st Staffel) flying the F-104G, based at Norvenich, rotated with the Turkish Air Force 141 Filo at Murted AB also flying the F-104G Starfighter. The Germans flew over to Turkey with four Starfighters and 25 technicians. It was sadly a one-way rotation. Hptm Schenk coordinated this event.

This month both Starfighter squadrons 331Skv from Bodo, Norway and 311 sq squadron from Volkel, Netherlands were exchanging during the 2nd week of May. It was a 2-way rotation targeting recce-missions. Participating Norwegian F-104s at Volkel were F-104G's 61-2626/FN-B, 61-2629/FN-E, 62-12232/FN-T and F-104G 64-17757/FN-L. Also TF-104G 62-12263/FN-M came along seen at Volkel on 2 and 12 May 1966,at the start and at the end of the rotation.On 22nd of April there was a pre-exchange by that same TF-104G 62-12263 serial FN-M. Support was flown by C-119G cargo aircraft from 335skv from the Norwegian Air Force.

This unique photo of TF-104G 62-12263 "FN-M" was taken when it
arrived at Volkel Air Base for the pre-exchange on April 22nd, 1966.
(Photo : Kees Backx)

German Air Force JBG31 (2nd Staffel) flying the F-104G, based at Norvenich, rotated with the USAF 55 TFS stationed at Wethersfield, UK, flying North America F-100c Super Sabre. It was a delayed two-way rotation. The Super Sabres already visited Norvenich in April, the F-104s visited Wethersfield from 13 till 24th of May..

This month both Starfighter squadrons 21gruppo from Cameri, Italy and 322 squadron from Leeuwarden, Netherlands were involved in a 2-way rotation. Aircraft seen in Holland were F-104Gs MM6543/21-02, MM6546/21-05, MM6557/21-16 and MM6575/21-09. Dutch Starfighters seen at Cameri AB were D-8093. It was interesting to see that the Dutch Starfighters did not wear tiptanks but only underwing droptanks. Pure interceptor configuration!! Sadly the visit to Italy was a bit disappointing except regarding the environment. The Dutch pilots were only allowed to fly low-level cross country flights so they flew over the Po-area, near the Vesuvius and around Capri. Only the last few days the Italians gave approval for some Practical Interception missions.


D-8093 flying over the alps to Cameri, Italy	MM6543 code 21-02 landing at Leeuwarden AB	MM6546 code 21-05 landing at Leeuwarden AB	MM6575 code 21-09 landing at Leeuwarden AB

One of the staffels of The German Air Force AKG51, based at Ingolstadt Manching exchanged this month with the Twenthe AB Starfighters from 306 recce Squadron. It was a very tragic exchange since on June 13th two of the visiting German Starfighters (8106 code EA+107 and 8160 code EA+248) collided over the Waddensee, West of Harlingen, Holland. Both pilots, Olt Manfred Hippel and Olt Dietmar Treppe were sadly killed in this accident.

The Marville AB based Canadian Starfighters from 441 Squadron organized a squadron exchange with RAF nr 2sq based at Gutersloh. However it became a one-way rotation since the Canadians decided not to go to Gutersloh due to the short runway. The British aircraft were flying from Marville for 10 days.

The German Air Force AKG51 exchanged this summer with the Marville AB Canadian Starfighters from 439 Squadron. A number of AKG51 aircraft were seen in France wearing Canadian ZAPPS (including the Canadian Flag on the tail covering the German ones). One of the aircraft seen was EA+235 and very likely also EA+240 was seen.


Nice air photo taken during the rotation at Marville. The AKG Starfighters can be clearly seen due to their camouflage schemes.	Line up of AKG Starfighters at Marville during the rotation. Note the Canadian flags on their tails!!

The Europe based Canadian Starfighters from 441 Squadron flew to Great Britain for a squadron exchange with USAF 1st TRS at RAF Alconbury. In total seven CF-104s participated and stayed for 2 weeks.

This period the Italian 10 Gruppo from Grazzanise, Italy rotated with the German Air Force JG74 (1st Staffel) at Neuburg. It was a two-way rotation where four Italian Starfighters flew to Neuburg, three of them being F-104G MM6514/4-33, MM6558/4-40 and MM6570/4-42. German Starfighters seen at Grazzanise included aircraft werknr 9081 serial JD+112 and werknr 8220 serial JD+246.


F-104G MM6558 code 4-40 and MM6570 coded 4-42 taking off from Neuburg with German Starfighters JD+234 and JD+238. (Photo: Johann Wohlmuth)	Italian F-104G MM6570 coded 4-42 taking off from Neuburg with German JD+238. (Photo: Johann Wohlmuth)	Italian coastline showing a nice formation of two German and two Italian 104s. The JD+112 was one of the German aircraft operating from Grazzanise. F-104G MM6571 coded 4-43 is leading the formation. (Photo: Johann Wohlmuth collection)


F-104G JD+112 and JD+246 flying in formation with Italian 104s 4-43 and 4-45, along the Italian coast during the rotation. (Photo:Wolfgang Leetz)	Nice photo taken at Neuburg during the rotation showing Italian personnell in front of one of the Italian F-104Gs (Photo: Johann Wohlmuth)	Nice line-up at Neuburg, showing the participating Italian F-104Gs, starting with MM6514 code 4-33. (Photo: Johann Wohlmuth collection)

This month both Starfighter squadrons 726 Eskader from Aalborg, Denmark and 323 squadron from Leeuwarden, Netherlands were rotating. Likely it was a 2-way rotation. At least the Danish came to Leeuwarden with aircraft R-698, R-700, R-701 and R-754.


R-700 arriving at Leeuwarden on 12 September 1966. (Photo Gerrit Hiemstra)	R-701 arriving at Leeuwarden on 12 September 1966. (Photo Gerrit Hiemstra	R-754 arriving at Leeuwarden on 12 September 1966 (Photo Gerrit Hiemstra.

A French Air Force Mirage III squadron from Dijon AB rotated with Starfighters from Beauvechain based 1 Wing – 350 Smaldeel. It is unknown if it was a two way rotation but at least the Belgium F-104s flew to France, one of them being an aircraft with a serial ending with a “9”.

This month 311 squadron from Volkel AB, Netherlands rotated with 430 squadron within 3 Wing at Zweibrucken. It was a two-way rotation. Aircraft seen at Volkel AB on November 10th were CF-104s 12759, 12801 and 12826. A pre-visit took place on 28 September by visiting CF-104 12812 and CF-104D 12654

Somewhere in 1966 the Italian 9 Gruppo from Grosseto, Italy rotated with the Belgium Air Force 349 Smaldeel at Beauvechain. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

The Leeuwarden based 322squadron had a squadron exchange with the Danish Air Force 723 Eskader from Aalborg. It was a 2-way rotation. It was the very first squadron exchange for the Danish squadron and they flew to Holland with 4 aircraft being R-345, R-348, R-699, R-753 and R-756. Beneath photos including a page found in the 723 Eskader history books about this rotation in 1967. Click on it for a larger photo. If you want the original photo scan of the squadron book page please mail us...


R-348 arriving at Leeuwarden AB on 10 April 1967. (Photo Gerrit Hiemstra)	Page found insid e the 723Esk history book	R-753 after landing at Leeuwarden AB on 10 April 1967. (Photo Gerrit Hiemstra)

The German Air Force AG52 at Leck flying the RF-104G had a squadron exchange with the French Air Force ER 33 from Strasbourg-Emzheim flying the Mirage IIIR. It is not known if the Germans went to France but at least the Mirages visited Germany.

The Canadian 427sq based at Zweibrucken, flying the CF-104, rotated with the USAF 55th TFS at Weathersfield, UK, flying the F-100 Super Sabre. It was a delayed 2 way rotation where the Starfighters flew to the UK. The 2nd part continued in September when the F-100s flew to Zweibrucken.

This month Canadian Starfighters from 1st Wing (441squadron) at Lahr visited Karup, Denmark for a squadron exchange with 729 Eskader flying the RF-84F Thunderflash. It was likely a 2way rotation but not yet confirmed. The Canadians lost an aircraft during this rotation. CF-104 12734, crashed after a compressor-stall due to a birdstrike on July 18th. The bird ingested into the engine whilst at low level over the Kattegat, Denmark. The pilot, FlLt. Garry 'Sky' R.S.King ejected safely. He was on a routine recce patrol mission over the Baltic Sea looking for East Bloc shipping coming into the Kattegat when the incident occurred. He was returning to the base, appr. 2 miles off the Danish coast, at 300 feet above the water when he ingested a seagull into the left intake. It ricocheted off the radome into the intake where it knocked off a couple of impeller blades and started a massive FOD compressor-stall in the J79. When he heard the noise of the engine disintegrating behind him, he zoomed and attempted a relight which was unsuccesfull. And by this time he'd lost all his excess airspeed and was proceeding down to beneath. He tried a second relight which also failed. He then decided to eject. After he landed into the water he had great problems with releasing the harness and his 'Mea West'. Eventually he was saved by a Danish Sea-King helicopter. Via Aalborg he was brought over to Karup again. It looks like a recce-squadron exchange since the Canadian brought some Vicon pods with the aircraft. Seen during the squadron exchange were at least CF-104s 12734 and 12749 and CF-104D 12655.
One of the nice stories during this rotation was the use of the Canadian Line Monitor and Follow Me vehicle by CO S/L Ernie Gardner. He took took this line-monitor powered bike for a turn or two around the Danish mess. Likely to celebrate his 1000 Starfighter hours. He also found out that this bike could not outrun an F-104 on the taxiway.. (Thanks to information and photos beneath, provided by participating CF-104 Starfighter pilot Gary Watson).


The famous bike seen here at Karup in 1967.	The whole group together during the squadron exchange.	Ernie Gardner celebrated 1000 hrs on the 104 in Karup.	Gary Watson and CF-104D 12655.

That summer in 1967 three to four USAFE RF-101 aircraft operated from Lahr for a certain time due to runway maintenance activities in Upper Heyford. So it was some kind of combination of deployment and one-way exchange. They flew a lot of sorties with Canadian CF-104s.
Since 441 squadron reported a squadron exchange with RF-101C aircraft (18th TRS) at Upper Heyford, participation with six Starfighters, it must have been a combination which included a shifted two-way rotation. The Canadians flew to Upper Heyford on 1 August 1967. One of the aircraft seen in Upper Heyford was CF-104 Starfighter serial 12729.

This month six (R)F-104G Starighters from the Twenthe based 306 squadron (Royal Dutch Air Force) flew to Bitburg for a squadron exchange with 22nd TFS. A number of F-4 Phantoms from the Bitburg based Americans came over to Twenthe Air Base.

This month a very interesting squadron exchange toke place between the German JBG33 from Buchel AB and the Tanagra based Starfighters from the 114 Pteriga, Hellenic Air Force. Since never photos have been published of Greek 104s at Buchel, it is very likely that it was a 1-way rotation and so the Germans flew to Greece only. One of the participating aircraft, werknr 8328 and serial DC+231 was lost due to an accident. On September 19th encountered open-nozzle problems and made an emergency-landing at Korfu AB, Greece. It crashed half into the sea and was written off. Pilot was safe. It wore still old code DC+231 while already a new serial was assigned being 25+41.

This year Canadian Starfighters from 1st Wing (439 squadron) at Lahr exchanged with Norwegian 717 Skv. It was a two-way rotation. One of the Norwegian RF-84Fs (52-8729/AZ-I) encountered a mid-air collision near Lahr with a German Bell 47 helicopter. The Norwegian pilot ejected safely but the helicopter crew died.

The Canadian 427sq based at Zweibrucken, flying the CF-104, rotated with the USAF 55th TFS at Weathersfield, UK, flying the F-100 Super Sabre.. It was a delayed 2 way rotation where the Starfighters flew to the UK already mid June 1967. The 2nd part continued in September when the F-100s flew to Zweibrucken.

Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv at Bodo AB rotated with the USAF 77TFS flying the F-100 Super Sabre, based at RAF Wethersfield. It was a 2-way exchange.

This year the German Air Force interceptor squadron JG71 should have been involved in a squadron exchange with the French Air Force Escadre de Chasse 2-13, based at Colmar, flying the Mirage IIIC interceptor version. It is unknown if it was a one-way or a two-way exchange and also there were rumours that it could have been in 1966 in stead of 1967 but these are untrue.

The Canadian 430sq (3Wing) based at Zweibrucken rotated with the Italian 154Gruppo from Ghedi AB, flying the F104G. It is unknown if this was a 1 or 2 way rotation and also we have no serials.

German Air Force JBG31 (1st Staffel) flying the F-104G, based at Norvenich, rotated with the Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo at Ghedi, also flying the F-104. It was sadly a one-way rotation where only the Germans flew to Italy with the pilots Hptm Böttcher, Oblt Burkhard, Oblt Kahler and Oblt Berger.

German Air Force JBG31 (1st Staffel) flying the F-104G, based at Norvenich, rotated with the Danish Air Force 730 Eskader at Skrydstrup flying the F-100 Super Sabre. It was a two-way rotation. Four Super Sabres arrived at Norvenich and four Starfighters flew to Denmarkt. The social program in the weekend in Germany was a boat-trip along the Rhine and a trip to the city of Köln where also the "Dosselgasse" in Rüdesheim were visited. The technical personnel of both squadrons explained eachother the specific maintenance characteristics of their aircraft.

The Dutch Air Force 312sq, based at Volkel AB rotated with the Italian Air Force 132gruppo operating the RF-84F from Villafranca AB. Since the runway was under repair the aircraft flew from Ghedi AB. It is unknown if it was a one-way or 2-way rotation but the Italians came along with six RF-84F Thunderflash jets which only flew one (Friday) morning. It is also strange that the Italians did not exchange with 306sq at Twenthe AB since both were recce-squadrons. Pre-exchange took place on 20th of March when two Thunderflashes stayed the night at Volkel..
The Starfighters which flew to Italy (left Volkel on April 1st, and arrived back on April 9th) were F-104Gs D-8051, D-8062, D-8260, D-8266, D-8312 and D-8343.

One of the staffels of German Air Force JBG31, flying the F-104G at Norvenich, rotated with the the FAF EC3 stationed at Nancy. It was a one-way rotation where the Starfighters flew to Nancy with pilots Hptm Amtmann, Hptm Kühne, HFW Heltzel and OFW Rajek.

18 till 27 April 1968

This month a rotation went on between the German RF-104Gs from AG51 at Ingolstadt-Manching with the Danish Air Force RF-84F operating 729 Eskader from Karup. It is unknown if the Germans went to Denmark but at least the Danish flew four Thunderflash aircraft to Germany and 6 Danish pilots participated. Also 22 other personnel gave support.

The Canadian 427sq based at Zweibrucken, flying the CF-104, rotated with the USAF 55th TFS at Weathersfield, UK, flying the F-100 Super Sabre.. It was a shifted 2 way rotation where the 427 squadron deployed 6 aircraft and additional personnel to Weathersfield, England for a two week stay with the 55th TFS. Other than the "normal activities" that Squadron Exchanges participate in (parties / dinners,parties, etc) the 427 squadron managed to get sections into Vliehors range in Holland and Jerby and Holbeach ranges in England during that period. The F-100 continued the 2nd part of this rotation in August/September.

The Royal Danish Air Force 723esk based at Aalborg, flying the F-104, rotated with a RAF Lightning squadron based at Coltishall. Four Danish Starfighters including TF-104G RT-681 landed June 13th and transport was supported by a Danish DC4 with serial N-618.
It is not known if the Lightnings also flew to Denmark.

Here TF-104G RT-681 at Coltishall just after the Danish team arrived. (Photo Karel Juckers)

The Dutch Air Force 311sq, based at Volkel AB rotated with an American (USAFE) Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at Lakenheath. It was a two-way rotation where in total 10 Super Sabres frew to Holland. The Dutch Starfighters on their turn went to Lakenheath in September so it was a shifted squadron exchange.

This period the Canadian 441 squadron rotated with the Danish Air Force 729 Eskader at Karup. Again it was a 2-way rotation. The Danish flew to Germany (Lahr AB) with four RF-84F Thunderflashes and 6 pilots participated. Also 21 more people came over for support. The Canadians flew to Denmark with six Starfighters.

This month a rotation went on between the German RF-104Gs from AG52 at Leck and the USAF F-4E phantoms from 32 TFS based at Soesterberg AFB, Holland. Four Starfighters flew to Holland and four Phantoms came to Leck AFB.

The Dutch RF-104G 306 squadron at Volkel had their first squadron rotation with the 104 and this was with Alconbury. Likely just after the Canadians had left Alconbury for their exchange... At least the Dutch Starfighters were seen at Alconbury being TF-104G D-5811 and F-104G D-8022, D-8047, D-8048, D-8049. Transport was flown by Fokker F-27M Troopship from 334 squadron.

The Canadian 427sq based at Zweibrucken, flying the CF-104, rotated with the USAF 55th TFS at Weathersfield, UK, flying the F-100 Super Sabre.. It was a shifted 2 way rotation where the 427 squadron had already been at Weathersfield in May/June. The F-100s continued the 2nd part of this rotation in August/September by visiting 427 squadron at Zweibrucken with approximately six aircraft.. Norm McSween remembered that Despite the rigorous entertainment program at Zweibrucken the "Fighting 55th" completed their operational requirements.

The Danish Air Force 726 Eskader, based at Aalborg AB rotated with the French Air Force Escadre de Chasse 13 from Colmar AB flying the Mirage IIIC. It is unknown if it was a one or two-way rotation. It was the very first squadron exchange for 726 Eskader. It is unknown if the French aircraft were from EC 1/13 or EC 2/13.

The Dutch Air Force 311sq, based at Volkel AB rotated with an American (USAFE) Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at Lakenheath. It was a two-way rotation. The Dutch Starfighters went to Lakenheath in September but the USAF F-100s had already been in Volkel in July so it was a shifted squadron exchange.

Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv at Bodo AB rotated with the USAF 53TFS flying the F-4D Phantom, based at Bitburg. It was a 2-way exchange. The Phantoms just had returned from a deployment in the Libyan desert. A Norwegian crewchief wrote down that they flew to Spangdahlem and not Bitburg. Who can confirm?

The Dutch Air Force 323sq, based at Leeuwarden AB rotated with the Italian Air Force 10Gruppo based at Grazzanise flying the F-104G as well. At least the Italians have been seen at Leeuwarden being: MM6551?/9-15, MM6556/9-22, MM6571/9-16 and MM6646/9-05. It is still unknown which Starfighter had code "9-15" but MM6551 is most likely. (It was not the often mentioned MM6552).


F-104G MM6551 coded 9-15 landing at Leeuwarden. (Gerrit Hiemstra)	F-104G MM6571 coded 9-16 landing at Leeuwarden. Note the environment. (Gerrit Hiemstra)	F-104G MM6571 coded 9-16 landing at Leeuwarden. (Gerrit Hiemstra)

The Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo, based at Ghedi AB rotated this year also with the German Air Force JBG31 aircraft based at Norvenich AB. In total four Starfighters and 30 personnel flew to Norvenich, Germany. It was likely a one-way rotation.

The Italian Air Force 9Gruppo, based at Grosseto AB rotated with the German Air Force JG71 based at Wittmund. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

The German Air Force JBG32 (1st staffel) flying the F-104G and based at Buchel AFB had a squadron rotation with the USAF 493rd TFS, based at Lakenheath AFB, UK flying the F-100 Super Sabre. The Germans flew to the UK but it is unknown if the Americans also visited Buchel AB.

The Italian Air Force 9Gruppo, based at Grosseto AB rotated this year also with the Royal Air Force 29sq, flying the Lightning interceptor fighter, based at Coningsby. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

The Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo, based at Ghedi AB rotated this year also with the German Air Force AKG52 aircraft based at Leck AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

The Italian Air Force 21 Gruppo, based at Cameri AB rotated with the German Air Force JG74 based at Neuburg. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

The Danish Air Force 726 Eskader, based at Aalborg AB flying the F-104G exchanged with the German Air Force JG74 (first Staffel) based at Neuburg AB, also flying the F-104G. It was likely a two-way rotation.

The Norwegian Air Force 331 skv, based at Bodo AB exchanged with the Italian Air Force 9 Gruppo from Grosseto AB. It was a two-way delayed rotation. First the Norwegians flew to Grosseto and in August the Italians came over to Norway. See August 1969…

The Dutch Air Force 312 squadron, based at Volkel exchanged with Danish Air Force 724 Eskader flying the Hawker Hunter F51. At least the Danish came to Holland with Hunters. Seven different Hunters were seen during that period.

The Italian Air Force 10 Gruppo, based at Grazzanise AB rotated with the Dutch Air Force Interceptor 323 squadron based at Leeuwarden. However it was not a real rotation since the Dutch Starfighters only flew to Italy.

The Canadian Armed Forces 421squadron, based at Baden-Sollingen exchanged with a Danish Air Force 725 Esk based at Karup and flying the F-100 Super Sabre. It was a 2-way rotation. On a photo taken at Sollingen aircraft R-698 was seen aside a Canadian CF-104D 12654. One of the participating Canadian aircraft, CF-104 104831, was lost in an accident on July 9th. It crashed after an in-flight fire due to foreign object damage after take-off from Karup AB, Denmark. The pilot, Capt. John R.Dunlop ejected safely.

The Belgium Air Force 349 Smaldeel (1 Wing), based at Beauvechain, rotated with an unknown squadron at Leuchars, UK. It was a two-way rotation. It was the first time the Belgian ground crew flew in a C-130. They departed home base with the RAF C-130 that brought the ground crew of RAF Squadron to Belgium. (presumably it was 43 Squadron)

The Turkish Air Force 141 Filo (4AJU), based at Murted AB flying the F-104G exchanged with the German Air Force JG74 (2nd Staffel) based at Neuburg AB, also flying the F-104G. It was a one-way rotation. Only the Germans flew to Turkey.

The German Air Force JBG36 (361 staffel), based at Hopsten Air Base and flying the F-104G Starfighter rotated with a USAF F-4C Phantom squadron within the 81th TFW based at Bentwaters AFB. At least four Starfighters flew to the UK being 26+09, 26+16, 26+26, 26+29. It is unknown if the Americans also came over to Germany.

This was the return exchange by the Italians after the Norwegians visited Grosseto in March. The Norwegian Air Force 331 skv, based at Bodo AB exchanged with the Italian Air Force 9 Gruppo from Grosseto AB. Aircraft involved were TF-104G MM54251/20-15, F-104G MM6523/4-1 and RF-104G aircraft MM6646/4-16 and MM6647/4-4. The photos beneath were all taken by former Norwegian 104 pilot Erik Dahlen during this rotation.


MM6523 coded 4-1 at the platform at Bodo AB. It was the only normal F-104G aircraft.	MM6647 coded 4-4 at the platform at Bodo AB was an RF-104G.	Here RF-104G MM6646 coded 4-16 flying formation with Norwegian F-104G (62-12234) FN-S.	RF-104G MM6646 coded 4-16 showing clearly its recce outfit.	Here RF-104G MM6646 coded 4-16 flying formation with Norwegian F-104G (62-12238) FN-N.	TF-104G MM54251 coded 20-15 was the only two-seater which came over from Grosseto.

The German Air Force JBG31 (2nd Staffel) flying the F-104G, stationed at Norvenich AB rotated with the Norwegian 336 Skv based at Rygge AB during this period. It was a two-way rotation.

The German Air Force AG52 flying the RF-104G rotated with a USAF squadron based at Woodbridge AB in the UK. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

The Canadian Armed Forces 430 squadron from 1W, based at Lahr exchanged with the Dutch Air Force 322 squadron based at Leeuwarden. It was a 2-way rotation. There are stories that the exchange started on the 24th but we stick to 23rd. Participating Canadian aircraft at Leeuwarden AFB were: 12703, 104819, 104823, 104845 and 104863 all CF-104s. The weather in Lahr was very bad these 10 days so most of the time social events have been organized instead of flying around. Two aircraft had VICON pods mounted which were likely loaned from 439 or 421 squadron to carry luggage. Two aircraft could be identified in Lahr being the light grey D-8104 and the camouflaged D-8273.


F-104Gs D-8273 and D-8104 taking off from Lahr AB together with a 430squadron CF-104. (Photo: Peter Mühlböck)	CF-104 12703 landing at Leeuwarden AFB. (Photo: Rob Breur)


CF-104 104819 is arriving at Leeuwarden Air Base on September 23rd, 1969. (Photo: Gerrit Hiemstra)	CF-104 104823 is arriving at Leeuwarden Air Base on September 23rd, 1969. (Photo: Gerrit Hiemstra)	CF-104 104863 is arriving at Leeuwarden Air Base on September 23rd, 1969 (Photo: Gerrit Hiemstra)

The German Air Force JBG31 flying the F-104G, stationed at Norvenich AB rotated with the Norwegian 338 Skv based at Örland AB during this period. It was likely a one-way rotation where only the Norwegians flew to Germany.

The Dutch Air Force 306 squadron, based at Volkel AB exchanged with the recce group within the Canadian 1W – 439 squadron from Lahr. It was a two-way exchange. The following Canadian Starfighters were seen at Volkel: 12715, 12730 (with Vicon pod), 12749, 12781, 12799, 12817, 12818 and 12887, all CF-104s. The 12817 was the only aircraft which did not have 439squadron markings. In total six Dutch RF-104Gs flew to Lahr and arrived back on October 9th. (See photo beneath)

In October two rotating squadron were flying around at Volkel.
Here a beautiful formation of aircraft, each belonging to the
participating squadrons. (See also rotation beneath)
(Photo: TraditieKamer Typhoon, via Jeroen Jonkers)

The Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo, based at Ghedi AB exchanged with the Dutch Air Force 311 squadron based at Volkel AB. It was a two-way rotation. Aircraft seen at Volkel were MM6567/6-10, MM6577/6-07, MM6603/6-05 and unknown MM serial with code 6-20 (very likely MM6541). (See also photo above !)

The Dutch Air Force 323 squadron, based at Leeuwarden AB exchanged with the Italian Air Force 10 Gruppo from Grazzanise AB. It was a one-way rotation. Only the Italians came to Holland. Aircraft seen in Holland were MM6568/9-03, MM6539/9-11, MM6599/9-02 and unknown MM6572/9-04.

F-104G MM6599 code 9-02 was one of the
participating Grazzanise Starfighters at
Leeuwarden Air Base. (Gerrit Hiemstra)

The Royal Air Force 11sq, based at Leuchars, flying the Lightning fighter exchanged with the Italian Air Force 21 Gruppo from Cameri AB. It is not sure if it was a one or two-way rotation.

The Canadian 427 squadron, based at Baden-Sollingen, exchanged with the Italian Air Force 21 Gruppo from Cameri AB. It is not sure if it was a one or two-way rotation. It was the second rotation this year for 21 Gruppo.

The German Navy MFG1, based at Schleswig Jagel exchanged with a Royal Air Force squadron based at Lossiemouth. It was a one-way rotation. The Germans flew to the UK with six Starfighters.

The Dutch Air Force 311 squadron, based at Volkel, flying the F-104G exchanged with Royal Air Force 4 squadron based at Gutersloh flying the Hawker Hunter FR10. It was a two-way rotation where at least six Hunters were flying from Volkel and also six Starfighters flew from Gutersloh.

The Dutch Air Force 312 squadron, based at Volkel exchanged with German Air Force JBG32 based at Lechfeld. At least six German Starfighters came to Holland. It was a two-way rotation. The six German aircraft seen at Volkel were: 20+42, 21+45, 21+93, 25+22, 25+29 and 25+50 and also six Starfighters flew to Lechfeld (from April 22nd till 28th). On May 4th a TF-104G (27+83) landed at Volkel in relation to the end of the squadron exchange.

The German Navy MFG2, based at Eggebek exchanged with the Turkish Air Force nr 4 Wing 144 filo from Murted AB also flying the F-104G Starfighter. It was a one-way rotation where the Germans flew to Turkey with 6 Starfighters.

The Dutch Air Force 322 squadron, based at Leeuwarden exchanged with Danish Air Force 723 Eskader based at Aalborg. At least the Danish Starfighters came to Holland. It is unknown if the Dutch 104s went to Denmark as well. Six Danish Starfighters seen at Leeuwarden were R-347, R-349, R-645, R-753, R-755 and R-756. Not all of them were available the whole period. Aircraft R-349 and R-756 arrived on June 2nd. Beneath a photo found in the 723 Eskader history books about this rotation in 1970. Click on it for a larger photo. If you want the original photo scan please mail us...

Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv at Bodo AB rotated with RAF 11 squadron flying the Lightning, based at RAF Leuchars. It is not known if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least the Norwegians flew to the UK. Aircraft seen at Leuchars included F-104G serial 630.

The Dutch Air Force 306 squadron, based at Volkel, flying the RF-104G exchanged with German Air Force AG51 based at Bremgarten flying also the RF-104G. It was a two-way rotation where four German Starfighters were flying from Volkel and six Dutch Starfighters flew from Bremgarten. German aircraft at Volkel were 24+09, 24+11, 24+20 and 24+72.

The German Air Force JBG31 flying the F-104G, stationed at Norvenich AB rotated with the French AF EC3 based at Nancy AB during this period. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation.

The German Air Force AG52 (one of the staffels) flying the RF-104G rotated with the Turkish Air Force 9 AJU flying F-100 Super Sabres from Balikesir AB. German Starfighters flew to Balikesir and eight (!!!) Turkish F-100s flew to Leck.

The Canadian 427sq of 4Wing based at Baden Sollingen, flying the CF-104, rotated with the RAF 43 Squadron flying F-4's from Leuchars, Scotland. At the same time, most of the 427 Squadron pilots were at Leuchars. The final party with the Brits was attended by all the Lions as 427 returned from Leuchars before "The Fighting Cocks of 43" left.

The German Air Force AG52 (one of the staffels) flying the RF-104G rotated with Greek Air Force squadron 335 Mira based at Tanagra AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least the Greek Starfighters came to Germany.

The Italian Air Force 9 Gruppo, based at Grosseto AB exchanged with Dutch Air Force 323 squadron based at Leeuwarden. It was a two-way rotation between these two Starfighter squadrons. On 3 and 5 August the following Starfighters were seen at Leeuwarden AB: F-104G MM6515/4-15, MM6523/4-1, MM6533/4-14 and RF-104G MM6638/4-11.


MM6523 coded 4-1 taxying to the flightline just after landing.	RF-104G MM6638 coded 4-11 taxying to the flightline just after landing.	MM6533 coded 4-14 taxying to the flightline just after landing.	MM6515 coded 4-15 taxying to the flightline just after landing.

The Italian Air Force 10 Gruppo, based at Grazzanise AB exchanged with Royal Air Force 11sq flying the Lightning fighter aircraft from homebase Leuchars. It was a two-way rotation. Italian F-104G Starfighters seen in the UK on July 27th and 28th were MM6529/9-12, MM6575/9-11, MM6576/9-06, MM6552/9-15 and MM6599/9-02. Aircraft MM6568/9-03 was seen at Leuchars on July 20th when it arrived for a pre-exchange visit.

This month a rotation should have been taken place between the Sollingen based Canadian 421 squadron and the Italian 154gruppo from Ghedi. One aircraft was seen at Sollingen during that period being RF-104G "6-08" (MM serial unknown).

The Italian Air Force 22 Gruppo flying the new F-104S aircraft, based at Istrana AB exchanged with German Air Force JG71 squadron based at Wittmund. It is unknown if the Germans went to Italy but the F-104S aircraft were surely seen at Wittmund AB.

The Belgium Air Force 10 Wing based at Kleine Brogel AB exchanged with German Air Force JBG34 squadron based at Memmingen. At least the German Starfighters were seen at Kleine Brogel including aircraft 20+46. Not sure if the Belgium Starfighters went also to Germany.

The Dutch Air Force 306 squadron, based at Volkel, flying the RF-104G exchanged with a USAF based squadron at Zweibrucken. It is unknown if it was a one or two-way rotation but it looks like a one-way rotation where four RF-104G and one TF-104G Starfighter flew to Zweibrucken on November 18th.

The Belgium Air Force 349 Smaldeel from 1 Wing based at Beauvechain AB exchanged with Italian Air Force 21 Gruppo based at Cameri and already flying the brand new F-104S. At least the Italian Starfighters were seen in Belgium. Not sure if the Belgium Starfighters went also to Italy.

The Dutch Air Force 322 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB exchanged with Royal Air Force 29 squadron based at Coningsby flying the Electric Lightning. It was a two-way rotation.


After arrival at Coningsby the Dutch pilots offered wooden shoes to the RAF squadron leader. He tried them immediately while pilots Toon van der Heiden (left) and Harry Besterveld received beer. Toon is seen here wearing wooden shoes as well.	Arrival at Leeuwarden. It looks like only 3 Lightnings participated.