Starfighter Squadron Exchanges - Rotations 1971-1975

Note:
In 1970-1974 the German Air Force JG71 rotated with 111sq at Leuchars in Great Britain. The Germans have been seen in the UK but it is not sure if the Lightnings also came to Wittmund AB. Sadly we still don't know the exact date of this squadron exchange. Aircraft F-104G 23+56 received some 111sq zapps beneath its cockpit during the event and was one of the aircraft in the UK.

Belgium Air Force 10Wing from Kleine Brogel AB had a squadron exchange with the Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo (6 Stormo) from Ghedi AB. It is not sure if this was a 2-way rotation but at least the Italians came to Belgium where a number of aircraft were seen on 23 February 1971 being MM6550/6-08, and unknown MM serial with code 6-22.

The Belgium Air Force 349 Smaldeel from 1 Wing based at Beauvechain AB exchanged with one of the squadrons at Aalborg AFB, Denmark (726Esk?). It is unknown if the Danish aircraft flew to Belgium but at least the Belgium F-104s went to Denmark.

This month there was a rotation between the Danish Air Force 723 Eskader and the Dutch Air Force 311squadron, both operating the F-104G Starfighter. It was a two way rotation. The Dutch Starfighters arrived back at Volkel one day later (April 4th) then the Danish Starfighters flew back to Denmark. Danish aircraft seen at Volkel AB were R-347, R-753, R-755 and R-756.

This month there was a rotation between the Turkish Air Force 4 Wing, based at Murted AB and the German Navy squadron MFG1 from Schleswig-Jagel. It was a one-way rotation where the Germans flew to Turkey with 6 Starfighters.

This year a rotation took place between the Dutch Air Force 312 squadron flying the F-104G fighter bomber aircraft and the French Air Force EC2-5 and EC1-5 both flying the Mirage IIIC based at Orange AB. It was a two-way rotation. Four Mirages from EC 2-5 were seen in Holland and six Starfighters flew to France to visit sister Mirage squadron EC 1-5. The French Mirages flew back home on May 14th, the Dutch Starfighters arrived back on May 19th.

Formation of two Mirage III and two F-104 aircraft
flying a formation over Southern Holland
(Photo Traditiekamer Typhoon via Jeroen Jonkers)

This month there was a rotation between the Royal Air Force 29 squadron, flying the Lightning fighter aircraft from airbase Wattisham, and the Dutch Air Force 322squadron from Leeuwarden AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation. At least the Dutch aircraft flew to the UK. (some say it was RAF Coningsby?)

This month there was a rotation between the Italian Air Force 21 Gruppo, based at Cameri AB and the Dutch Air Force 323squadron based at Leeuwarden AB. A number of Italian F-104G aircraft were seen at Leeuwarden. It is unknown if the Dutch aircraft also flew to Italy. Italian Starfighters seen in Holland were MM6547/53-12, MM6563/53-07, MM6571/53-11 and MM6609/53-06. Aircraft MM6563/53-07 and MM6571/53-11 flew to Leeuwarden AB for a pre-visit on June 3rd. During the stay in Italy the Dutch stayed only two days at Cameri. The rest of the days they spent at Rimini and San Remo. In Holland the squadron presented a big "spagetti" meal for the Italians but this turn out in a small disaster. It did not appear to be Spagetti but "Bami" in stead!!


MM6547 coded 53-12 seen here landing at Leeuwarden during the rotation. (Gerrit Hiemstra)	MM6563 coded 53-07 seen here landing at Leeuwarden. (Gerrit Hiemstra)	MM6571 coded 53-11 seen here landing at Leeuwarden. (Gerrit Hiemstra)	Major Benneker welcomes the Italian Commander after arrival. (323sq)

Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv at Bodo AB rotated with the Italian Air Force 9 Gruppo based at Grosseto. It was a 2 way exchange.

This month there was a rotation between the Italian Air Force 5 Stormo, based at Rimini AB and the Dutch Air Force 322 or 323 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB. It looks like a one-way rotation where the Dutch Starfighters flew to Italy only.

The Lahr based Canadian Starfighters from 441 Squadron flew to Great Britain for a squadron exchange with RAF 43squadron based at Leuchars and flying the F-4 Phantom FG1. It is unknown if the Phantoms also came to Germany but in total six CF-104s flew to Leuchars including CF-104 serial 104788.

This month there was a rotation between the Italian Air Force 5 Stormo 102 Gruppo, based at Rimini AB, still flying the F-104G and the Dutch Air Force 311 squadron based at Volkel AB. It was a two-way rotation spread over two periods after eachother. Italian aircraft seen at Volkel were F-104G MM6524/5-09 and MM6533/5-06 only.
Dutch Starfighters in Rimini were RF-104Gs D-8013, D-8059, D-8107, D-8119 and D-8129 (from October 5th till 14th). Also one TF-104G (D-5806 from CAV) was available at Rimini from October 8th till its departure on October 11th. It also came back at Rimini on October 13th.
This rotation had two pre-visits. First of all RF-104G D-8125 together with TF-104G D-5807 stayed the night at Rimini from August 10th till 11th. and then a second pre-exchange visit took place on September 21st when TF-104G D-5808 flew to Rimini AB.

This month there was a rotation between the German Air Force LKG41 flying the FIAT G-91R/3 aircraft and the Dutch Air Force 306 squadron based at Volkel AB. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation but at least 16 FIATS flew to Holland.

This period there was a rotation between the Greek Air Force 335 mira, based at Tanagra AB and the German Navy squadron MFG2 based at Eggebek AB. It was a one-way rotation where the German Starfighters flew to Greece with 6 Starfighters.

This year the Belgium Air Force 1Wing 350 smaldeel based at Beauvechain AB rotated with the Italian Air Force 22 Gruppo at Istrana operating the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

This year the Danish Air Force 727 Eskader based at Karup AB, flying the F-100 Super Sabre rotated with the Italian Air Force 28 Gruppo at Villafranca AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

This year the Italian Air Force 10 Gruppo based at Grazzanise AB rotated with the Danish Air Force 726 Eskader at Aalborg. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

This year the Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo based at Ghedi AB rotated with the German Air Force JBG33 at Buchel AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation, but at least the Italians were seen at Buchel with a number of aircraft.

This year the Italian Air Force 21 Gruppo based at Cameri AB rotated with the Royal Air Force 19squadron at Wildenrath, Germany. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

This month a rotation took place between the Eggebek based German Navy squadron MFG2 and the Italian 10gruppo from Grazzanise. It was a one-way rotation where German aircraft flew to Grazzanise with 6 Starfighters.

This month a rotation took place starting from 3rd of May. Involved were Dutch Air Force 323 squadron flying the F-104G interceptor aircraft and the Royal Air Force 92 squadron flying the British counterpart the English Electric Lightning. It is unknown if it was a one or 2 way rotation. (See photo with 7-16 August 1972...)

This month a rotation took place between the Dutch Air Force 311squadron, flying the F-104G fighter bomber aircraft from Volkel AB and the Italian Air Force 154 gruppo based at Ghedi, also flying the F-104G. It was a one-way rotation. Only four Dutch Starfighters flew to Italy.

This month a rotation took place between the German Air Force JG74, flying the F-104G interceptor aircraft from Neuburg AB and the Royal Air Force 23 squadron flying the English Electric Lightning. It is unknown if it was a one or 2 way rotation. At least four Lightning aircraft came to Neuburg.

This month a rotation took place starting from 12th of June. Involved were Dutch Air Force 312 squadron flying the F-104G fighter bomber aircraft and the French Air Force EC2-11 flying the F-100 Super Sabre and based at Toul AB. It was a two-way rotation. Four Super Sabres flew to Holland of which one flew back to France a day later (13th). Together with four F-104G single seaters (D-6669, D-8051, D-8312 and D-8332) the Dutch also brought a TF-104G to France being D-5810. Pre exchange took place on 23 May by 1 Super Sabre. The Super Sabres flew back to France on June 16th but the Starfighters came back to Volkel a few days later on June 21st.

Formation of two French F-100 and two F-104 aircraft
flying in a formation over Southern Holland.
(Photo TraditieKamer Typhoon via Jeroen Jonkers)

Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv at Bodo AB rotated with the Italian Air Force 21 Gruppo based at Cameri AB. It was a 2 way exchange. Italian Starfighters have been noticed at Bode AB at least on June 23rd. It is possible that the Italians came first to Bodo and when they left to Italy the Norwegians flew with them to Cameri for their part of the exchange.


Four unidentified 21 Gruppo aircraft on the Bodo flightline. It looks like brand new delivered aircraft since only one aircraft had squadron serial. (Erik Dahlen).	Same group photographed from the back at the Bodo flightline (Erik Dahlen).

This month a rotation should have been taken place between the Wittmund based German Air Force squadron JG71 and the Italian 10gruppo from Grazzanise. Aircraft flew via Sollingen AB.
Aircraft seen were "9-04", "9-05", "9-16" and "9-23", all F-104Gs (sadly MM serials unknown). It is unknown if the Germans also flew to Italy.

1 till 10 August 1972

This month a rotation took place between the German Navy MFG1 based at Schleswig Jagel and the Dutch Air Force 306 squadron based at Volkel Air Base. It was a 2-way rotation.. German Starfighters seen at Volkel were aircraft 22+77, 22+78, 22+84, 22+93, 23+00 and 26+83 all F-104Gs and no RF-104G which is quite remarkable when rotating with a recce-squadron.
Dutch Starfighters at Schlesswig Jagel were D-8013, D-8059, D-8066, D-8107, D-8138 and two seater D-5808. Two pre-exchanges took place, first by TF-104G 28+22 and F-104G 22+19 on May 9th and lateron by two F-104Gs 22+16 and 22+72 on July 19th. During the exchange TF-104G 27+24 also visited the exchanging teams, on August 4th.

The Dutch Air Force 322 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB exchanged with Royal Air Force 111 squadron based at Leuchars AB flying the Electric Lightning. It is unknown if it was a one or a two-way rotation but at least 4 Lightnings flew to Leeuwarden.

In 1972 both squadrons at Leeuwarden rotated with Lightnings. Here the arrival of 4 Lightnings at
Leeuwarden in 1972. It could have been 111 squadron or Lightnings from 92 squadron in May 1972.
(photo Henk Ploegstra)

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 a shifted two way rotation where in August the Germans flew to Norway. On 24 October the Norwegians flew for their period to Germany.

The Belgium Air Force 349 Smaldeel from 1 Wing based at Beauvechain AB exchanged with nr 2 Squadron flying the Lightning jets at Binbrook,AB. It is unknown if the Lightnings flew to Belgium but at least the Belgium F-104s went to England.. One of the Belgium pilots, Lt Robert “Bib” Verbist, had a ride with a two-seat Lightning. However the flight didn't take long. They had to bail out after a few minutes… due to some hydraulic problem. The problem was a stick lock after take off due to almost empty hydraulic reservoirs.

Likely taken in Belgium showing two
Lightnings of 111squadron with two
Belgium 104s (Jean Luc Beghin)

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 a shifted two way rotation where in August 1972 the Germans flew to Norway and on 24 October the Norwegians flew for their period to Germany with their four F-5 aircraft.

Somewhere in 1972 there was a squadron exchange between the German Air Force AKG51 from Bremgarten and the Italian Air Force 132 Gruppo based at Villafranca AB. Both operating recce aircraft, the Italians with the RF-104G Starfighter and the Germans with the brandnew RF-4E. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation.

Somewhere in 1972 there was a squadron exchange between the Royal Air Force 11 squadron and the Italian Air Force 22 Gruppo based at Istrana AB. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation.

Somewhere in 1972 there was a squadron exchange between the Royal Air Force 41 squadron and the Italian Air Force 28 Gruppo based at Villafranca AB. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation.

Somewhere in 1972 there was a squadron exchange between the Belgium Air Force 349 Smaldeel (1 Wing) and a Royal Air Force Lightning squadron being 111 squadron. It was a two way rotation. One of the Belgium pilots, had a ride with a two-seat Lightning. However the flight didn't take long. They had to bail out after a few minutes… due to some hydraulic problem.

In March 1973 there was a squadron exchange between the Italian Air Force 155 gruppo, based at Piacenza AB and the Belgium Air Force 2 Smaldeel based at Florennes AB flying the Mirage 5 aircraft. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation but at least Italian Starfighters were seen in Belgium. Seen at Bierset on 15 March 1973 was only aircraft MM6795/50-12. And another aircraft seen was MM6793 with code 50-10.

Aircraft 50-10 and 50-12 flying over Belgium terrain..
(Photo Gerrit Boxem collection)

In May 1973 a squadron exchange took place between the French Air Force ER 2/33 at Strassbourg flying the Mirage IIIR, and the Dutch Air Force 306 squadron, normally based at Volkel AB, but now flying from the 306sq reserve Air Base at De Peel. It was a two-way rotation where 6 Dutch Starfighters flew from the Peel AB to Strassbourg AB and five camouflaged Mirage IIIR aircraft came over to De Peel AB. Some, and maybe all, Mirages received 306squadron badges on their tailfins.

In April 1973 there was a squadron exchange between the Italian Air Force 22 gruppo, based at Istrana AB and the Dutch Air Force 312 squadron based at Volkel AB both flying the F-104. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation but at least Italian Starfighters were seen at Volkel. Aircraft seen at Volkel were F-104S aircraft MM6707/51-05, MM6718/51-16, MM6721/51-14 and MM6777/51-24. Pre-exchange took place by two Starfighters (MM6717/51-11 and MM6777/51-24) on April 18th.

MM6718 with code 51-16 landing at Volkel Air Base
during the squadron exchange in May 1973.
(Photo by Paul van Oers)

In May 1973 there was a squadron exchange between the Norwegian Air Force 334 Skv, based at Bodo AB, flying the F-5 and the Canadian Air Force 439 squadron flying the CF-104. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation but at least the Starfighters were seen in Norway. One of the Canadian Starfighters was lost during the rotation. It was CF-104 nr 104864 pitched up in landing-pattern of Bodo AB after a DACT mission with another CF against two F5's of 334squadron. It happened on 10 May and sadly , Capt. Paul Rackham lost his life. He ejected but too late..

In May 1973 there was a squadron exchange between the Danish Air Force 724 eskader, based at Skrydstrup AB, flying the Hawker Hunter and the Dutch Air Force 322 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB flying the F-104G. It was a two way rotation where four Hunters flew to Holland..

Four Hunters arriving over Leeuwarden Air Base
together with 322 squadron Starfighters (photo's 322squadron and Henk Ploegstra)

This month a Danish Starfighter squadron (likely 723 Eskader) had a squadron exchange with RAF 29 Sq from Coningsby AB. Four Lightning F MK3 aircraft flew to Denmark and on photos Danish two-seaters RT-655 and RT-657 were noticed. It is unknown if the Danish aircraft also flew to England.

TF-104G RT-657 is leading English Lightnings to Aalborg AB for a rotation.
This photo was taken from the cockpit of TF-104G RT-655.

Starting from 12th of June 1973 there was a squadron exchange between the German Air Force JBG31, based at Norvenich AB and an unkwown Portugese Air Force (FAP) ? squadron. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation but at least German Starfighters were seen in Portugal.

In June 1973 a squadron exchange took place between the Royal Air Force 29 squadron, based at RAF Wattisham, flying the Lightning jet fighter and the Dutch Air Force 323 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB flying the F-104G. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation but at least Dutch Starfighters were seen at Wattisham.

Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv at Bodo AB rotated with RAF 23 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.

In August 1973 a squadron exchange took place between the Italian Air Force 102 gruppo, based at Rimini AB, and the Dutch Air Force 311 squadron based at Volkel AB both flying the F-104G. It was a two way rotation. Aircraft seen at Volkel were F-104Gs MM6547/5-04, MM6556/5-11 and MM6603/5-20. A total of four unidentified Dutch F-104Gs flew from Holland to Rimini.
Pre-exchange took place on 13 July 1973 by 5-08 (likely MM6573, but not confirmed) and 5-10 (likely MM6505 but not confirmed).

Beautiful line-up of Starfighters at Volkel Air Base.
(Photo Traditiekamer Typhoon, via Jeroen Jonkers)

In August 1973 a squadron exchange took place between the Hellenic Air Force 335 Mira, based at Tanagra AB, and the Belgium Air Force 23 Smaldeel (10Wing) based at Kleine Brogel AB both flying the F-104G. It is unknown if it was a one or two way rotation but at least six Starfighters from Greece were seen in Belgium being 63-12705/FG-705, 63-12711/FG-711, 63-12712/FG-712, 63-12715/FG-715, 63-12722/FG-722 and 63-13639/FG-639.

In 1973 a squadron exchange took place between the Italian Air Force 10 Gruppo based at Grazzanise AB and the Royal Air Force 23 squadron flying the Lightning jet fighter. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange. However on 21st of August 1973 two 9Stormo Starfighters were seen being MM6809/9-35 and MM6818/9-36. Also TF-104G MM54226/20-1 was seen. These aircraft could be part of a pre-visit but also they could have been there regarding the squadron exchange itself.

This month there was a squadron exchange between the German Air Force JBG31, based at Norvenich AB and the Turkish Air Force 112 Filo based at Eskisehir AB flying the F-100C and F-100F Super Sabre. It was a two way rotation where six F-100s came to Norvenich and four Starfighters flew to Turkey. Transport was flown by aircraft 50+45 from LTG63.. (The chroniks of the JBG31 mentioned Murted AB, near Ankara as the related Air Base).

In this period a squadron exchange took place between the French Navy 16F, based at Landivisiau NAS, flying the LTV F-8 Crusader and the German Navy MFG2 based at Eggebek flying the F-104G. It was a 1 way rotation. In total six RF-104G Starfighters flew to France.

The Royal Air Force nr 5 squadron, based at Binbrook flying the Lightning FMk4 exchanged with the German Air Force JG74 (1st Staffel) based at Neuburg AB, flying the F-104G. It was a two-way rotation where four Lightnings flew to Germany. The RAF also brought over an Canberra TMk17 from 360squadron to Neuburg, used for electronic warfare exercises during the period.

The French Air Force EC 1/5, based at Orange flying the Mirage IIIC exchanged with the German Air Force JG74 (2nd Staffel) based at Neuburg AB, flying the F-104G. It was a two-way rotation where four Mirages flew to Germany and five Starfighters flew to Orange AB.

1973

This year a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 314 squadron, based at Eindhoven AB, flying the NF-5 and the Italian Air Force 132 gruppo, based at Villafranca, flying the F-104G. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least the Italians flew to Holland. Aircraft involved at Eindhoven should be 3-38, 3-41, 3-42 and 3-43 all without knowing the MM serials.

Two Starfighter (including 3-38) ready for take off at the runway
of Eindhoven AB. Please note the old fashioned KLM F-27 Friendship
in the background (Photo by H. vd Laar)

In 1973 a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 322 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB and the German Air Force WS10 at Jever. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least the Dutch Starfighters were seen in Jever.

In 1973 a squadron exchange took place between the German Air Force JBG32 based at Lechfeld AB and the Royal Air Force 31 squadron at Bruggen in Germany. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least the German Starfighters flew to Bruggen including aircraft 21+02, 24+06, 25+19 and 25+46.

In 1973 a squadron exchange took place between the Italian Air Force 28 Gruppo based at Villafranca AB, flying the F-104G and the Norwegian Air Force 338 SKV squadron flying the F-5A from Orland AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange.

This period a squadron exchange took place between the German Navy MFG2 based at Eggebek and the Royal Air Force 11 squadron at Binbrook flying the Lightning fighter jet. It was a two-way rotation. The Germans flew to the UK with 6 Starfighters..

This period a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 323 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB and the Danish Air Force 726 eskader at Aalborg also flying the F-104. It was a two-way rotation. Danish Starfighters seen at Leeuwarden were R-343, R-698, R-703 and R-754. Dutch Starfighters seen at Aalborg were D-6652, D-8098, D-8105 and D-8319.


R-698 landing at Leeuwarden Air Base. (Photo: Gerrit Hiemstra)	R-754 on the flightline at Leeuwarden Air Base just after arrival on March 19th. (Photo Eric Tammer)

The Baden based Canadian Starfighters from 439 or 441 Squadron exchanged with an unknown US Air Force squadron based at Lakenheath. It is unsure if it was a one or two way rotation but at least six CF-104s and one CF-104D flew to Lakenheath on 18 April after a nightstop at Leeuwarden. Aircraft 104808 departed from Leeuwarden a day later on the 19th.
Aircraft were CF-104D 104661 and CF-104 aircraft 104714, 104749, 104808, 104822, 104829 and 104845.
(This squadron exchange has not yet been confirmed).

The Baden based Canadian Starfighters from 441 Squadron exchanged with the Norwegian Air Force 718 Skv flying the F-5 based at Sola AB. It was a shifted squadron exchange. First six F-5 aircraft flew to Baden and stayed between 23 and 31 May and lateron CF-104 Starfighters from 441 squadron flew to Sola, flying there from 6 till 15 June 1974.

This period a squadron exchange took place between the German Navy MFG2 based at Eggebek and the French Navy 16F squadron at Landivisiau flying the F-8 Crusader. It was a 1-way rotation, only the French aircraft came to Eggebek.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the German Air Force JG74 based at Neuburg AB and a French Air Force Mirage IIIC squadron. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least the Mirage flew to Germany.

This month Danish Starfighter squadron 726 Eskader had a squadron exchange with a USAF squadron based at Ramstein AFB. An unknown number of Starfighters flew to Germany. It is unknown if the Americans also flew to Denmark.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 314 squadron, flying the NF-5 fighter-bomber, based at Eindhoven AB and the Italian Air Force 155 gruppo, based at Istrana. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least the Italians flew to Holland. Seen at Eindhoven AB were aircraft MM6795/51-42, MM6788/51-38 and two others with codes "51-33" and "51-40" of which we sadly did not record any MM serials.

MM6788 coded 51-38 at Eindhoven during the
rotation in June 1974. (photo Gerrit Boxem)

This month a squadron exchange took place between the German Navy MFG1 based at Schleswig Jagel and the Belgium Air Force 8 smaldeel, based at Bierset AB. It was a two-way rotation. Six Starfighters flew to Belgium and six Mirage 5 aircraft flew to Northern Germany.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 316 squadron, flying the NF-5 fighter-bomber, based at Gilze-Rijen AB and the Canadian Armed Forces 421sq of the 1st CAG, based at Baden-Sollingen AB. It was a one-way rotation where only the Canadian Starfighters flew to Holland. In August the 2nd part started where the Dutch NF-5 aircraft flew to Sollingen for their one-way rotation. The Canadian Starfighters seen at Gilze were CF-104's 104785, 104786, 104827, 104839, 104843, 104866, 104892 and CF-104D 104661. At the end of the day of the arrival, three aircraft (104827, 104843 and 104785) flew to Leeuwarden AB where they stayed the weekend. They returned June 30th again.

Starfighter 104843 was one of the aircraft which flew to Leeuwarden AB
during the start of the rotation. Here it is seen while taxying to the runway
for its departure from Leeuwarden on June 30th (Photo by Gerrit Hiemstra)

This month a one-way squadron exchange took place between the Royal Air Force nr 3 squadron, flying the Harrier and the Canadian Armed Forces 421st squadron, based at Baden-Sollingen AB. Only the Harriers flew to Baden, and no return visit was organized.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Turkish Air Force 4 AJU, based at Murted AB and the Italian Air Force 154 gruppo, based at Ghedi. It was a 2 way exchange. Italian Starfighters seen in Turkey were F-104Gs "6-02", "6-14", "6-18" and "6-21". (Sadly MM serials unknown)

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Belgium Air Force 31 smaldeel, based at Kleine Brogel AB and the Italian Air Force 102 gruppo, based at Rimini. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least the Italian Starfighters flew to the home of 10 Wing in Belgium. The participating Italian Starfighters carried codes "5-02", "5-06", "5-13" and "5-20", sadly all MM serials were not read.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 312 squadron, based at Volkel AB and the Royal Air Force 5 squadron, based at Binbrook, flying the Lightning. It was a 2-way rotation. Duration was 1,5 week. Aircraft which flew to Binbrook were F-104Gs D-6668, D-6683, D-6700, D-8062, D-8256, D-8281, D-8312, D-8337 and two-seater D-5810. In total three Lightning F6 aircraft came to Volkel AB on August 28th and two more Lightning F6 and a twoseater T5 arrived on September 2nd at Volkel. All departed on September 6th.

Ready for departure to Binbrook on August 28th.
(Photo: traditiekamer Typhoon documentatiegroep Volkel).

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 311 squadron, based at Volkel AB and the French Air Force EC 2/30, based at Reims, flying the new Mirage F1. It was a 2-way rotation. The Dutch flew to France with 8 aircraft being F-104Gs D-6684, D-8047, D-8051, D-8114, D-8258, D-8259, D-8268, D-8300 and TF-104G D-5807. The French squadron came over with 4 Mirages added with two more Mirages arriving on October 11th and 14th..

Formation of 4 Mirages and an F-104 over Volkel Air Base..
(Photo: Frans van den Berk).

This month, starting from 22 October, a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 306 squadron, based at Volkel AB and the Danish Air Force 729 eskader, based at Karup, flying the RF-35 Saab Draken. It was a 1-way rotation. Dutch Starfighters seen in Denmark were RF-104Gs D-8013, D-8052, D-8059, D-8065, D-8107 and D-8145. Two Drakens visited Volkel on 7 October (likely pre-visit). These were AR-105 and AR-118. The official books of 306sq showed that the Dutch 104s left Volkel on October 23rd.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv, based at Bodo AB and the US Air Force 22 TFS, based at Bitburg AFB, flying the F-4E. It was a two-way rotation.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 322 squadron, based at Leeuwarden AB and the Italian Air Force 12 gruppo, based at Gioia del Colle, flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation. At least the Dutch Starfighters flew to Italy.

This period a squadron exchange took place between the Royal Air Force 41 squadron, based at RAF Coningsby and the Italian Air Force 132 gruppo, based at Villafranca. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation. At least the Italian Starfighters flew to Coningsby. Aircraft seen were MM6511/3-43, MM6540/3-39, MM6576/3-44 and MM6588/3-47.

Somewhere this year a squadron exchange took place between the Hellenic Air Force 111 ptx, and the Italian Air Force 9 gruppo, based at Grosseto. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation. Not much is known about this rotation anyhow.

This year a squadron exchange took place between the Danish Air Force 723 Esk based at Aalborg AB, flying the F-104G and the Italian Air Force 21 gruppo based at Cameri flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation.

This year a squadron exchange took place between the Belgium Air Force 349 smaldeel (1Wing) based at Beauvechain AB, flying the F-104G and the Italian Air Force 22 gruppo based at Istrana AB flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation. At least the Italians were seen with four aircraft at Beauvechain

Italian pilot having diner at Jean Luc Beghin residense.
It was a warm atmosphere (Jean Luc Beghin)

This year a squadron exchange took place between the French Air Force ER 33 flying the Mirage IIIR and the Italian Air Force 28 gruppo based at Villafranca AB flying the (R)F-104G. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation.

This period a squadron exchange took place between the Royal Air Force 6 squadron, flying the Jaguar aircraft, based at RAF Coltishall and the German Navy MFG1, based at Schleswig Jagel. It was a 2-way rotation. In total 6 Starfighters flew to the UK and 6 Jaguars flew to Germany.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the German Air Force JBG31 based at Norvenich and the Royal Air Force 1 squadron, based at RAF Wittering, flying the Hawker Harrier GR1 jet. It was a 2-way rotation. On a photo German Starfighter 22+56 was recognized. In total six Harriers flew to Germany

This period a squadron exchange took place between the French Navy 11F, flying the Etendard, based at Landivisiau and the German Navy MFG2, based at Eggebek. It was a 1-way rotation. In total 6 Starfighters flew to France.

This short period a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 322 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB and the Danish Air Force 723 eskader, based at Aalborg AB. It was a 2-way rotation. Danish Starfighters seen at Leeuwarden AB were R-347, R-348, R-699, R-645 and R-755. Four Dutch Starfighters flew to Aalborg. During the exchange these 4 aircraft also made a visit to Sola using Danish callsigns…


R-347 landing at Leeuwarden AB on 26 May 1975 (Gerrit Hiemstra)	R-645 landing at Leeuwarden. (Gerrit Hiemstra)	R-754 landing at Leeuwarden. (Gerrit Hiemstra)

This period a squadron exchange took place between the German Navy MFG2 based at Eggebek and the Italian Air Force 28 gruppo, based at Villafranca. It was a 2-way rotation. In total 6 German Starfighters flew to Italy and 4 Italian Starfighters flew to Eggebek. The Germans found out that all operational flyworthy Italian aircraft had been flown to Eggebek except one. So most of the times the Germans in Italy had to fly missions on their own.

This month Danish Starfighter squadron 726 Eskader had a squadron exchange with RAF 29 Sq. from Coningsby AB. In total four Starfighters flew to the UK. Two of them were aircraft R-703 and RT-683. The aircraft received zapps on their intakes. It is unknown if Lightning aircraft also flew to Denmark.

The Coningsby flightline showing the four participating Danish Starfighters. In front two-seater RT683 (George vd Schoor coll).

This month a squadron exchange took place between the USAF 32 TFS at Soesterberg AFB, flying the F-4E Phantom and the Italian Air Force 23 as well as 102 gruppo, both based at Rimini, flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation. At least the Italians went to Holland. Participating Italian aircraft were MM6810/5-33, MM6822/5-34, MM6833/5-07 and MM6846/5-20. These aircraft were seen at Soesterberg on June 18th.


MM6810 code 5-33 taxying at Soesterberg AFB on 18 june 1975 (Cees Kesteloo)	MM6822 code 5-34 taxying at Soesterberg AFB (Paul Tips)	MM6833 code 5-07 taxying at Soesterberg AFB on 18 june 1975 (Cees Kesteloo)	MM6846 code 5-20 taxying at Soesterberg AFB on 18 june 1975 (Cees Kesteloo)

In June 1975 the 421 squadron flying the CF-104 Starfighter, based at Baden-Sollingen visited RAF 6 squadron flying the Jaguar fighter bomber at Coltishall AB. It was a planned shifted two-way rotation, first the CF-104s were flying from Coltishall in June and lateron a visit was planned by Jaguars to Baden Sollingen after or in Autumn 1975. It is not known if it really took place, although it is almost certain. Aircraft seen at Coltishall all were oliv drab and carried 412sq badges on their rudders and included CF-104 104839 and 104845. At least the aircraft were seen at Coltishall from 20 till 24 June.


Nice squadron rotation photo taken at Coltishall June, 20th in 1975. It shows a Jaguar and CF-104 104839 with 421sq badge on the tail. (Photo by Herv Wregget, ex 421sq pilot)	A shot from the Coltishall flightline showing CF-104 104845 as one of the participating aircraft. (photo IFS)

This month a squadron exchange took place between the German Navy MFG1 based at Schleswig Jagel and the French Navy 11F squadron based at Landivisiau. It was a 1 way rotation. The French flew over to Germany with 6 Etendard fighter jets.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 314 squadron based at Eindhoven AB, flying the NF-5A jet and the Italian Air Force 21 gruppo based at Cameri flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation but at least the Italians came to Eindhoven AB. Aircraft seen in Holland were MM6706/53-10, MM6737/53-11, MM6771/53-05.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the German Air Force WS10 instruction squadron based at Jever AB and the Italian Air Force 9 gruppo based at Grosseto flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation but at least the Italians came to Germany. One of the participating aircraft at Jever AB was aircraft MM6869/4-3.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 312 squadron based at Volkel AB, flying the F-104G and the Italian Air Force 10 gruppo based at Grazzanise flying the F-104S. It was a 2-way rotation. Aircraft flying to Volkel AB were MM6808/9-30, MM6809/9-35, MM6812/9-32 and MM6826/9-44. The Dutch Starfighters which flew to Italy were D-6695, D-6699, D-8063, D-8312, D-8343. It was told that also TF-104G D-5806 was seen at Grazzanise.

MM6809 with code 9-35 landing at Volkel in September 1975.
(Photo: Paul van Oers).

This period a squadron exchange took place between the Danish Air Force 723Esk based at Aalborg AB, flying the F-104 Starfighter and the Royal Air Force 92 squadron at Gutersloh in Germany flying the Lightning F2A. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least the Danish came over with 4 Starfighters : R-347, R-699, R-707 and R-753.

Later this month a squadron exchange took place between the US Air Force 36TFW based at Bitburg AB, flying the F-4 Phantom and the Italian Air Force 154 gruppo based at Ghedi AB flying the F-104G. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation but at least the Italians came to Germany with aircraft MM6508/6-19, MM6516/6-07, MM6523/6-18 and MM6575/6-03. It was a very tragic event since all four Starfighters were lost on their way home on September 25th. They all crashed into the Wenzel mountains, 20km south of Bitburg. All 4 pilots were killed being, TCol.Pietro Franzoni, Capt. Paolo Sola, Capt. Leonardo Lanzo and Capt. Gioacchino Aragona. The story reveals that just after take-off one of the 4 Starfighters exploded and parts of the explosion hit the other 3 aircraft. All aircraft came down near the town Wenzelberg in Germany.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv, based at Bodo AB and the Royal Air Force 19 Squadron flying the Lightning F2A, based at Gutersloh AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation but at least the Norwegians flew to Germany with 4 Starfighters. Participating aircraft included were 240, 629, 630 and TF-104G 263.


F-104G 240 landing at Gutersloh during the rotation (Photo by Gunter Grondstein)	F-104G 629 on the dispersal at Gutersloh AB	F-104G 630 on the dispersal at Gutersloh AB

This period a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 311 squadron based at Volkel AB and Danish Air Force 725 Esk flying the A35XD Draken, based at Karup AB. It was a 2-way rotation where 4 Drakens came to Holland and likely also four Starfighters flew to Denmark, but that was already in May 1975, so being a time-shifted exchange.

This month a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 316 squadron based at Gilze Rijen AB, flying the NF-5A and the Italian Air Force 156 gruppo based at Gioia Del Colle flying the F-104S. It was a 2-way rotation. Italian Starfighters seen at Gilze Rijen AB were MM6751/36-33, MM6759/36-48, MM6798/36-40 and MM6840/36-35.

This period a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 306 squadron, based at Volkel AB, flying the RF-104G and the US Air Force 26 TRW - 38 TRS, based at Zweibrucken AFB, Germany flying the RF-4C Phantom. It was a 2 way rotation where six RF-4C aircraft flew to Holland (One of them arrived the 7th of October) and four RF-104Gs flew over to Zweibrucken.
(Some believe the exchange started on September 30th and ended October 9th)

This year a squadron exchange took place between the Dutch Air Force 323 squadron based at Leeuwarden AB, flying the F-104G and Royal Air Force nr 43 squadron flying the F-4M Phantom squadron, based at Leuchars. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way rotation.

This year a squadron exchange took place between the Royal Air Force 31 squadron, and the Italian Air Force 12 gruppo based at Gioia Del Colle flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or a 2-way rotation .

This year a squadron exchange took place between the Royal Air Force 14 squadron, and the Canadian Air Force 441 squadron based at Sollingen flying the CF-104. It is unknown if it was a 1 or a 2-way rotation .

This year a squadron exchange took place between the US Air Force 22 TFS, and the Italian Air Force 22 gruppo based at Istrana AB flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or a 2-way rotation .

This year a squadron exchange took place between the Danish Air Force 727 Esk based at Skrydstrup, and the Italian Air Force 155 gruppo based at Istrana AB flying the F-104S. It is unknown if it was a 1 or a 2-way rotation .

The Belgium Air Force 349 Smaldeel from 1 Wing based at Beauvechain AB exchanged with one of the US Air Force 36TFW squadrons at Bitburg AFB, Germany. It is unknown if the US aircraft flew to Belgium but at least the Belgium F-104s went to Bitburg, including aircraft FX72.

Photo of FX72 cockpit with 349 Smaldeel commander Major D’Hert.
Aircraft was crewchiefed by Pierre Schaffrath (also owner of this photo).