Starfighter Squadron Exchanges - Rotations 1981-1985

This month German Navy MFG2 from Eggebek, flying the (R)F-104G rotated with the Italian Air Force 132 gruppo, based at Villafranca, flying the (R)F-104G as well. It was a two way rotation. Four German RF-104Gs flew to Villafranca and four F-104Gs (Iikely with Orpheus recce pods) flew to Eggebek.

This period German Navy MFG1 from Schleswig-Jagel, flying the F-104G rotated with the French Navy squadron 11F, based at Landivisau flying the Super Etendard. It was a one way rotation where the Germans flew to France with four Starfighters. Return part was in June when the French aircraft flew to Schleswig in stead.

This month the Dutch Air Force 311 squadron from Volkel AB, flying the F-104G, rotated with the Italian Air Force 155 gruppo, based at Istrana, flying the F-104S. It was a 2 way rotation where the Italians flew to Holland with four Starfighters. being MM6741/51-34, MM6744/51-35, MM6795/51-50 and MM6919/51-51. The two Starfighters MM6741/51-34 and MM6798/51-52 paid a pre-visit to Volkel AFB on March 2nd, 1981. The Dutch Starfigthers which flew to Istrana AB were D-8104, D-8244, D-8256 and D-8266. During the exchange all Italian Starfighters received 311 squadron badges on their noses which gave them a strange appearance. On the other hand, the Dutch Starfighters were zapped at Istrana with lots of paintbrushed panther claws.....The Dutch aircraft also participated in shooting exercises near Istrana, such as on April 13th.


All four F-104S Starfighters in formation over Volkel Air Base flying home again. (Volkel 15 April 1981, Eric Tammer)	Another formation photo during the leave to Italy (Carlos Geurts)	F-104S MM6744 code 51-35 while landing at Volkel the day before the departure, April 14th. Note the big 311 squadron badge beneath the cockpit. (Photo Carlos Geurts)	Italian MM6795 code 51-50 landing together with Dutch Air Force D-8114 at Volkel.(Hans van Zeeland)	This photo of the D-8104 shows clearly the typical 155 gruppo Panther zapp just above the "D" of the serial (Volkel AFB April 1981 Jorgen Knizia)

This month the Danish Air Force 723 Eskader from Aalborg AB, flying the F-104G, rotated with the Royal Air Force 5 squadron, based at Binbrook. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least two participating Danish Starfighters were seen on pictures being R-349 and R-699. During this rotation they decided to use JP-8 fuel for the first time on the F-104s due to limitations of availability of JP4. However it was very hard to get 104s started using this fuel and on the day the aircraft would fly back to Denmark it went wrong with R-349. While being started flames came out of the back covering the complete aft fuselage. This was horrifying but afterwards did not result to any damage to the aircraft gladly. (Photo by OS Richard Strube) .

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Flames out of R-349 during engine startup at Binbrook on 15 May. (Photo (b&w) Richard Strube and (color) 723 Eskader)	The F-104G R-699 taxying to the runway at Binbrook. Again number 5 squadron has put their squadron badge on the F-104 tail which looks very strange but colorful on such a green dull camouflage. (Photo Jos van Nes)

This period a squadron exchange took place between Italian Air Force 23 gruppo from Rimini, flying the F-104S, with the Dutch Air Force 312 squadron at Volkel AB flying the F-104G. Four Italian Starfighters came to Volkel. Participating aircraft at Volkel were MM6805/5-40, MM6708/5-42, MM6869/5-43 and MM6731/5-44. The two aircraft MM6826/5-31 and MM6767/5-45 paid a pre-visit to Volkel on April 28th, 1981. The Dutch Starfighters which went to Rimini were D-6695, D-6699, D-8268, D-8281, D-8312 and D-8337.


MM6805 with seial 5-40 arriving at Volkel Air Base on May 26th. (Photo Eric Tammer)	MM6869 with serial 5-43 is taxying to the runway. Note the 312 squadron badge on its tail. (Photo Hans van Zeeland)	MM6731 with serial 5-44 (and another S) is waiting for Dutch Air Force D-8138 taking off. Note the 312 squadron badges on the tails. (Photo Hans van Zeeland)

This period German Navy MFG1 from Schleswig-Jagel, flying the F-104G rotated with the French Navy squadron 11F, based at Landivisau flying the Super Etendard. It was a one way rotation where the French flew to Germany with three Super Etendards. It was the return part of a rotation which started in April.

This month there was a squadron exchange between the Dutch Air Force 306 squadron from Volkel AB flying the RF-104G, with US Air Force squadron 10TRW-1TRS, based at Alconbury AFB. It was a 2 way rotation In total 6 different RF-4C aircraft were seen at Volkel these days and the Starfighters which flew to the UK were: D-8013, D-8065, D-8066, D-8133 and TF-104G D-5803.

This month a squadron exchange took place between Italian Air Force 12 gruppo from Gioia del Colle, flying the F-104S, with the German Air Force WS10 based at Jever AB, flying the F and TF-104G. At least four Italian Starfighters came to Jever but they could not be identified. One of them run off the runway after an emergency landing (hydraulic failure) on 15 June 1981 damaging the aircraft.

This month there was a squadron exchange between 156gruppo from Gioia, Italy with the Canadian CF-104s of 421sq based at Sollingen. It is not known if Canadian aircraft flew from Gioia but at Sollingen four F-104S aircraft flew their missions. Seen were MM6759/36-34, MM6915/36-41, MMxxxx/36-44 and MM6921/36-45.

This month a squadron exchange took place between Turkish Air Force 192 Filo (within 9 AJU) based at Balikesir AB, flying the F-104S, with the German Air Force JBG32 based at Lechfeld AB. At least four Turkish Starfighters came to Lechfeld being 6897/9-897, 6902/9-902, 6903/9-903 and 6904/9-904. There was a photocall on the 21st of July 1981 and these 4 aircraft were heavily photographed that day by many aircraft enthousiasts.

This month there was a squadron exchange between 21gruppo from Cameri, Italy with 29 squadron at Coningsby. At least the Starfighters came to Coningsby, 4 in total. Pre-exchange toke place at Coningsby on 20 August 1981 by MM6850/53-10 and MM6935/53-15. The participating aircraft during the exchange were MM6850/53-10, MM6717/53-12, MM6935/53-15 and MM6825/53-20. An MB336 with serial MM61994/46-08 came over as well.

This month there was a squadron exchange between 22gruppo from Istrana, Italy with 20 squadron at Bruggen. At least the Starfighters came to Bruggen. In total 4 aircraft arrived. Pre-visit was on 13/14 July 1981 by MM6764/51-04 and MM6706/51-10.
On 3 September 1981 the first two Starfighters landed at Bruggen (MM6764/51-04 and MM6775/51-06) and on 4 September the two others (MM6737/51-16 and an unidentified F-104S). Also MM61994/46-07 came to Bruggen, arriving already on 2 September.

This year there was a squadron exchange between the Italian Air Force 102 gruppo from Rimini flying the F-104S, with French Air Force squadron EC 2/3. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation.

This month German Air Force JBG33 based at Buchel, flying the F-104G rotated with Royal Air Force 208 squadron based at Honington. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least the Germans flew to the UK. One of them was F-104G 25+33 (JBG33blue).

This month a squadron exchange took place between Turkish Air Force 6 AJU based at Bandirma AB, Turkey, flying the F-104G, with the Dutch Air Force 316 squadron, flying the NF-5, based at Gilze-Rijen AB. It was a one-way rotation. Only a number of NF-5 aircraft flew to Turkey.

This month Canadian Air Force 441 squadron, based at Baden-Sollingen, flying the CF-104, had a squadron exchange with Royal Air Force 54 squadron, flying the Jaguar, based at Coltishall.
It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way exchange but at least a number of CF-104 came to Britain with eleven (!!!) CF-104’s.

This period a squadron exchange took place between US Air Force 78 TFS (81 TFW) “cobra” based at Woodbridge AFB, flying the A-10, with the German Air Force JBG31 (2nd Staffel) based at Norvenich AB. It was a shifted 2 way rotation. This first phase six A-10 aircraft came over to Germany. See also period 28 june till 8 july when the Germans flew to the UK in the second phase.

This month four Italian AF Starfighters from 102 gruppo, based at Rimini AB, flew via Norvenich (fuelstop) to Rygge AB on June 18th. Aircraft seen at Rygge were MM6756/5-27, MM6786/5-04 with callsign "I6786" and MM6???/5-07 and MM6???/5-10 with callsign "I6840". Most likely the last two candidates are MM6760/5-10 and MM6887/5-07. The 102 gruppo rotated with one of the squadrons at Rygge and it is not known if these aircraft also flew to Italy.

This period a squadron exchange took place between US Air Force 78 TFS “cobra” (81 TFW) based at Woodbridge AFB, flying the A-10, with the German Air Force JBG31 (2nd Staffel) based at Norvenich AB. It was a shifted 2 way rotation. During the first phase six A-10 aircraft came over to Germany. This 2nd phase six Starfighters came to the UK. The German Starfighters were all been decorated with specific snake badges (78TFS). Participating aircraft were F-104s 20+39, 20+48, 20+50, 20+75 and 26+24. Also TF-104G 27+35 was seen. In April 1982 the 20+75 was already seen with this badge so likely this aircraft flew to Woodbridge during the pre-exchange.


F-104G 20+48 with 20+50 in the background at Woodbridge Air Base in July 1982. (Photo Peter Mühlböck)	F-104G 20+50 taxying out at Woodbridge Air Base in July 1982. (Photo Peter Mühlböck)	F-104G 20+48 at Woodbridge Air Base in July 1982. (Photo Peter Mühlböck)

	F-104G 26+24 at Woodbridge Air Base in July 1982. (Photo Peter Mühlböck)
F-104G 20+48 and 26+24 at Woodbridge Air Base in July 1982. (Photo Peter Mühlböck)

The Dutch Air Force Northrop NF-5 squadron 314 squadron based at Eindhoven AFB rotated this period with Italian Air Force 10 Gruppo from Grazzanise AB. It is not known if the Dutch flew to Grazzanise but the Italians came to Eindhoven AB with four F-104S Starfighters. There was a pre-visit on 5 april by F-104S MM6802/9-30 and MM6727/9-34.
Aircraft during the rotation were MM6873/9-35, MM6768/9-42, MM6811/9-45, MM6730/9-52.
Fokker F-27M Friendships C-7 and C-11 were used for the transport on 29 June 1982 while the Italian performed there return using aircraft MM62124/46-88 and MM62129/46-29 on 8 July 1982.

This period a 1-way squadron exchange took place between the Turkish Air Force 191 Filo (9AJU) based at Balikesir AB, flying the F-104G, with the Dutch Air Force 312 squadron at Volkel AB flying the F-104G. Only the Dutch Starfighters flew to Turkey and it is unknown why the Turkish 104s did not come to Holland. Dutch Starfighters flying from Balikesir AB were D-8061, D-8063, D-8091, D-8259, D-8331 and TF-104G D-5808. For the return the squadron received support from Fokker F-27M Troopships C-9 and C-12 from 334 squadron which flew back all personnel and equipment to Volkel Air Base on September 2nd.
Interesting detail was that the TF-104G D-5814 (ex Leeuwarden AFB) flew with the 312sq aircraft to Turkey as delivery flight to the Turkish Air Force.

Early September 1982, the Danish Air Force 723 Eskader based at Aalborg, flying the F-104G, rotated with RAF 92 squadron based at Wildenrath AB, flying the McDonnell F-4 Phantom. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least four Starfighters flew missions from Wildenrath for ten days. On September 14th a special squadron press report was released.

This photo was part of the Wildenrath Air Base pressrelease
regarding the squadron exchange (Roger Seroo Collection)

This month four Italian AF Starfighters from 155gruppo, based at Istrana, rotated with 17sq at Bruggen flying the Jaguar fighter-bomber. The four Starfighters which arrived on 14 September 1982 were: MM6741/51-34, MM6945/51-37, MM6749/51-41 and MM6847/51-46. It is unknown if the RAF aircraft flew to Italy instead.

This month Dutch Air Force 306 squadron, based at Volkel AB, flying the RF-104G, had a squadron exchange with a German Navy MFG2 staffel based at Eggebek, also operating the RF-104G. It was a 2 way rotation. Four Dutch RF-104G aircraft flew to Germany, being D-8105, D-8107, D-8143, D-8311 and one TF-104G D-5804 and four German RF-104G flew to Holland being 21+22, 21+25, 21+29, 23+22. The Dutch Starfighters in Eggebek received yellow navy anchors zapped on the intakes just behind the Dutch roundels. Pre exchange was on August 10th with two Starfighters 21+17 and 26+57.

RF-104G 21+22 seen here after a mission, landing at Volkel on 23 September.
When looking carefully you will notice an other Marine Starfighter just behind this aircraft.

This period Royal Air Force 12 squadron, based at Lossiemouth, had a 1-way squadron exchange with a German Navy MFG2 staffel based at Eggebek, flying the F-104G. In total six Starfighters flew to the UK.

This month Canadian Air Force 1 CAG, based at Baden-Sollingen, flying the CF-104, had a squadron exchange with Dutch Air Force 315 squadron, flying the NF-5, based at Twenthe AB, flying the NF-5. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2-way exchange but at least a number of CF-104 came to Holland including CF-104's 104735, 104770, 104839, 104868, 104873, 104880 and CF-104D two-seaters 104636 and 104661. It is likely that aircraft 104761 flew to Twenthe AB during a pre-exchange on an unknown date.


104761 with another CF-104 at Twenthe during the pre-exchange. When????	104636 moving to the runway. Note the 315sq zapp on its tail.	All four participating CF-104s on the runway at Twenthe Air Base

This year a squadron exchange took place between Italian Air Force 9 gruppo from Grosseto, flying the F-104S, with the German Air Force WS10 based at Jever AB, flying the F and TF-104G. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange.

This year a squadron exchange took place between Italian Air Force 23 gruppo from Rimini, flying the F-104S, with the US Air Force 512 TFS. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange.

This year Danish Air Force 723 or 726 Eskader based at Aalborg, flying the F-104G and CF-104 rotated with RAF 41 squadron based at RAF Coltishall, flying the Jaguar. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation. At least the Jaguars were seen flying around over Denmark.


Two Jaguars and two Starfighters in a steep bank formation over Danish landscape. (Photo unknown source)	Two Jaguars and two Starfighters over Danish landscape. (Photo unknown source)

This year Belgium Air Force 349 Smaldeel (1Wing) based at Bevekom, flying the F-104G rotated with RAF 5 squadron based at RAF Binbrook, flying the Lightning. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation. At least the Lightnings came to Belgium.

This month a German Navy MFG2 staffel based at Eggebek, flying the F-104G rotated with Royal Air Force 56 squadron based at Wattisham. It was a one-way rotation where five F-104Gs and one TF-104G flew to the UK.

This period Dutch Air Force 306 squadron based at Volkel AB, flying the RF-104G rotated with German Air Force 1staffel/JBG32 based at Lechfeld AB, flying the F-104G. It was a 1 way rotation where a number of Dutch Starfighters visited Lechfeld. Due to the busy operational schedule, such as a deployment to Decimomannu, JBG32 could not find any time and possibilities to have a delegation exercises from Volkel as well. The Dutch delegation got support by Fokker F-27M Troopships from 334 squadron. To Lechfeld by C-10 and back home by C-12. Starfighters from 306 squadron seen at Lechfeld were D-8052, D-8066, D-8103 and D-8112, all RF-104G.
IFS Note: It is a bit strange that a specific recce squadron rotated with a typical Fighter Bomber squadron in Germany. Perhaps it was not a 1-way rotation but some kind of deployment??

This period (likely four) Starfighters from the Italian Air Force 132 gruppo based at Villafranca rotated with a Mirage 5 squadron at Florennes, Belgium. It is not known if the Belgium Mirages went to Italy but at least the Italians were seen at Florennes, including F-104G MM6535 code 3-06.

This month a German Navy MFG2 staffel based at Eggebek, flying the F-104G rotated with Hellenic Air Force 345 Mira based at Souda AB. It was a one-way rotation where five F-104Gs and one TF-104G flew to Greece.

This period a squadron exchange took place between French Air Force EC 2/5 from Orange AB, flying the Mirage F-1C-200, with the Dutch Air Force 312 squadron at Volkel AB flying the F-104G. Four French Mirages came to Holland and six Starfighters flew to France which were F-104Gs D-8022, D-8061, D-8062, D-8114 and D-????. The sixt Starfighter was TF-104G D-5801 from CAV.
On May 27th the Mirage F1 aircraft received 312 squadron badges on their tails at Volkel AB.


On June 1st a special formation was flown over Volkel Air Base. They borrowed an F-16 from 311squadron to participate in the formation. (Photo Eric Tammer)	Two Mirage F1 aircraft and a Starfighter ready for another mission from Volkel Air Base in May 1983 (Photo Eric Tammer)

This month Danish Air Force 723 Eskader based at Aalborg, flying the F-104G and CF-104 rotated with US Air Force 32 TFS based at Soesterberg AFB, flying the F-15C Eagle. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation. At least a number of Danish Starfighters visited Soesterberg AFB including TF-104G RT-682 and F-104G R-646.

28 June till 7 July 1983

This period four Starfighters from the Italian Air Force 12 gruppo based at Gioia Del Colle rotated with 315 squadron at Twenthe AB flying the NF-5. It is not known if the Dutch went to Italy but at Twenthe 4 Starfighters were seen flying around being MM6740/36-05, MM6807/36-11, MM6800/36-13 and MM6705/36-14. The Italians also brought an MB336 MM61990/46-04 which was seen at Twenthe on 28 June and 7 July.

All 4 Starfighters ready for their return
back to Italy after the exchange (Paul Kiewik)

This month four Starfighters from Italian Air Force 21 gruppo based at Cameri AB and flying the F-104S rotated with Spanish Air Force ALA 14 at Albecete AB, Spain. The identities of the Starfighters are sadly unknown also if ALA 14 aircraft flew to Cameri as well.

This month four Starfighters from the Italian Air Force 22 gruppo based at Istrana, flying the F-104S rotated with German Air Force JBG34 at Memmingen flying the F-104G. The aircraft were MM6804/51-02, MM6764/51-04, MM6703/51-05 and MM6937/51-20. One MB336 arrived with the 104s being MM61993/46-12.

Nice formation over South Germany showing German
TF-104G 27+22 with Italian guests 51-02, 51-04 and 51-05.

This month four Starfighters from the Italian Air Force 102 gruppo based at Rimini, flying the F-104S rotated with US Air Force 510th TFS at Bentwaters. The aircraft were MM6887/5-07, MM6833/5-16, MM6946/5-06 and MM6924/5-12. The last two aircraft arrived August 17th, one day after the first two. On 5 July 1983 two Starfighters made already a pre-exchange visit to Bentwaters. These were MM6833/5-16 and MM6836/5-24. During the exchange the Italians also brought an MB336 MM61991/46-05. Note: Some reports show 92TFS in stead of 510TFS. We are still looking for confirmation.

This month a Belgium Air Force Mirage 5 squadron based at Bierset, rotated with Hellenic Air Force 116 Ptheriga based at Araxos AB, flying the F-104G. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least a number of Greece Starfighters visited Belgium being F-104Gs 7172/FG172, 7176/FG176 and 7183/FG183 and TF-104G 5708/TF-708.

In total four Starfighters from Italian Air Force 155 gruppo based at Istrana, flying the F-104S rotated with Royal Air Force 16 squadron based at Laarbruch. Sadly the identities of the F-104s seen at Laarbruch are unknown. It is also unknown if the Royal Air Force flew to Italy as well.

This year Royal Air Force 41 squadron based at Coltishall, flying the Jaguar rotated with the Canadians at Baden-Sollingen, flying the CF-104. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least the Jaguars flew to Germany.

This period the Dutch Air Force 312 squadron, based at Volkel flying the F-104G rotated with the Hellenic Air Force 335 Mira (116 Ptheriga) flying the F-104G as well from Araxos AB. It was a two-way exchange. The Greek Starfighters which flew to Holland were TF-104G 5733/FG-733 and two F-104G aircraft 62-12314/FG-314 and 63-12734/FG-734. The two F-104Gs landed March 30th while the TF-104G landed 1 day later. On February 21st till 23rd two Hellenic Starfighters (TF-104G 5733/FG-733 and F-104G aircraft 63-12713/FG-713 visited Volkel AB for the pre-exchange. Dutch Starfighters flew to and from Araxos AB via Rimini AB, Italy, being D-8048, D-8062, D-8063, D-8281 and TF-104G D-5804. They left Volkel AB on March 29th and arrived back at Volkel April 7th, while the Hellenic Starfighters left Volkel already on April 4th.


F-104G FG-314 at Volkel Air Base on April 2nd. 1984. (Photo Eric Tammer)	F-104G FG-734 at Volkel Air Base on April 2nd. 1984. (Photo Eric Tammer)	TF-104G 5733 at Volkel Air Base on April 2nd. 1984. (Photo Eric Tammer)

In total four Starfighters from Italian Air Force 21 gruppo based at Cameri AB rotated with 526 TFS at Ramstein flying the F-4E Phantom . In total 4 Starfighters flew to Ramstein while also a number of Phantoms flew to Cameri. Participating aircraft were MM6810/53-03, MM6xxx/53-03, MM6xxx/53-15 and MM6xxx/53-16. Also an MB336 flew over being MM61992/46-06

This month the Belgium Air Force 350 smaldeel (1 Wing), based at Beauvechain flying the F-16 rotated with the Italian Air Force 23 gruppo flying the F-104S from Rimini AB. It is unknown if it was a one or two-way exchange but at least four Italian Starfighters flew to Belgium.
Participating aircraft were MM6719/5-32, MM6739/5-34, MM6778/5-36 and MM6820/5-35 with MB336 MM61992/46-06 which arrived at Bevekom during the leave at 19 April 1984.

This month the Italian Air Force 132 gruppo, based at Villafranca and flying the F-104G rotated with the Dutch Air Force 314 squadron, based at Eindhoven AB, flying the NF-5. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least four Italian Starfighters operated from Eindhoven.
Pre-visit took place on 29 March 1984 by MM6609/3-03 and MM6633/3-26 together with an MB326E MM54386/"65". On 8 May 1984 the rotation started with the arrival of aircraft MM6505/3-05, MM6586/3-12, MM6563/3-16 and MM6527/3-21 in Holland. Two MB336 aircraft (MM62130/46-37 and MM62133/46-93) came over as well.

In total four Starfighters from Italian Air Force 28 gruppo based at Villafranca AB, flying the F-104G rotated with EC 2/3 at Nancy AB. Sadly the Starfighters which went to Nancy were not identified.

This year the Italian Air Force 102 gruppo based at Rimini AB, flying the F-104S rotated with the Canadian Air Force 441 squadron based at Baden-Sollingen AB, flying the CF-104. it was a shifted squadron exchange. First eight CF-104s flew to Italy from 18 till 28 June and lateron, between 4 and 13 September four Italian aircraft flew from Sollingen.

This month Italian Air Force 9 gruppo based at Grosseto AB, flying the F-104S rotated with Royal Air Force 56 squadron at Wattisham AB. On 12 June MM6722/4-10, MM6930/4-22 and TF-104G 54251/20-15 arrived as a pre-visit. On the 17th of July four Starfighters arrived : MM6722/4-10, MM6930/4-22, MM6732/4-2 and MM6778/4-7. The aircraft flew to and from Wattisham via Buchel AB using call-signs “I6722” (4-10 and 4-22) and “I6778” (4-2 and 4-7). The aircraft received 56squadron zapps while at Wattisham. Since the TF-104GM MM54255/20-20 was also noticed in August 1984 with 56sq markings it is very likely that this aircraft has visited Wattisham as well during the squadron exchange.

This period the German Navy MFG2, based at Eggebek flying the F-104G rotated with the Italian Air Force 12 gruppo flying the F-104S from Gioia del Colle AB. It was a two-way exchange.
Participating Italian aircraft were MM6710/36-02, MM6776/36-06, MM6807/36-11 and MM6814 with likely serial 36-12 but not confirmed yet. The Germans flew to Italy with one TF-104G and five F-104G aircraft.

This month the Italian Air Force instructional squadron 20 Gruppo based at Grosseto flying the TF-104G and F-104G rotated with the Dutch Air Force instructional 313 squadron based at Twenthe AB flying the NF-5B and NF-5A. A number of Italian Starfighters flew to Holland.
Pre-visit at Twenthe was paid by MM54233/20-9 and uncoded MM54237 on 5 July 1984.
Participating aircraft at Twenthe were MM54226/20-1, MM54256/20-21, MM6522/20-31 and MM6561/20-35. Also an MB336 MM62135/46-94 came over with callsign "I2112". On a later stage that year the 313 squadron flew to Italy.

MM54256 code 20-21 taxying at Twenthe AB.
Note the other aircraft taxying behind.

This month the Canadian Air Force 1CAG, based at Baden Sollingen flying the CF-104 rotated with the Royal Air Force 29 squadron based at Waddington. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least a number of Canadian Starfighters flew to the UK. Aircraft seen at Waddington on the 10th of August included 104747, 104756 and 104893.

This month the Canadian Air Force 441 squadron based at Baden-Sollingen AB, flying the CF-104 flew to Tanagra for a 1-way rotation. There they flew DACT missions against the Tanagra based Mirage F-1CG aircraft.

This year 1984 the Italian Air Force 10 gruppo, based at Grazzanise and flying the F-104S rotated with the Spanish Air Force ALA 11 flying the Mirage 3EE/DE from Manises-Valencia AB. It was a two-way exchange. The Spanish took also a two-seater Mirage to Grazzanise for taking pilots on a familirisation flight. The Italians brought four one-seater F-104S aircraft to Valencia being mm6730/9-52, MM6817/9-45, mm6827/9-46 and mm6932/9-41.
During the exchange both Mirages and Starfighters were engaged in Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics (DACT) although the roles of the two units are, under normal circumstances, somewhat different. It was decided that the Italians didn’t use the Sparrow systems because the Mirages did not have any chance being victims beyond visual range. So they decided to fight visible only.
The rotation lasted 10 days and the magazine Aviation News of January/February 1985 spent a four page article on this rotation including a photo on the front cover.

This month Italian Air Force 12 gruppo based at Gioia del Colle AB, flying the F-104S rotated with Royal Air Force 56 squadron at Wattisham AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least four Italian Starfighters flew to the UK being: MM6822/36-01, MM6776/36-06, MM6942/36-10 and MM6875/36-22. All departed the 15th of April while the 36-01 departed on the 18th. A few weeks before, on 12 March 2006, two Starfighters made a pre-visit to Wattisham being MM6942/36-10 and MM6818/36-14. Two MB336 aircraft have been seen at Wattisham during the rotation as well. The aircraft, MM62116/46-35 and MM62133/46-93 were seen on the 9th of April.

In April 1985 the Rimini based 102 gruppo, flying the F-104S rotated with the Royal Air Force 20 squadron at Laarbruch. The four Italian aircraft which flew missions from Laarbruch were MM6921/5-02, MM6912/5-13, MM6789/5-15 and MM6787/5-24. A number of week before, on 5 March 1985, two aircraft arrived for a pre-visit while staying the night. These were MM6913/5-03 and MM6914/5-21. Two MBs were seen as well during the rotation being MM62116/46-35 and MM62133/46-93. The latter one was seen on the 17th of April.
It is not exactly known when the rotation ended and if the English went to Rimini as well.

Somewhere this year Italian Air Force 28 gruppo based at Villafranca AB, flying the F-104G rotated with Hellenic Air Force 340 Mira flying the A7H Corsair II aircraft. It was a 2 way rotation.

This period Canadian Armed Forces 421 squadron (1CAG) based at Baden-Sollingen, rotated with Dutch Air Force 311 or 312 squadron at Volkel AB flying the F-16. It was a shifted 2 way rotation. The Canadians were at Volkel AB from May 28th till June 5th while five Dutch F-16s went to Sollingen from September 24th till October 3rd.
The Canadians participated with a lot of aircraft being CF-104s 104716, 104735 (arrived 3 June), 104739, 104747, 104756, 104773 (departed on 4 June), 104826 (arrived 3 June), 104862, 104873 and 104891. During the stay of all these CF-104s at Volkel there were a lot of Canadian visitors including some Hercules transport aircraft and a number of T-birds.
On Februari 21st three Starfighters (CF-104 104713 and 104862 together with CF-104D 104639) landed for a pre-visit and stayed the night. Since that period the area was celebrating Carnaval the Canadians must have had a nice evening. Another pre-exchange toke place on March 27th by CF-104 104810 for the final arrangements.


Pre-exchange. Here CF-104D 104639 is seen on February 22nd before its departure from Volkel (Photo: Hans van Zeeland)	104747 at the Volkel Air Base flightline on 4 June 1985	104776 at the Volkel Air Base flightline on 4 June 1985.

This year the Canadian Armed Forces 441 squadron (1CAG) based at Baden-Sollingen, rotated with Royal Air Force 15 squadron based at Laarbruch flying the Tornado aircraft. It was a shifted squadron exchange. The Tornados flew from Baden between 28 May and 7 June and the CF-104s flew from Baden between 3 and 13 September with six aircraft.

This month Italian Air Force 20 gruppo based at Grosseto AB, flying the TF-104G rotated with Royal Norwegian Air Force 336 Skv. It was a two way rotation. The Norwegians flew the F-5 but were exchanging to F-16's. One of the TF-104Gs seen in Norway was MM54257 coded 20-22.

This month Italian Air Force 10 gruppo based at Grazzanise AB, flying the F-104S rotated with German Air Force JBG36 (2nd staffel) based at Hopsten AB, flying the F-4F. It was a 2 way rotation. While the German Phantoms were in Italy, four Italian Starfighters operated from Hopsten. The four participating aircraft during the rotation were: MM6936/9-31, MM6919/9-33, MM6932/9-41 and MM6817/9-45.
The pre-exchange took place on 14 and 15 May (including a nightstop) by aircraft MM6727/9-40 and MM6919/9-33.

This month Italian Air Force 23 gruppo based at Rimini AB, flying the F-104S rotated with Royal Air Force 29 squadron based at Coningsby. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least four Italian aircraft came to the UK. Some months earlier, on 22 April, the MM6789/5-15 and MM6815/5-33 and TF-104G MM54257/20-22 made a pre-visit to Coningsby all flying via Laarbruch. It is very likely that during this pre-visit MM6742/5-20 stayed at Laarbruch due to a problem where MM6789/5-15 replaced him. In total four Starfighters flew to Coningsby in July being MM6815/5-33, MM6814/5-42, MM6705/5-43 and MM6714/5-45. Aircraft MM6705 and MM6814 both participated at the Air Tattoo at Fairford on 12 and 13 June 1985 after leaving Coningsby. The other two aircraft flew back home directly.


MM6705 landing at Coningsby.	MM6714 taxying over the Coningsby roll-track.	MM6814 parked near the fence at Coningsby.

In the summer of 1985 the Villafranca based 132 gruppo, flying the F-104G rotated with the Royal Air Force 41 squadron based at Coltishall. A pre-visit took place on 16 May 1985 by MM6535/3-06 and MM6632/3-24. Also a TF-104G (MM54232/4-29) flew to Coningsby this day to join the preparations. First four aircraft arrived in the UK on 23 July being MM6545/3-04, MM6634/3-23, MM6647/3-22 and MM6643/3-27. On the 29th two aircraft joined the fleet being MM6504/3-36 and MM6646/3-50. On the 23rd of July the transport took place using a RAF Hercules C-130K XV183 while the 1st of August the transport was executed by MM61992/46-06. The RAF Jaguar aircraft flew to Villafranca as well so it was a two-way rotation.


Formation over Northern Italy	Formation over Northern Italy	Formation over Northern Italy	Another photo showing aircraft MM6643 code 3-37 landing at Coltishall on 24 July 1985 (Photo Stephan de Bruyn)

Four unidentified F-104S Starfighters from the Istrana based 22 Gruppo rotated with the German Air Force AG51 at Bremgarten flying RF-4E's. It is not known if the Phantoms also flew to Italy.

Four F-104S Starfighters from the Cameri based 21 Gruppo rotated with the Royal Air Force 74 squadron at Wattisham. The participating Italian aircraft were MM6825/53-06, MM6806/53-14, MM6881/53-15 and MM6772/53-20. Transport was done by C-130K aircraft XV217 and XV307 on September 3th while on the 12th of September the MM61993/46-07 took care of the transport back home to Italy. It is unknown if the English fighters also went to Germany.

This month Italian Air Force 9 gruppo based at Grosseto AB, flying the F-104S rotated with Dutch Air Force 315 squadron based at Twenthe AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way rotation but at least the Italians came to Holland. On the 24th of September a pre-visit was organized by aircraft MM6706/4-1, MM6930/4-22 and MM5257/4-39. Participating aircraft during the rotation itself were MM6706/4-1, MM6937/4-3, MM6778/4-7 and MM6769/4-16. Some believe that also MM6930/4-22 participated (a few days) but we have no confirmation. On 28 October two TF-104Gs made an overshoot, probably waving to the Grosseto based collegues… They were MM54230/4-27 and MM54254/4-36.


F-104S MM6706 code 4-1 taxying to the runway at Twenthe Air Base. (Hans van Zeeland)	F-104S MM6778 code 4-7 on the 315sq flightline. Note aircraft MM6706 code 4-1.	F-104S MM6769 code 4-16 taxying to the runway at Twenthe Air Base. (Hans van Zeeland)


CF-104 104747 taxying at Waddington.	CF-104 104893 landing at Waddington.


Mixed formation over Norway.	Mixed formation over Norway