Squadron Exchanges 1968

This month the 2nd part of a shifted squadron exchange emerged between the German Air Force JBG31 (1st Staffel) at Norvenich, flying the F-104G and the Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo from Ghedi AB, flying also the F104G. In October 1967 (not November 1968!) the Italians flew to Germany and in February 1968 the Germans flew to Italy. The Germans flew to Italy with four Starfighters with the pilots Hptm Böttcher, Oblt Burkhard, Oblt Kahler and Oblt Berger. Support to Ghedi was performed by three Noratlas aircraft on the 12th February 1968: GB+111, GB+120 and GC+344. During the return (23rd February) it was performed by Noratlas aircraft GB+124 and 52+41.

German Air Force JBG31 (1st Staffel) flying the F-104G, based at Norvenich, exchanged with the Danish Air Force 730 Eskadrille at Skrydstrup flying the F-100D Super Sabre. It was a two-way exchange. Four Super Sabres arrived at Norvenich and four Starfighters flew to Denmark. 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 each other the specific maintenance characteristics of their aircraft. We have no pictures of F-104s in Denmark but do have a picture of Danish F-100s at Norvenich (thanks to the photo section JaboG31"B").

This month the Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv at Bodo AB, flying the F-104G Starfighter exchanged with the Royal Netherlands Air Force 314 or 315 squadron at Eindhoven Air Base, flying the F-84F Thunderstreak. It is unknown of this was a one or two-way exchange but at least five Norwegian Starfighters flew at Eindhoven Air Base being 61-2628/FN-D, 61-2629/FN-E, 61-2631/FN-H, 61-2633/FN-U and TF-104G 62-12263/FN-M. Picture shows aircraft FN-E at Eindhoven, April 1st, 1968. We are currently trying to get confirmation (or exercise, or deployment?)

The Dutch Air Force 312 Squadron, based at Volkel exchanged with the Italian Air Force 132 Gruppo (part of 3 Aerobrigata) operating the RF-84F from Villafranca. Since the runway was under repair the aircraft flew from Ghedi. It was a 2-way exchange where the Italians came along with four RF-84F Thunderflash jets which only flew one (Friday) morning. It is also strange that the Italians did not exchange with 306 Squadron at Twenthe 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. Beneath a photo taken by the father of Michael de Boer at Ghedi during the exchange showing all the Dutch F-104s lined up. It was stated that on the 10th of April two C-119s (AMI) left Volkel for transport back to Villafranca.

One of the staffels of German Air Force JBG31, flying the F-104G at Norvenich, exchanged with the the FAF EC 1/3 stationed at Nancy and flying the Mirage IIIE. It was a one-way exchange where the Starfighters flew to Nancy with pilots Hptm Amtmann, Hptm Kühne, HFW Heltzel and OFW Rajek.

The Italian Air Force 9 Gruppo (4 Stormo), based at Grosseto AB exchanged with the German Air Force JG71 based at Wittmundhafen, both operating the F-104G Starfighter. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least four German Starfighters flew to Italy being 23+46, 24+35 (on loan from WS10?), 25+60 and 25+83.

The Canadian 427 Squadron based at Zweibrucken, flying the CF-104, exchanged with the USAFE 55 TFS/20 TFW at Wethersfield, UK, flying the F-100D Super Sabre. It was a shifted 2 way exchange where the 427 Squadron deployed 7 aircraft and additional personnel to Wethersfield, England for a two week stay with the 55th TFS. Other than the "normal activities" that Squadron Exchanges participate in (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-100D's continued the 2nd part of this exchange later that year from August 27th till September 4th with approximately six aircraft. Norm McSween remembered that despite the rigorous entertainment program at Zweibrucken the "Fighting 55th" completed their operational requirements. Four of these six aircraft were identified being 12759. 12771, 12815, 12866, 12870 and CF-104Ds 12654 and 12663 (thanks also to Anglia Aeronews magazine). David Taylor was very happy to be able to photograph these 4 birds at Wethersfield during this event. Beneath some shots he took also a photo showing the important ground crew of 427 Squadron.

The Italian Air Force 21 Gruppo (53 Stormo), based at Cameri AB exchanged with the German Air Force JG74 (1st Staffel) based at Neuburg, both operating the F-104G Starfighter. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange.

The German Air Force AG51 aircraft (1st Staffel) based at Bremgarten AB, flying the RF-104G, exchanged with 17 TRS/66 TRW USAFE (Upper Heyford AB) flying the RF-101C. It was a 2 way shifted exchange. The German Starfighters were flying in the UK from 10 till 20 June while later from 10 to 16 July the Voodoos flew from Manching Air Base, Germany. On June 14th the following RF-104G Starfighters were reported as seen at Upper Heyford (AG51): 23+84, 23+89, 24+08 and 24+18. The aircraft 23+89 must have been misread because that aircraft never flew with a recce squadron.

This month there was a squadron exchange between the Belgium Air Force 349 Squadron (1 Wing), based at Beauvechain, and German Air Force JG74 (likely 2nd Staffel) based at Neuburg flying both the F-104G Starfighter interceptor versions. It was a one way exchange. Only the Belgium Starfighters were present at Neuburg. (Note: This was a typical hybrid kind of squadron exchange. 349 sq to Neuburg to exchange with JG74 while JBG33 went to Beauvechain to exchange also with 349 squadron).

This month there was a squadron exchange between the Belgium Air Force 349 Squadron (1 Wing) and German Air Force JBG33 based at Buchel flying both the F-104G Starfighter. It was a one way exchange. Only the German Starfighters were present at Beauvechain Air Base. (Note: This was a typical hybrid kind of squadron exchange. 349 sq to Neuburg to exchange with JG74 while JBG33 went to Beauvechain to exchange also with 349 squadron).

The German Air Force JBG34 (2nd Staffel) flying the F-104G, based at Memmingen, exchanged with the Royal Air Force 3 squardron, based at Laarbruch, Germany, flying the Canberra. It is unclear if the exchange was 1 or 2 way but at least the British flew to Memmingen with 5 Canberra aircraft. (Picture beneath, taken at Memmingen, show the British and JBG34 pilots joined together, thanks to Bob Kirkham, via Heribert Mennen).

The German Air Force AG51 aircraft (1st Staffel) based at Bremgarten AB exchanged with the French ER 1/33 flying the Mirage IIIR aircraft from Strassbourg. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but at least the Mirages were seen at Manching mid July. Pictures beneath were taken during this exchange in Germany when also USAF Voodoos could be found at Manching as well.
At least RF-104G 23+95 got zapped with a big ER 1/33 "Axe" on its rudder as can be seen on one of the pictures beneath (by Frank Klaassen).

This year there was a shifted squadron exchange between the Belgium Air Force 350 Squadron (1 Wing), based at Beauvechain, and Royal Air Force 5 Squadron based at Binbrook flying the Lightning F.6. First the Lightnings visited Beauvechain from 5 till mid March and later on in July the Belgian Starfighters were available at Binbrook in the UK.

The German Air Force JG71 (1st Staffel) based at Wittmundhafen exchanged this month with the USAFE 32 FIS/86 AD based at Soesterberg flying the F-102A Delta Dagger. It was a 2 way exchange, both squadrons used 4 aircraft for the exchange where the Germans replaced aircraft in that week. German Starfighters seen at Soesterberg were 23+39, 23+75, 23+90, 25+90, 26+00 and 26+01.  The German started with 23+75, 23+90, 26+00 and 26+01. On the 19th, aircraft 26+00 was replaced by 25+90, and on the 24th of July the aircraft 25+90 was replaced by 23+39. Some believe the rotation already started the 16th but we have no confirmation yet.. Beneath aircraft 23+75 and 23+90 both photographed by Eric Tammer on July 17th. And aircraft 25+90 taken on a rainy day thanks to Klaas Folkersma.

This year there was a squadron exchange between the German Air Force JBG32 (1st Staffel) based at Lechfeld, flying the F-104G, and the Royal Air Force 92 Squadron flying the Lightning F.2 from Gutersloh, Germany. Transport from Gutersloh to Lechfeld was scheduled on July 23rd by RAF and on the return (August 1st) by the Luftwaffe. It is unknown if it was a 1 or a 2 way exchange but at least 6 Lightning aircraft operated from Lechfeld during this event. Nr 92 Squadron stated in their squadron logs: "As usual the exchange was good social value but this time the operational value was doubtful as they were a low level strike squadron and 92’s role at the time was almost purely high level interception". Beneath a photo found somewhere on the web showing Starfighters  22+75 and 25+29 together with two 92 Squadron Lightning jets during the exchange.

This period the Italian Air Force 9 Gruppo (4 Stormo), based at Grosseto, operating the F-104G Starfighter, exchanged with the Royal Air Force 29 Squadron based at Wattisham, flying the Lightning F.3. It was 2 way exchange. Starfighters seen at Wattisham (reported 31 July) were:  MM6522/4-4, MM6648/4-7, MM6561/4-14 and MM6575/4-19. (Serials thanks to Paul Offen).
Aircraft MM6575 (white) with code 4-19, can be seen on the photo beneath. Also two landing pictures can by seen (by Arnold Booy) showing aircraft 4-7 and 4-19 landing at Wattisham on August 5th.

The German Air Force JG71 (2nd Staffel) based at Wittmundhafen exchanged this month with the 11 Squadron (RAF) flying the Lightning F.6,  based at Leuchars. It was a 2-two exchange.

This period the Canadian 441 Squadron exchanged with the Danish Air Force 729 Eskadrille at Karup. Again it was a 2-way exchange. 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. Five of them could be identified being 12655, 12730, 12761, 12833 and 12862.

This month an exchange went on between the German RF-104Gs from AG52 at Leck and the USAFE RF-4C phantoms from 32 TRS/10 TRW based at Alconbury AB, UK. Four Starfighters flew to the UK and four Phantoms came to Leck AFB. Two German Starfighters have been identified when they were seen landing at Alconbury on August 12th by Arnold Booy.

The Dutch RF-104G 306 Squadron at Twenthe AB, exchanged with USAFE 1 TRS/10 TRW, equipped with RF-4C, based at Alconbury. It was a  two-way exchange. A total of six Dutch Starfighters were seen at Alconbury being TF-104G D-5811, D-5812 and F-104G D-8022, D-8047, D-8048, D-8049. Transport was flown by Fokker F-27M Troopship from 334 Squadron.
Beneath a photo showing the arrival of the Dutch delegation at Alconbury with the traditional welcome rituals on Monday August 19th. (Thanks to Ton Smilde, http://www.the306sqn.com/).
On Monday August 19th also the US personnel flew to Twenthe AB inside the same Dutch F-27 Troopship. The US delegation was flying with four RF-4C Phantom aircraft and returned back in Alconbury on August 26th. Newpaper article was shared by Harry Prins.

The Canadian 421 Squadron based at Baden-Sollingen, flying the CF-104 Starfighter, exchanged with the Norwegian Air Force 332 SKV based at Rygge flying the F-5A. It was a two-way exchange. Photo beneath thanks to Tom Svendsen showing two visiting CF-104s with two F-5s over the Rygge runway on August 28th, 1968.

The German Air Force AG52 aircraft based at Leck AB, flying the RF-104G, exchanged with the USAF 18th TRS (66 TRW) flying the RF-101C Voodoo aircraft from Upper Heyford AFB, UK.  It was a 2-way exchange where an unknown number of Starfighters flew to the UK and six Voodoo aircraft flew to Leck. Beneath a number of pictures taken at Leck during the event, thanks to Karl Heinz Müller. The RF-104G 24+77 picture taken at Leck during the event was taken by Chuck Abbott. (Date thanks to Air Strip Magazine.)

Norwegian Air Force 331 Skv at Bodo AB exchanged with the USAFE 53 TFS/36 TFW flying the F-4D Phantom, normally based at Bitburg but temporary deployed to Spangdahlem. It was a 2-way exchange. The Phantoms just had returned from a deployment in the Libyan desert 2 days before. In total four F-4s arrived at Bodo and on the 9th September a 5th Phantom arrived with the 36th TFW commander. Attached some memory items from this exchange (newspaper article and cartoon) thanks to Erik Dahlen.

The Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo (6 Stormo), operating the F-104G at Ghedi AB exchanged this year also with the Royal Air Force 16 Squadron flying the Canberra B(I).8 at Laarbruch, Germany. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange but for sure the Canberras flew to Ghedi.

The Danish Air Force 726 Eskadrille, operating the F-104G from Aalborg AB, exchanged with the French Air Force Escadre de Chasse 13 from Colmar AB flying the Mirage IIIE. It was a two-way exchange. Four Danish Starfighters were seen in France being F-104Gs R-647, R-698, R-707 and R-754 and TF-104G RT-683. It is unknown if the French aircraft were from EC 1/13 or EC 2/13. Beneath three photos taken at Colmar and the UK on the flightlines. The first picture was taken at Colmar on September 22nd which means that it looks like the exchange was during the second part of September. The middle picture was taken in the UK. (visit?)

The Italian Air Force 154 Gruppo (6 Stormo), operating the F-104G at Ghedi AB exchanged this year also with the German Air Force AG52 flying the RF-104G at Leck AB. It is unknown if it was a 1 or 2 way exchange.

The Dutch Air Force 323 Squadron, based at Leeuwarden AB exchanged with the Italian Air Force 10 Gruppo (9 Stormo) based at Grazzanise, both flying the F-104G. It was a one-way exchange, only the Italians flew to Holland. Seen were: 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). On September 13th, C-119J MM518156 code 46-58 arrived at Leeuwarden to pick up personell. Photos beneath were taken by Gerrit Hiemstra and by Harm Wondaal.

The Dutch Air Force 311 Squadron, operating the F-104G at Volkel AB, exchanged with USAFE 493 TFS/48 TFW, operating the F-100D at Lakenheath, UK. It was a two-way shifted exchange. The Dutch Starfighters went to Lakenheath in September while the Americans had already been in Volkel from 5 till 8 July with four Super Sabres. This was just a weekend. It is unknown how many Starfighters participated in the UK in September. Pre-exchange was on June 27th with a two-seater F-100F Sabre At Volkel.
The 311sq squadron day-book showed a number of 10 Super Sabres for one weekend at Volkel starting from July 5th but the official movements database from Volkel showed a total of four F-100D's arriving on Monday July 15th together with one C-130 for transport. This makes the situation a bit unclear.

322 Squadron, operating the F-104G interceptors at Leeuwarden AB exchanged with the Royal Canadian Armed Force 422 Squadron (4 Wing), based at Baden Soelingen, flying the CF-104. It is unknown if this was a one or two way exchange but at least the Canadians came to the Netherlands. First on September 11th CF-104D 12657 visited Leeuwarden for the pre-exchange arrangements. On September 17th five Starfighters arrived at Leeuwarden Air Base being: CF-104D 12657 and CF-104's 12714, 12788, 12880 and 12889. In the evening of the 16th (22:30 hrs) a Canadian C-130 arrived to provide transport. On the next day at least 1 CT-133 (21647) landed for crew-ferry duty. It is possible that during the exchange aircraft have been exchanged (something often done by Canadian squadrons during exchanges). In total 8 Canadian Starfighter pilots participated.  All wonderful pictures beneath have been provided thanks to Harm Wondaal (Aviation Group Leeuwarden, thanks to Jerry Stok for processing them)

The Canadian Air Force 430 Squadron, flying the CF-104 Starfighter, exchanged this month with USAFE 92 TFS/81 TFW based at Bentwaters, flying the F-4C Phantom. It was a two-way shifted exchange. First 92 TFS flew to Zweibrucken, and the end of this month 430 Squadron flew to the UK. In total 12 Starfighters were seen during the event at Woodbridge (because Bentwaters was closed for works). These were CF-104s 12713, 12747, 12759, 12808, 12823, 12835, 12845, 12847, 12870, 12895 and CF-104Ds 12660 and 12667. Bentwaters then opened later that month again and on 27 and 29 September Starfighters 12747 and 12661 were noted there. (serials thanks to Anglia Aeronews magazine).

The French Air Force ECTT 2/30, based at Reims AB, flying the Vautour IIN aircraft, exchanged with the German Air Force JG74 (2nd Staffel) based at Neuburg flying the F-104G. It was a shifted 2 way exchange. First four Vautor aircraft came to Neuburg from 17 till 27 September, as can be seen on the photo beneath (thanks to JG74). Later in October four Starfighters flew to Reims were they flew operations together with ECTT 2/30, using also two Noratlas transport aircraft.

This year there was a squadron exchange between the Belgium Air Force 23 Smaldeel (10 Wing), operating the F-104G from Kleine Brogel and US Air Force 78 TFS /81 TFW based at Woodbridge, flying the F-4D Phantom. It was a way shifted exchange. First the Phantoms visited Belgium from 12 till 19 September and a month later the Belgium Starfighters visited Bentwaters.

This year there was a squadron exchange between the German Air Force JBG34 (2nd Staffel), based at Memmingen, flying the F-104G Starfighter and RAF nr 3 squadron. It is unknown if this was a one or two way exchange.