The 340th Squadron (Greek: 340 Μοίρα, 340 M), callsign "Fox" (ΑΛΕΠΟΥ), is a fighter squadron in service with the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), forming part of the 115th Combat Wing. It is based at Souda Air Base on the island of Crete and currently operates F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft.
Establishment and early years
The squadron was established on 18 April 1953 as the 340 Fighter-Bomber Squadron (340 Μοίρα Διώξεως/Βομβαρδισμού) at Elefsis Air Base, initially equipped with F-84G Thunderjets. In September of that year, it moved to the newly established Nea Anchialos Air Base. In May 1958, the squadron began receiving F-84F Thunderstreaks, and in February 1960 it relocated to the 115th Combat Group (later the 115th Combat Wing) at Akrotiri, Crete.
Renaming and reorganization
In July 1964, following a Hellenic Air Force General Staff mandate, the 340th Fighter-Bomber Squadron was renamed the 338th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, while the former 335th Strike Squadron assumed the numbering of the 340th Strike Squadron (340 Μοίρα Κρούσης). The unit was renamed again to 340 Fighter-Bomber Squadron in October 1966.
In 1974, the squadron absorbed the F-84F aircraft of the sister 338th and 339th squadrons, reaching a strength of 75 aircraft. During the emergency following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, this allowed the squadron to establish three detachments, which were subsequently spun off into separate squadrons: the 3401st, 3402nd, and 3403rd.
Transition to A-7H Corsair
In August 1975, the squadron began receiving its new A-7H Corsair II aircraft and was renamed the 340th Bomber Squadron (340 Μοίρα Βομβαρδισμού). Its remaining F-84Fs, along with much of its personnel, were transferred to the sister 345th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (formerly the 3402nd). In 1992, the squadron was reinforced with half of the A-7Hs of the disbanded 347th Bomber Squadron.
Disbandment and reactivation
The 340th Bomber Squadron was disbanded on 30 January 2001, with its aircraft and part of its personnel transferred to the 345th Squadron. The squadron was reactivated on 3 March 2003, still at the 115th Combat Wing, operating F-16 Block 52+ aircraft as the 340th Squadron.
Mission
According to the Hellenic Air Force, the mission of the 340 Squadron is to maintain a high level of readiness and effectiveness in order to conduct successful air operations whenever needed, in accordance with current plans. This is achieved through the appropriate organization, training of personnel, and maintenance of available means and systems.
Aircraft history
- F-84G Thunderjet (1953–1958)
- F-84F Thunderstreak (1958–1975)
- A/TA-7H Corsair II (1975–2001)
- F-16C/D Block 52+ (2003–present)
References
- Hellenic Air Force official website, "340 Squadron" (haf.gr)
- Wikipedia, "340th Squadron (HAF)"
