H.A.F. ''Skyhigh''

The Hellenic Air Force was founded in 1911 and has more than 90 years of history. The first efforts to introduce aviation in The motto of the Hellenic Air Force is "Αίεν Υψικρατείν" meaning "Always Dominate the Heights" and the HAF ensign represents a flying eagle in front of the Hellenic Air Force roundel. The Hellenic Air Force is one of the three branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces.
The Hellenic Air Force was founded in 1911 and has more than 90 years of history. The first efforts to introduce aviation in Greece clearly belong to Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, whose contribution was widely recognized in 2000, when the Greek Government gave his name to the Athens International Airport.

Foundation and Balkan Wars
The Henri Farman was the first aircraft to enter service. It served in both Balkan Wars, and the First World War
The Henri Farman was the first aircraft to enter service. It served in both Balkan Wars, and the First World War

In 1911 the Greek Government appointed French specialists to form the Hellenic Aviation Service. Six Greek officers were sent to France for training, while the first four "Farman" type aircraft were ordered. The first Greek aviator was Emmanuel Argyropoulos, who flew in a Nieuport IV.G. "Alcuin" aircraft, on February 8, 1912.

The first military flight was made on 13 May of that year by Lieutenant Dimitrios Kamberos. In June, Kamberos, flew with the "Daedalus", a Farman Aviation Works aircraft that had been converted into a seaplane, setting the foundations of the Naval Aviation. That September, the Greek Army fielded its first squadron, the "Aviators Company" (Λόχος Αεροπόρων).

World War I and aftermath
Marcel Bloch M.B.151
Marcel Bloch M.B.151

The Hellenic Air Force participated in the Balkan Wars, World War I, the Asia Minor Campaign and World War II. Initially it consisted of the separate Army Aviation and Naval Aviation services, but in 1930 the Aviation Ministry was founded, establishing the Air Force as the third branch of the Armed Forces. In 1931 the Hellenic Air Force Academy, the Scholi Ikaron, was founded.

In 1939 an order for 24 Marcel Bloch MB.151 fighter aircraft was placed, but only 9 of the aircraft reached Greece, since the outbreak of World War II prevented the French from completing the order. The aircraft served in the 24th Pursuit Squadron (MD - Moira Dioxis) of the then Hellenic Royal Air Force.

Second World War and Civil War
A PZL P.24, the main Greek fighter in the Greco-Italian War
A PZL P.24, the main Greek fighter in the Greco-Italian War

During the Second World War, the RHAF successfully resisted the Italian invasion in 1940, but practically the entire force was destroyed by the German Luftwaffe in April 1941. The Air Force was rebuilt in the Middle East as part of the British Royal Air Force, flying Spitfires, Hurricanes and Martin Baltimores.

After Greece's liberation in 1944, it returned home and subsequently played a decisive role in the Greek Civil War, which lasted until 1949.

Post-war developments
F-84F Thunderstreak
F-84F Thunderstreak
(T)F-104 G Starfighter
(T)F-104 G Starfighter

In the 1950s, the force was rebuilt and organized according to NATO standards, with US aid. The Greek Air Force participated in the Korean War with a transport flight.

Many aircraft systems were revised. The F-84F first flew with the Hellenic Air Force in 1950. The Thunderstreak was developed to overcome the limitations of the Thunderjet's straight flying surfaces. The RF-84F was the reconnaissance version of the F-84 F Thunderstreak. This aircraft remained operational with the 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the Hellenic Air Force from 1956 to March 29, 1991

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[Deetv83]

It's "Crockett's Theme" by Joe Hammer. You can find similar songs, along with this one, on a CD called "Pure Moods Vol. 1" Hope you enjoy!

[mcurren2004]

Awesome. They've got to have nerves of steel. mc

[pgmartini1]

crockets theme....crockets AF

[D67fr]

Thank you ;-)