337th Squadron (HAF)

The 337th Squadron traces its origins to the Greek air force in exile during World War II, starting as a Spitfire-equipped flight in No. 339 Wing RAF.[1] In 1946 it moved to Elefsis Air Base, and was raised to full squadron in 1948.[1]

in 1952, the 337th became the first squadron of the Greek air force to be equipped with jet aircraft, its Spitfires being slowly replaced with Republic F-84 Thunderjets and Lockheed T-33s. The squadron was relocated to Larissa Air Base and redesignated 337th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (337 Μοίρα Διώξεως-Βομβαρδισμού).[1] During this time, the squadron formed the first Greek aerobatic team,[1] the Hellenic Flame.

The squadron returned to Elefsis in 1956, before moving to Tanagra Air Base in 1959 to start its equipment with the North American F-86D Sabre. Redesignated 337th All-Weather Squadron (337 Μοίρα Παντός Καιρού), it was based at Larissa from 1960 to 1967.[1]

In 1967 the squadron was re-equipped with Northrop F-5s, moving to Nea Anchialos Air Base as the 337th Day Interceptor Squadron (337 Μοίρα Αναχαίτησης Ημέρας).[1] The squadron returned to Larissa in 1978 and was re-equipped with McDonnell Douglas F-4E aircraft, assuming the title 337th All-Weather Interceptor Squadron (337 Μοίρα Αναχαίτησης Παντός Καιρού).[1]

The squadron was temporarily decommissioned in 2005, in preparation for its transition to the F-15 Block 52+ aircraft. It resumed operation in 2006, under its current designation.[1]