Exactly 23 Years ago! HAF Thunderflash at Volkel

[Frank]

Hi all



I just found out that this was exactly 23 years ago today: For the 306Sqn 35th anniversary, the Air Force arranged that they would get the last flying RF-84F of the Hellenic Air Force.

It took several days for it to be delivered at Volkel and the exact arrival date became known only a few days before. I did not have a car, nor drivers license by that time so I am still thankful to Jaap Dijkstra giving me a lift. I was so nervous when the Thunderflash arrived on finals that only got one reasonable shot. The second one was completely out of focus. Yep, no autofocus these days.

Still, I am so glad I was there!

[wvanbel]

Lovely shot! Thanks for sharing!

PS: I also remember the days without driving license, manual focus, film rolls,...the good old days, but living too far from airports and hence many missed opportunities ;-(

Best regards,

Walter

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[Mickey312]

Nice shot . Unfortunately I was still on holiday when it arrived, but here it's seen at the Safaripark a couple of weeks later in August, complete with 306 emblem on the tail.

[Roel van Gestel]

Nice! I understood though, that the last HAF RF-84F was retired in March 1991. I guess the fact that this 11253 was a former KLu Flash helped a lot.

[Hans Rolink]

I remember that one very well. The KLu even threw a photo call for the event, unfortunately the good weather on the day of arrival was gone then.
Indeed, many rumours about its date of arrival in a time with no Internet.

Hans.

[Stefan]

Indeed, many rumours about its date of arrival in a time with no Internet.

Well, judging by the amount of people there during its arrival we didn't really need internet The first picture also shows the RF-4E that accompanied the Thunderflash. The Phantom proceeded to Ramstein though.





Regards,
Stefan

[Frank]

jaaaa, lekker Steef!!