80 years 322 Squadron

The Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) oldest squadron exists 80 years. For this occasion, an anniversary tail has been designed for the unit's Lockheed F-35A Lightning II. Inspired by an existing photo, the tail depicts Jan Leendert Plesman looking at Polly Gray who is sitting on his finger.

Although 322 Squadron Niet praten maar doen (Don't prattle, act) was formed on 12 June 1943, this month (September) was selected to celebrate its 80 years anniversary. In June 2023 Leeuwarden air base was closed for a longer period whilst the runway was resurfaced and a large part of the squadron was on temporary duty at Malbork (Poland) taking up NATO Enhanced Air Policing tasks.

322 is the KLu's oldest operational squadron. It was formed with Dutch personnel already flying with 167 Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF) at RAF Woodvale. During the WW II it formed part of the Air Defence of Great Britain and formed part of the defences against V-1 flying bombs. In the last year of the war, it moved to the continent. After the war, it was disbanded as an RAF unit, but the 322e Jachtvliegtuig Afdeling of the Netherlands armed forces was formed from the squadron.

This years' Frisian Flag exercise will take place from 2 October to 13 October at Leeuwarden. Hopefully, the specially adorned F-35A, serial F-014, will participate in the exercise. For more information on tghe participants have a look at the Scramble Magazine SIS Summary page.

Credit photo: Leeuwarden air base