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50 Years 313 "Tiger" Squadron
As mentioned, the squadron was activated on December 1st 1953 at Volkel AB. In that days, they flew with forty T-33A's, one Harvard and eight F-84E Thunderjets. They carried the squadroncode 'TA' and 'TR'(T-33A). The Thunderjets were replaced by the F-84F Thunderstreaks ('TA' nose code). The F-84F's were transferred to 312 Squadron (also based at Volkel AB). The 313 squadron with T-33A's (also 2 RT-33A's; M-101 and M-102) was enlarged with Gloster Meteor T Mk.7's of the former JVS (Jacht Vliegschool/Fighter Flying School). After this mix the name was changed in JVO (Jacht Vlieg Opleiding/Fighter Flying Education). At June 26th 1958 313 Squadron was transferred to Woensdrecht AB. In November 1958 the last nine Meteors were transferred to the Dutch Navy Flying Service).
By Frits Jongerman
313 Squadron history
On January 1st 1959 313 Squadron was temporary deactivated. At the end of 1958 JVO was named No.2 Instruction Squadron. In May 1962 No. 2 Instruction Squadron was integrated with the Belgian Air Force. On October 14 1968 the unit was transferred to Twenthe AB. On October 12th 1972 313 Squadron was activated again and is responsible for TOCC (Theatre Operational Conversion Course) and AOC (Advanced Operational Courses) of the NF-5. Their equipment was mostly NF-5B's and some NF-5A singles. At the end of 1980 this task became a task for other squadrons. In September 1986 316 Squadron at Gilze Rijen AB continued this task.
On September 15th 1986 313 Squadron became an operational squadron. In December 1987 313 Squadron starts with the conversion from the NF-5A/B to the F-16. At May 30st 1988 the first own 313 Squadron F-16 (J-359) arrived (the new, block 15). On July 1st 1988 313 Squadron said officially goodbye to the good old NF-5 (K-3045 was painted with 'Aanvalle' and 313 Squadron thanks NF-5 markings on the tail). The F-16 conversion was ended begin 1989 and at the end off 1989 313 Squadron was operational again.
On October 14th 1990, the squadron became a member of the 'Tiger Community' and their badge was changed from a landing bird to a tiger(head).
At January 1st 1996 313 Squadron was not an operational fighter squadron but their task was changed in education. Their block 15 F-16's were transferred to Volkel and Leeuwarden, the block 10 F-16A/B's were transferred to 313 Squadron. Between 1998 and 2000 the F-16's were modified to the MLU (Mid Life Update) standard at Woensdrecht AB.
On October 2002 313 Squadron lost her training role and became a fighter squadron again. 313 Squadron was active during peace keeping operations in Bosnia (from Villafranca AB, Italy), Kosovo (from Amendola AB, Italy) and Afghanistan (from Manas AB). On August 29 2003 the tigers used their teeth above Afghanistan.
December 1st 2003 the squadron won't see fifty again, celebrating there 50th anniversary. In January 2004, there sister-squadron, 315 Squadron, also based at Twenthe AB was deactivated and some of the 315 Vipers were transferred to the 313 Squadron. 315 Squadron flew his last operational mission at December 17th 2003.
We like to thank 313 Squadron and Public Affairs of Twenthe AB for the organisation of this spottersday and we hope we can visit them again when they will celebrate their 55th anniversary. I will not be at Twenthe AB but may be at Volkel AB. At this moment it's not sure if 313 Squadron will exist or another current Squadron. The Royal Netherlands Air Force is thinking about this matter and the programme is called '3xx' squadron. Because the tiger spirit we hope this squadron will stay, besides the other current RNLAF squadrons.