“My memories are inside me – they’re not things or a place – I can take them anywhere”
I went to Andravida with no expectations, well none apart from getting up close to some of the last remaining Phantoms in active service. Getting close was just a part of a glorious couple of days spent at the base with the brilliant team from 338 Mira.
Phancon is an annual event organised by the F4 Society and this was its third meeting, held at the home of the last Hellenic Air Force squadron operating F-4’s.
Having attended Iniochos on a couple of occasions it was great to finally experience the Greek sunshine on base. After registering and receiving passes the group made its way to the taxiway to find three F-4’s lined up and ready to go.
Cameras at the ready we recorded crew arriving and embarking on a mission. J79’s whirring into life and a nice bit of smoke blew away the cobwebs and they were off, passing within a cat’s whisker off the group.
With the three Phantoms holding the group transferred to the opposite side of the runway just in time to capture their departure. Having been on that side of the runway previously in a deluge it was great to finally get close to the action.
A tour of the maintenance hangar followed along with a visit to the engine shop. How many J79’s do they need??
Of course, they had merch and of course I bought far too much, I’m still amazed I wasn’t stopped at the Border to explain why I had a fin from a Sparrow missile in my bag! (Only €40 – Bargain!!)
The afternoon was spent at the officer’s club, some 10k from the main base on the Coast. Sat with a cold beer and some great food, I really didn’t think life could get any better, it did!
Back on base at 6pm, with some glorious light, 338 Mira prepped for our arrival. Half the group went inside for a film showing and the other half were allowed cockpit access. Yes, I banged my leg getting in, but it was so so worth it!
Our group then returned to the ready room where we saw the film depicting the history of the Phantom in Greek service.
We then departed back to the taxiway with the light fading and long shadows, two of the three on the ramp were powered up and we walked across the taxiway to a point between that and the runway for the night take offs. Light had really faded so high ISOs were the order of the day for some superb fire laden take offs.
Everyone was then taken back to the squadron’s offices for a BBQ and beers, yes, the day had peaked! This was, of course, another chance to grab merch and bling, also to take in the photos and artwork inside the building.
Day two and more action, a later start we made our way to the far side of the base, near the engine shop for take offs. We had two go off on a mission, with a long wait in the sun for them to return back, again the return was a simulated attack on the base then landings. This time we were able to get them with chutes deployed.
Then the phinal treat, a rapid climb departure, one of the squadron’s birds had just been accepted back from maintenance so the crew were taking it out for a shakedown.
Once the team returned, and a phinal chance for us to see a Spook dragging a chute it was back to the offices for a drink and the group photos.
Our last act was to meet at the officer’s club, by the sea, in glorious sunshine for more beer and another delicious meal.
I’ve made some great new friends on yet another great trip to Greece, if you get a chance – GO!! (Ramstein Flag/Iniochos with COAP Hint Hint)
Over so quickly, the memories though will last with me Phorever.
My thanks to Mary, Matt, Coert, Felicia and everyone for such a great week. Phinally, thanks to everyone at 338 Mira and the Hellenic Air Force for their hospitality, their warmth and for allowing us access.
(Originally published on COAP Blog)