Mark, take note, the German Luftwaffe finally retired its last active F-104G which was operating with a weapons trials squadron. This occurred on 22 May 91. Meanwhile the U.S. Navy refired its last two A-7 Squadrons in June of 1991. Both squadrons, VA-46 and VA-72 had participated in the Gulf war flying strike and iron hand missions off the US S Kennedy. The Naval reserves retired their last Corsair squadron back in April. The South Africans retired their Buccaneers in March. Only five of the original sixteen delivered in 1965 remained airworthy.
In early 1991, the Swiss retired 55 Vampire Fb.6 which had been used for mining and support and the British finished withdrawing their last Harrier GR.3s. All RAF Harriers are of the GR.5n variety (AV-0s). Finally, India has retired its last Ajeets and the Netherlands have retired their last NF-5s this year. Most of the NF-5s are headed for Turkey and Greece for continued service.
Current Events 1991
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© Copyright 1991 by J.D. Webster
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