"the eye of the tiger"

Tuesday April 1st 2004 a special “spotters day” was organized by 313 “Tiger” Squadron to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 313 “Tiger” Squadron. Other “Tiger” Squadrons where
also invited at the party. Two Super Etendards from 11 Flottile of the Aeronavale - French
Navy and also two Tornados from Aufklärungsgeschwader 51 of the Luftwaffe - German Air
Force traveled to Twenthe Air Base in the Netherlands, the home base of the 313 “Tiger”
Squadron. For the 50th anniversary of the 313 “Tiger” Squadron a specially painted F-16AM
was presented, called “the eye of the tiger”. Also the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Solo
Display Team was present with their famous J-016, which is a well seen quest at air shows all
over Europe. The J-016 flown by Captain Christian “Louis” van Gestel, gave a nice display in
the morning an afternoon. Furthermore there where lots of F-16’s of 313 and 315 Squadron.
The 315 Squadron also known as the “Dutch Lions”, whose home is also Twenthe Air Base,
was sadly deactivated earlier this year. Sadder news was heard this day, that Twenthe
Air Base will be closed in 2007 and 313 Squadron is maybe relocated or deactivated!