last visit F-104 Starfighter at Kleine Brogel

Peer, a city close to Kleine Brogel, received a F-104 Starfighter from the Belgian Armed Forces Air Component. The Starfighter was placed on a pole at a roundabout on Tuesday 16th November 2004. Prior to this, on Wednesday 27th October, a ceremony was held at Kleine Brogel. Former Starfighter pilots of the Belgian Armed Forces Air Component were invited to whitness the presentation of the FX94. The Belgian Armed Forces Air Component opened the gate for aviation enthousiast as well. After the official fare well ceremony at Pratica di Mare, Italy. It was a big suprise that the Italians showed up at Kleine Brogel! Two Starfighters were scheduled to come to Kleine Brogel. Unfortunately, one Starfighter had technical problems and could not make it to come to Belgium. The red 'Ducati' F-104S-ASA-M Starfighter, arrived in the afternoon at Kleine Brogel.

In May 2004 the operations with the Starfighter came to an end; officially. You can read more about this here.

Special thanks go to the Belgian Armed Forces Air Component and the personnel at Kleine Brogel for making this visit possible!

The 'Ducati' Starfighter is seen here escorted by two Belgian Armed Forces Air Component Vipers. They flew some passes before landing at Kleine Brogel.

The pilot, Lt Col P Heavy Gavazo kisses the aircraft (left). The fuel tanks were painted a (few) weeks prior to this visit. F-104S-ASA-M Starfighter, MM6930/9-99, belongs to 9 Stormo/10 Gruppo based at Grazzanise. This example retired four days later. Hopefully it will be preserved in Italy.

The official reason for being at Kleine Brogel. This Starfighter, FX94, was unveiled that day and will be placed on a pole at a roundabout at Peer (a nearby village). It was placed on the pole three weeks later.