Montijo (Air Base no.6)

Montijo air base is located near the city of Montijo, on the left bank of the Tagus river, facing Lisbon. Several squadrons from the Portuguese Air Force as well as the Portuguese Navy are based at this large base. The Air Force stationed four operational flying units at Montijo; 501 Squadron, 504 Squadron, 601 Squadron and 751 Squadron. The Navy stationed their Esquadron Helicopters, operating the Lynx Mk.95 helicopters, at Montijo. Another unit at this base is the Air Force Survival Training Center. All the pictures are made on the 24th September 2003.

The Puma's of 751 Squadron are primarily used for Search and Rescue missions. The regular status is 30 minutes, on request 15 minutes. In case of events 2 minutes and off duty 45 minutes. Puma, 19504, is seen here on the platform of Montijo.

601 Squadron "Lobos"(Wolves) operates the P-3P Orion primarily to execute maritime surveillance missions and detection, tracking and attack of submarines and surface warships. They are also used for search and rescue missions and mining operations. P-3P, serial 14804, is seen here.

All the P-3P Orions are assigned the 601 Squadron. Note that this aircraft, serial 14802, has two engines instead of four.

501 Squadron "Bisontes" (the bisons) operates the C-130H Hercules and the longer C-130H-30 to execute tactical and general transport missions. They also execute maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and support fire fighting operations. C-130H, 16805, is seen here on the platform of 501 Squadron.

Many Fiat G.91R's are preserved in Portugal. Sometimes more then one at one base. Fiat G.91R, 5463, is placed near the entrance of the base...

...While this Fiat G.91R, 5404, is placed on a pole in front of the 751 Squadron building. Behind the buildings on the background is a large platform from where the Puma helicopters operate.