Monday, May 18, 2009

Hellenic Air Force


The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) (in Greek: Πολεμική Αεροπορία (ΠΑ), Polemikí Aeroporía, literally "Military Aviation") is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid in Greece and around the world.
During the period of monarchy (1911-1922) & (1935-1974) the force was known as the Royal Hellenic Air Force (HRAF), (Ελληνική Βασιλική Αεροπορία (EBA), Ellinikí Vasilikí Aeroporía).
The motto of the Hellenic Air Force is "Αίεν Υψικρατείν" (Aien Ypsikratein), Always Dominate the Heights, and the HAF ensign represents a flying eagle in front of the Hellenic Air Force roundel. The Hellenic Air Force is one of the three branches of the Hellenic Armed Forces.
In 1911 the Greek Government appointed French specialists to form the Hellenic Aviation Service. Six Greek officers were sent to France for training, while the first four "Farman" type aircraft were ordered.All of the six graduated from the Farman school in Etampes near Paris,but only four served subsequently in aviation. The first civiliaa Greek aviator who was given military rank was Emmanouil Argyropoulos, who flew in a Nieuport IV.G. "Alkyon" aircraft, on February 8, 1912.

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