🇬🇷 Elefsis Air Base

Elefsina Air Base (ICAO: LGEL) is a military air base located in Elefsina, Greece, and serves Athens. It is owned by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and operated by the 112th Combat Wing.

Notable Features and History:

• The airfield opened in its current form in 1946, though operations at the site date back to 1937.
• Elefsina played a crucial role in the final British evacuation during the 1941 Battle of Greece.
• The Hellenic Air Force Aircraft Depot (HAFAD), established in 1925, relocated to Elefsina Air Base in 2016. HAFAD is responsible for factory-level inspections, repairs, and modifications to HAF weapon systems and vehicles.
• The base accommodates VIP transport, tactical transport, and search and rescue squadrons.
• The airport was upgraded in 1951 to meet NATO specifications and has hosted notable figures like King George II and Dwight Eisenhower.

Current Status:

• The 112th Combat Wing includes the 352 VIP Transport Squadron, 354 Tactical Transport Squadron, 355th Tactical Transport Squadron, 356 Tactical Transport Squadron, 358 Search and Rescue Squadron, and 384 Search and Rescue Squadron.
• HAFAD at Elefsina Air Base maintains various aircraft and helicopters, including PZL-M18B, AS-332C1 Super Puma, AB-205, and B-212, and performs engine overhauls for F-4E and C-130 aircraft, as well as developing capabilities for F100-PW-229 engines for F-16 aircraft.
• Greece has allowed the use of Elefsina Air Base as a transportation hub for US forces to support Israel during the Gaza war.
• The runway is 8,985 feet (2,739 meters) long with an asphalt surface.

*Sources researched: en.wikipedia.org, haf.gr, skyvector.com, ourairports.com, proseleusis.com*