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334 Squadron / 334 Skvadron

On 1 August 2002 the 334 Squadron was closed as a fighter squadron. September the following year re-emerged department at Sola Air Station, now that the receiving squadron and home to the Air Force's new frigate helicopters. 334 Squadron was re-created on Sola Air Station in 2003 to prepare for the introduction of the Air Force's new helicopter NH-90. The first machine was delivered in spring 2008. The Air Force ordered six NH-90 to operate from the Navy's new frigates of the Fridtjof Nansen class. Until the first NH-90 was added to 334 Squadron used their resources to prepare for all possible ways. Crews were trained, technicians will be trained, new hangars to be built, operating rooms must be furnished and routines and procedures to be established.

The NH-90 helicopter is able to operate for up to six consecutive months from the frigates, in connection with the conduct of international operations such as SNFL (Standing Naval Force Atlantic). 334 Squadron will otherwise follow the regular frigate sailing pattern. Operational and technical support must be provided from Sola. NH-90 helicopters were delivered from spring 2008. On board the frigates the mission of the helicopters is fighting submarines and surface vessels, to support special operations and boarding of ships, search and rescue, as well as movement of personnel and materiel.

334 Squadron can trace its history back to the Second World War, when the unit was created in 1943 as a B-wing of the 333 squadron of fighter-bombers of the type Mosquito. The department was stationed at Leuchars airport approximately 8 miles from Woodhaven, where 333 Squadron Catalina amphibians lay. The tasks consisted mainly of looking and involve German activity along the Norwegian coast. In June 1945, the department formally established as a separate squadron at Gardermoen. Already in 1947 the squadron disbanded before it a year later reactivated. In 1949, bar a trip to the Sun, where 334 squadron remained until 1955.

In 1951 began a new era for the 334 Squadron. Then the department added modern jetjagerfly of type F-84G Thunderjet. From 1955 to 2002 was 334 squadron stationed at Bodø. During this period the squadron operated the following aircraft types:

• F-84 G Thunderjet (1951-1958) - reconnaissance / air-air
• F-86 F Sabre (1958-1960) - reconnaissance / air-air
• F-86 K Sabre (1960-1967) - Air Force role
• F-5 Freedom Fighter (1967-74) - fighter-bomber
• CF-104 Starfighter (1973-82) - anti-skip/luftforsvar
• F-16 Fighting Falcon (1982-01) - anti-ship
• NH-90 ASW Helikopter (fra 2008) - maritime