Farewell Eggebek!
  Another
chapter in the history of the German naval aviation was concluded
on June, 18th 2005. This was the day of the last landing of
a Marineflieger Tornado at NAS Eggebek due to the retirement
of the jet fleet of the German Navy. In combination with this
event and the fly-out ceremonies a family day was held on
a remarkably sunny and hot day in the north of Germany.
 In
the morning visitors had the possibly to look at the aircraft
of friendly squadrons that flew in for this event. Among them
was at least one jet aircraft from each squadron of the Luftwaffe,
except from JG73 that is currently being equipped with the
Eurofighter Typhoon. Furthermore one type of each aircraft
of the Marineflieger was on deck at Eggebek. The biggest one
was of course the Breguet Atlantic that was parked near the
squadron building and could not be overseen from any point
of the airfield. Furthermore a Dornier Do-228, a Westland
Sea King Mk.41and a Sea Lynx Mk.88 were present. The foreign
guests were two Tornado GR.4 from Lossiemouth and, as a special
surprise for the enthusiasts, a pair of Dassault Super Etendards
of the French Navy from Landviseau.
 A
midday a small flying display was presented by Marineflieger
aircraft and helicopters. At first a SAR Sea King flew in
from Kiel, that was even painted in newly applied special
colours and presented its flying and rescue capabilities.
Similar was the display of the Sea Lynx that followed. A Dornier
Do-228 transport aircraft also did several fly-bys as well
as an Breguet Atlantic. The highlight of the day were of course
the remaining six Marineflieger Tornados that still have been
present at Eggebek. They all took off in quick succession
and at the beginning the special coloured Tornado 45+30 performed
its fast, low and loud display routine. For this event the
special colours have even been changed as well: the underside
of the wings was showing off "1958-2005", instead
of 2003 that has been applied previously, to commemorate this
event. Subsequently a 4-ship formation of Tornados was presented
followed by a buddy-buddy refuelling demonstration before
all six Tornados overflew the airfield twice in formation
and splitted up. To celebrate their own last ever landings
at Eggebek the crews still performed several touch-and-goes.
  Then
they taxied back, lined up and shut up their engines all at
the same moment. As it got quiet on the airfield everyone
realized that Marineflieger jets finally became history. After
the official event thousands of people rejoined again on the
evening for a big party among pilots, servicemen, neighbours
and friends.
All the remaining Tornados were flown out in the following
two weeks before flying activities at NAS Eggebek were finally
closed on June, 31st 2005.
FLY NAVY!!
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