32nd Soesterberg Wolfhounds Sabre and Super Sabre period

The first years at Dutch soil the Wolfhounds Sabres were adorned with the marks of the 512th Fighter Day Squadron. Later the Sabres were provided with three green bands at the vertical tail. In September 1955 the 32nd FDS deployed its aircraft and personnel to Cazaux Field in France for aerial gunnery training. This was followed by a squadron deployment to Wheelus AB near Tripoli, Libya. While in Libya the squadron flew F-86F aircraft as chase planes during missile tests.

The North American F-86 Sabre era for the squadron turned out to be of short duration. In the early 1956 the United States Air Force (USAF) decided to replace the F-86 planes with the North American F-100 Super Sabre. From July to August 1956 the squadron sent five instructors pilots to Sidi Slimane AB in Morocco to complete transition training for the F-100. After completing the training the aircraft were flown to the Netherlands and the first F-100 Super Sabre landed at Soesterberg on August 18, 1956. In the same time the squadron began ferrying the F-86 to Prestwick, Scotland and Chateroux Air Base in France. Later the aircraft were gradually distributed to units throughout Europe.

Due the requirement of a longer runway for landing and take offs the runway of the base was extended to over 3 kilometers. Wthin the framework of a NATO project a new runway barrier war erected this time too. In 1957 the squadron’s operational strength was increased to 24 planes. The Super Sabre where a stunning appearance those days, before the arrival the newspapers reported that impressive speed- devils would take over the base. More than once the insurance company of the Americans had to pay for broken windows in the base vicinity as a Super Sabre took of full speed or broke the sound barrier. The F-100 was not only faster then the F-86 it could also operate at higher altitudes and had a greater weapon capability. In 1957 the squadron’s operational strength was increased to 24 planes. The aircraft were set up in four groups (flights) of six aircraft each, for which was a toal of more than 350 ground staff were required. From January to March 1958 the squadron deployed aircraft to Nouasseur AB, Morocco to practice air-to-air and air-to-ground tactics. On May 16 Royal Higness Queen Juliana of the Netherlands visited the squadron. On 18 July 1958 the USAFE redesignated the unit as the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, as part of the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing.

In 1959 the 32nd received the signature "Royal", the crown and wreath of the Dutch Royal Family (the House of Orange) were added to the emblem, giving it its unique look. This unique honor was granted in recognition of the unit's contribution to the defense of The Netherlands and graphically illustrates the 32nd close ties with the Royal Netherlands Air Force. From that time the Wolfhounds called themselves the "Queens Own". In the years the squadron flew the Super Sabre it went several times to Sidi Slimane in Morocco and Wheelus Air Base in Libya for training and exercises. In order to strengthen further readiness the ZULU hangar was taken in use. The hangars were specially built to facilitate aircraft on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties.

The last Super Sabre left Soesterberg on in the summer of 1960. In all years five of them were lost. The crash of May 28, 1957 was fatal for pilot Alan. N. Rea was lost. Another life demise caused widespread mourning during this time frame too. Instructor pilot Captain Glen L. Wallin was killed attempting to land the malfunctioning 32nd T-33 aircraft at Nouasseur Air Base. Continue to Days of the Delta Dagger.