Days of the 32nd Soesterberg Wolfhounds Delta Dagger

In 1959 the USAF announced that the 32nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron would acquire the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger. In August 1960 the unit began deploying to Wheelus Air Base to receive transition training to the new plane.

Because this aircraft was equipped with radar, modern navigation-apparatus and an infra red search system the squadron could now be executed at night times too. After completing the training the squadron flew 18 F-102 en three T-33 aircraft from Wheelus to Soesterberg Air Base. The aircraft were divided into three flights red, white and blue. Through the years the markings were altered several times. From a red-white-blue tailplane, red-whit and blue flaps and a green band on, again, the tailplane into a green/brown camouflage painting. In 1962 the squadron started participating in flying exercises with the Delta Dagger. In February, the squadron flew missions in Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) exercise called Driftkop.

In March 1963 the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) started making extensive runway repairs at the base, the 32nd deployed to Deelen AB in the Netherlands to continue its QRA tasking. In 1965 the 32nd was chosen to take part in the Fighter Interceptor Weapon Meet at Tyndall AB in Florida. An American/Dutch mixed team achieved the highest scores in its and came out first. On their return to Camp New Amsterdam the participants meet, at Soestdijk Palace His Royal Highness Prince Bernard who congratulated them on achieving such impressive results greeted the team. In addition to this the Swiss village of Altdorf, the village here William Tell fired his legendary shot, presented the squadron with the William Tell plaque.

There was not only joy during the Delta Dagger period, after the start of one of the "QRA" F-102´s its engine stalled and a fire broke out. Thanks to the brave and fast handling of the ground crew the pilot was rescued and the other plane was taxied out of the Zulu hangar. The stalled Delta Dagger and the hangar could not be saved and were ruined. Five of airmen were awarded with the "Airmen's Medal" for their courageous behavior. Later that year the 325th squadron of the RNLAF was relieved of its QRA- duties with their Hawker Hunters. From that date solely the Wolfhounds took over this duties.

On February 28, 1967 the unit sentseveral planes to Torrejon Air Base, Spain for the first time. The aircrews an d aircraft participated in fighter interceptor training at Torrejon until May 16 of that year. In 1968 the 32nd and the Richthofen Wing of the German Air Force participated in a squadron exchange. The Wolfhounds sent four F-102's to Wittmundhaveb AB, (West) Germany and the Germans deployed four F-104 Starfighters to Soesterberg.

As a result of the Russian intervention in Czechoslovakia the USAF announced that its four Delta Dagger squadrons accelerated would be equipped with the modern F-4 Phantom. The 32nd squadron was first in line to undergo the conversion. So after nine years the Delta Daggers were flown back to the United States and have stayed in service for a few years with the Air National Guard. A total of four Delta Daggers were lost during their period with the "Queens finest". Continue to Phantoms over Dutch skies.