No. 322 Squadron RNLAF
No. 322 Squadron is the oldest operational squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). It currently operates the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II from Leeuwarden Air Base, Friesland. It was originally founded at RAF Woodvale, United Kingdom, on 12 June 1943 as No. 322 (Dutch) Squadron with Dutch personnel under Royal Air Force control. At the end of the war, 322e Jachtvliegtuig Afdeling of the Royal Netherlands Army was formed from the RAF squadron. Between 1980 and 2021, No. 322 Squadron flew the Fokker F-16A/B Fighting Falcon. It performed, much like the other Dutch F-16 units, a dual 'swing role' task: having both ground support and interceptor duties. History British service During the Battle of the Netherlands, many Dutch planes were destroyed by Nazi Germany's forces, but 350 German planes were shot down by the Dutch forces. After the battle, many pilots fled to the United Kingdom to continue the fight as part of the Allies. On 12 June 1943, No. 322 (Dutch) Squadron was formed at RAF Woodvale from a large contingent of Dutch crew who were part of No. 167 Squadron. From then until the end of the Second World War, No. 322 Squadron actively participated alongside