The Eight Squadron
The eighth Squadron is founded in Chièvres in December 1950 at the time of the creation of the 7th Fighter Wing. The unit includes three squadrons, the 7th, 8th and 9th Squadrons: all three bear a white cygnet (Cocotte) but with different backgrounds, respectively red, blue and green.
The Eighth flies on Gloster Meteor until 1956 when it is replaced by the Hawker Hunter F.4 and in 1958 by the Hunter F.6.
The 7th Wing is disbanded in 1963, resulting in the disbandment of the 8th Squadron.
On July 15, 1970 the Blue Cocotte Squadron is re-created in Florennes, with the mission of converting pilots as part of the introduction of the Mirage 5B in the Belgian Air Force.
So a core of eight pilots is converted in France on Mirage III. Becoming instructors, they then train the pilots of the three squadrons mentioned above, starting with the 2nd and 42nd at Florennes.
The Eighth then leaves Florennes to settle permanently in Bierset and carry out the conversion of the 1st Squadron.
In June 1972 the conversion is completed for all three units.
From that moment on, 8 Squadron focuses on training young graduates arriving on the Mirage 5B; it is also responsible for maintaining the flight standards, both general and instrument, of all pilots of the four Mirage squadrons.
During its existence, 8 Squadron converts no fewer than 404 Belgian pilots.
8 Squadron is also tasked with the role of fighter-bomber and by the end of 1972 it is officially incorporated into the NATO structure.
In March 1989, 1 Squadron leaves Bierset for Florennes to start transitioning to the F-16. Among other things, this squadron is responsible for the AMF mission (Ace Mobile Forces ––Ace for Allied Command Europe–) « South » ; in the event of a conflict, this involves strengthening NATO’s southern flank (Italy, Greece, Turkey) if necessary.
On the occasion of the transfer of the 1st to Florennes, the AMF South mission is taken over by 8 Squadron. During the first Gulf War, it is deployed to Turkey for several weeks, assisted by 42 Squadron and personnel from the entire 3rd Wing.
Ace Guard mission 1991
Ace Guard mission 1991
In September 1991, following yet another restructuring of the Air Force, 8 Squadron is dissolved again.
8th SQN CO's throughout Mirage Period
Throughout the so-called Cold War period, the squadron does not participate in any conflict, except in the First Gulf War, but it contributes within NATO to preserving peace by participating in the policy of deterrence until the end of the 1980s.
Badge
The silver cygnet is created in 1917 by Willy Coppens – Already awarded 'Knight' by King Albert 1 in 1919, King Baudouin awarded him the title of 'Baron de Houthulst' –.
He has the cygnet or Cocotte painted on his first fighter plane, a Bébé Nieuport.
Over time, the emblem evolves and is used in different forms by several units.
Initially, the Cocotte is presented in a circle. The shape we know today is on a shield of azure color inclined to 45°: the original motto « Boutez en Avant – Aim forward » is translated to « Get In », a translation by Major Van Lierde, the then commander of 7 Wing.