Aces Four
In the spring of 1952, USAFE Skyblazers, flying with F-84G Thunderjet, performs impressive air display at Elefsis airport. This event inspires Lieutenant Colonel Kokas - Commander of 337 Pursuit-Bombing Squadron, to establish a Greek aerobatic team. After speaking with Skyblazer's pilots, he understands that creating an official display team will be too expensive for Hellenic Air Force budget. So he decides to establish an aerobatic team in secrecy flying with four F-84G Thunderjet. Kokas select three other pilots from its squadron and start to practice the air program taken from Skyblazers. Soon the Commandment of the Air Force learned about this unofficial and gives Kokas penalty. Defense Minister Mr. Kanellopoulos decide to check what really do this team and watch their display. After the "private" display, Defense Minister approves the establishment of an official Hellenic Aerobatic Team under the name Aces Four. The team becomes a unit from 110 Air Wing, based in Larisa airbase, and planes receives dark blue color paint scheme.
In 1956 the team moved to Elefsis airport, and during this year the team gave the first display outside Greece, in Milan, Italy at Aerobatic Teams Meeting.
In 1957 some modifications were made to the display, so that taking-off and landing were done in formation, and in maneuvers there was a minimum separation of only one meter. Also, the team was doing passes at extremely low altitude over the spectators.
In 1957 the Air Force decided to replace the F-84G Thunderjets with the Canadair CL-13A Sabre Mk.2. And that was the end for the Aces Four.
