21° Gruppo

Italy » Air Force

Unit Motto: Ad Hostes Rugens

Nato Tiger Association Membership: Full NTA Member

History:

The "Tiger" of 21° Gruppo make their first appearence in History in the immediate post-war periode when 21° Gruppo, a part of 51° Stormo receives the radio callsign tiger when it fly's it's Spitfires. but it will take several decenia before the "Tiger" makes it to the squadron insignia, It takes until September 1st, 1964 the day that the units starts its conversion to the F-104 Starfighter before they realy start showing Tiger-Spirit. The following year 21° Gruppo transferes to Cameri. The new start at Cameri makes 21° Gruppo, an independent Gruppo until April 1st, 1967 when it joins 53° Stormo.
It is in this period that 21° Gruppo shows It's Tigers to the fullest, even when The F-104G Starfigher is being replaced by the Panavia Tornado F.3 ADV. On march 1st, 1999 21° Gruppo moves to Gioio del Colle to join 36° Stormo.The Stay at Gioia del Colle is a short one, when only two years later on March 1st, 2001 21° Gruppo is Disbanded.
In 2006, on March 23rd to be precise, 21° Gruppo is re-activated at Grazzanise. No longer flying Jets in the air defense roll, but AB212ICO helicopters in various rols such as MEDEVAC and CASEVAC. Only one month after the re-activation ceremony was held, 21° Gruppo was forward deployed to Afganistan in support of Italian ISAF troops.

Unit patch page: click here
Unit photo page: click here
Unit Model and Decal page: click here
Unit Book page: Click here