In 1979, during a meeting of NATO AEW&C Programme Management Agency (NAPMA) members, the decision was made to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Greece. An agreement between NAPMA was concluded for the establishment and activation of FOB Aktion. The milestone dates for establishment of this FOB began with the construction work for the main runway at the start of 1983. On 3 December 1984, FOB Aktion was ‘born’ with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. In the following months, manning of the FOB and training of personnel took place. In March 1986, the first E-3A landed at FOB Aktion.

 

Since its establishment, FOB Aktion has been a vital operating base for the NAEW&C Force and has always played a significant role in supporting NATO exercises and operations. FOB Aktion has participated in numerous operations: Operation Anchor Guard, Operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Allied Force, KFOR, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Unified Protector, Operation Active Endeavour, Operation Afghan Assist, In Greece and safeguarding the Olympic and Paralympic Games held in Athens.

 

There is outstanding cooperation between FOB Aktion and the 131st Combat Group of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) which hosts FOB Aktion within the perimeter of its air base. Helicopters and firefighting airplanes are also hosted by the 131st CG. FOB Aktion contributes effectively and safely to NATO’s mission accomplishment through the excellent support being received from the HAF.