History

In 1942, the Todt organisation undertakes the construction of the air base, on behalf of the Luftwaffe which will use it mainly for the night fighter (Messerschmidt 110, Focke Wulf 190 and Junkers 88).

The base will be liberated in 1944, by the 1st US Division (Big Red One). The USAAF will use it until 1945 for bombing missions (B-26 Marauder of the 344th Group).

In 1947, the Belgian Air Force settles in Florennes and deploys there, within 2nd Wing, 1st and 2nd Squadron equipped, both, with Supermarine Spitfire. These planes will be replaced by F-84 E Thunderjet in 1951, F-84 F Thunderstreak in 1955, Mirage 5 BA, BR, BD in 1970 and by F-16 Fighting Falcon, in 1988.

The other squadrons which operated in 2nd Wing are:

• 3rd Sqn (created in 1913 - dissolved in 1940, reconstituted in 1950 - dissolved in 1960), stationed in Florennes, from 1950 to 1960.
• 8th Sqn (created in 1951 - dissolved in 1961, reconstituted in 1970 - dissolved in 1991), stationed in Florennes, from 1970 to 1971.
• The 42 Sqn Recce (created as 7th Sqn in 1917, renamed 42 Sqn in 1954 - dissolved in 1993), stationed in Florennes, from 1971 to 1988.

In October 1970, at the time of the arrival of the Mirage, the Unit receives the name "2nd Tactical Wing"; it then hosts the 2nd Sqn of Fighter- Bombers and the 42 Recce Sqn.

In 1988, the 42 Sqn leaves Florennes for Bierset; it is replaced by the 1st Sqn which returns to the fold, 18 years after its departure.
The base will be deeply modernized and will undergo considerable work of infrastructure following the arrival of the new F-16 fighter and deployment of the cruise missiles Gryphon from 485th tactical missiles Wing of USAF (1985-1988).
The future proves to be promising for the 2 Tactical Wing following the conversion of its F-16 to MLU Standards.

• The base is sponsored by the town of Charleroi.
• The Wing is twinned with the 7th mechanized Brigade of Marche-en-Famenne.
• 1st Sqn Fighter-bomber is sponsored by the town of Chimay.
• 2nd Fighter Sqn was sponsored by the city of Dinant.
• The 350 Fighter Sqn is sponsored by the town of Namur.
• The Defence and Support Group is sponsored by the town of Walcourt.
• The Maintenance Group is sponsored by the town of Gerpinnes.

Flight Lieutenant Jean "Pyker" Offenberg DFC

J. Offenberg was born in Laeken on July 3, 1916. In 1936, he engages as student pilot and is patented in March 1938. Transferred to Nivelles, he flies on Fairey Firefly then, at the beginning of 1940, on FIAT CR42.

On May 10, 1940, his Group leaves the base of Nivelles for that of Brustem. During the first days of war, he takes an active part in several aerial combats. On May 10, in the area of Sint-Truiden, he damages a DO 17 then shoots down another of them. Under the German pressure, his unit leaves Belgium and redeploys on Chartres airfield in France. A few days later, in company of Alexis Jottard, he takes off on board of a Caudron Simouns for Montpellier. From there, they continue their tour with for destination Algeria.

Little time after, Jean Offenberg leaves the flying schoolof Oujda and takes the train for Casablanca where he joins with a group of Polish and Belgians who seek to join England. July 16, they unload all of the cargo liner which enabled them to join England.

After a short passage through the OTU for a conversion on Hurricane, he is transferred in August to the 145th Squadron. He takes part in the Battle of England and records several successes: planes damaged or shot down.

In June 1941, he transfers to the 609nth Squadron where he finds several compatriots. This transfer coincides with the attribution of the prestigious DFC which he receives inter alia for Successes that he gained with the 145th Squadron.

The engagements follow each other and the list of allotted planes as damaged or probably destroyed by Jean Offenberg lengthens.

In November 1941, after long months in first line, the squadron leaves the aerodrome of Biggin Hill and made movement towards the base of Digby located more to the north, in Lincolnshire. Nobody appreciates really Digby because as in any base of the rear, the regulations and the administration tend to take the top on the operations.

Although during his stay at Digby, the 609th Squadron did not lose any pilot in operation, it deplores a cruel loss, that of the one of its best and bravest pilot: the Flight Lieutenant Jean Offenberg.

January 22, 1942, he flies in company of a young Belgian pilot "Balbo" Roelandt in order to perfect its training. An English pilot crosses the road of the formation and decides to carry out a simulated attack on the leader. Unfortunately, he misses his manoeuvre and strikes the Spitfire controlled by J Offenberg. The two apparatuses are crushed on the ground killing the pilots. This loss is felt as a true shock by the members of the squadron because J Offenberg was an extraordinary pilot and an exceptional leader. But he was also as largely appreciated by the Belgians as by English for its human and professional qualities out of the commun. He was 25 years old and counted 7 enemy aircraft confirmed to his credit.

August 20, 1956, the base of Florennes takes the name J Offenberg.