On November 3, 2021, a special occasion took place at the Dutch airbase Volkel. The Royal Netherlands Air Force carried out a preparedness exercise in which they managed to launch no more than fourteen F-16s. For this special occasion, a photo opportunity was also planned at the base. The fourteen aircraft of the no 312 Squadron would line up in a formation close to each other on the runway of Volkel. When many planes are so close together, ready for take off, it is called an "Elephant Walk". This in comparison with a herd of elephants that in nature always walk in groups close to each other. This "Elephant Walk" was very special, as this is very rare with so many F-16s on Dutch soil. This year the 312 Squadron is 70 years old. The F-16 unit nicknamed “Bonzo” was founded in 1951 at Volkel Air Base and therefore celebrated its anniversary this year. It is therefore not surprising that the first aircraft in this “Elephant Walk” had a special tail in honor of the unit's 70th anniversary. The J-197 carried the large well-known crossed swords of the 312 Squadron large on the tail. The day before the walk, this aircraft was foreseen with this special color scheme.
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