Monte Real Air Base (Air Force Base No. 5) (ICAO: LPMR) in Monte Real, Leiria, Portugal, was initially opened on October 4, 1959. The mission of this Air Base is to guarantee the readiness and deployment of the air force units attributed to it, and several operational Squadrons have already been based there, equipped with F-86 Sabre, Fiat G.91, T-33 Shooting Star, T-38 Talon and A-7 Corsair II aircraft.
Adopting the motto "Alcança Quem Não Cansa," the pilots of Operational Group initially formed two squadrons: the 51st Squadron "Falcões" (Falcons) and the 52nd Squadron "Galos" (Roosters). Together the squadrons totaled nearly 50 F-86F combat aircraft. On the 4th of October, 1959, the President of the Republic Admiral Américo Tomás officially inaugurated Air Base 5.
On the 24th of December, 1981, a new chapter began at Air Base 5 with the arrival of first nine A-7P Corsair II fighter aircraft. The number eventually grew to 20, and these aircraft formed 302 Attack Squadron, taking on the symbols and traditions of the 51st Squadron "Falcões."
On the 28th of June 1984, during a meeting of the NATO Commission of Infrastructures in Brussels, the aerodrome of Monte Real was formally accepted as NATO infrastructure to be equipped with two attack squadrons of A-7P aircraft and a future interceptor squadron.
On the 25th anniversary of the inauguration of Monte Real Air Base, the 4th of October, 1984, the 304 Attack Squadron was officially activated and became the second attack squadron with A-7P aircraft. This squadron became the heir of the traditions, symbols, and deeds of the 93rd Squadron "Magníficos" (Magnificents), deactivated at Air Base 9, in 1973 in Luanda, Africa.
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