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NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 Volume 29, No. 9 OPERATION AFGHAN ASSIST AFGHANISTAN INDIA CHINA IRAN TAJIKISTAN TARI G Srinagar Hot Herat Farah Zahedan Sheberghan Mazar-e Sharif Qandahar Kabul Quetta Lahore Islamabad Multan 2 YEARS 255 DAYS By Maureen Geraets-Head The Trapani Room at the E-3A Club is filled with guests attending the Training Wing Change of Command. With the marching in of the Colors the ceremony starts. Colonel Arturo Di Martino, ITAAF, officially assumes command of the Training Wing on Sept. 20, 2013, after that Lt. Col. Knud Holmsgaard has relinquished command. Maj. Gen. Andrew Mueller presided over the change of command. In his speech, he addressed the audience, “Today, we will hand the responsibility of command of the Training Wing – the responsibility of all Component training - to Colonel Arturo Di Martino. As the Component Commander, I depend on the Training Wing to provide us the foundation for success in everything we do; how we execute in the field starts in the Training Wing”. The new Training Wing Commander, Colonel Di Martino said in his speech, “I am fully aware of the huge responsibilities that are connected with the fulfillment of a Wing Commander’s duties. Being in charge as the Wing Commander certainly means to be accountable. Accountable, not only to the Component Commander, not only to the flag that I’m representing in this multinational environment, but also to the other Wing Commanders by giving them the support and output that they are expecting from one’s unit in a timely, proper manner, always keeping in mind that no unit is a “stand-alone” reality, since we are all part of a bigger picture.” Following the speeches was the signing of the change of command certificates. After the national anthems of Germany, Italy and Denmark were played, the official part concluded with the retiring of the Colours. Training Wing changes command Photo by Wiel Borghans Exercise, Exercise, Exercise The E-3A Component held a large, multi-scenario exercise in cooridination with local German emergency personnel. For more photos and information, see pages 8 and 9. Colonel Arturo Di Martino assumes command of the Training Wing on Sept. 20, 2013. Photo by Wiel Borghans

Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

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Page 1: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013Volume 29, No. 9

OPERATION AFGHAN ASSIST

XXX DAYS

I N D I A

SRI LANKA

A F G H A N I S T A N

N E P A L

BHUTAN

BANGLADESH

B U R M A( M Y A N M A R )

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

PAKISTAN

INDIA

CHINA

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

IRAN

KYRGYZSTAN

K A Z A K H S T A NUZBEKISTAN

TAJIKISTAN

M O N G O L I A

Tongtian He

Ghagara

Yamuna

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Ind

u s

K r ishn

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Herat

Bukhara

Farah

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Zahedan

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Galle

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Phuket

Mergui

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I N D I A

SRI LANKA

A F G H A N I S T A N

N E P A L

BHUTAN

BANGLADESH

B U R M A( M Y A N M A R )

VIETNAM

C A M B O D I A

T H A I L A N D

L A O S

C H I N A

PAKISTAN

INDIA

CHINA

TURKMENISTAN

UZBEKISTAN

IRAN

KYRGYZSTAN

K A Z A K H S T A NUZBEKISTAN

TAJIKISTAN

M O N G O L I A

Tongtian He

Ghagara

Yamuna

Sut le j

Narmada

Son

Ind

u s

K r ishn

G o d a v a r i

Mahanadi

G a n g e s

Brahmaputra

Irra

wad

dy

Huang He

Hwang Ho

C

hang J iang

Mekon

g

Hainan

AN

DA

MA

N I

S.

NI C

OB

AR

I S. Gt. Nicobar

MERGUIARCHIP.

Bunguran

LACCADIVE IS.

DongshaQundao

A R A B I A N

S E A

B A Y O F

B E N G A L

I N D I A N O C E A N

B o H a i

Y E L L O W

S E A

Gulf ofTongkin

Ten Degree Channel

G u l f o f

T h a i l a n d

S O U T H

C H I N A

S E A

A n d a m a n

S e a

Gulf of Kachchh

Gulf of Khambhat

G u l f o f Ma n

na

r

Gulf o

fM

arta

ban

Oz. Issyk Kul'

D z u n g a r i a

T A R I M P E N D I

Q I N G Z A N G

AnnapurnaMt Everest

D E C C A N

C. Comorin

Dondra Head

Tu r fa n D e p r e s s i o n

G O B I

Qinghai Hu

BAYAN HAR SHAN

O R D O S

DA B A S H A N

R E D

B A S I N

DA L O

U S H

A N

Dongting Hu

Poyang Hu

PE

GU

YO

MA

TANEN R.

Mouths ofthe Mekong

Mui Bai Bung

Chu Yang Sin

WE

ST

ER

N

GH

AT

S

EA

ST

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N

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TI

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AL A Y A

GA

NG

DI S

E S H

AN

NA

GA

HIL

LS

Mouths of the Ganges

AR

AK

AN

Y

OM

A

Mouths of theIrrawaddy

DAWN

A RA

NG

E

Q I L I A N S H A N

H U A S H A N

PHANOM DANG

TANGGULA SHAN

HENGDUAN SHAN

BILAUKTAU

NG

RAN

GE

Bishkek Almaty†rŸmqi

Aksu

Yumen

Hami

YinchuanQingdao

Beijing Dalian

Zhengzhou

Taiyuan

Shijiazhuang

Lanzhou

Baotou

New Delhi

Srinagar

Hotan

LhasaXigaze

Qamdo

Hangzhou

Wuhan

Chengdu

Tianjin

Xi'an

Mashhad

Herat

Bukhara

Farah

Karachi

Gwadar

Zahedan

Jamnagar

Bhavnagar

Mumbai (Bombay)

Tashkent

Mangalore

Kozhikode

Thiruvananthapuram

Tiruchchirappalli

Hubli-Dharwar

Coimbatore

Jaffna

Trincomalee

KandyColombo

Galle

Bassein

Tavoy

Georgetown

Phuket

Mergui

Sheberghan Mazar-e Sharif

Samarkand

Dushanbe

Qandahar

Kabul

Quetta

Bahawalpur

Lahore

Islamabad

Hyderabad

Sukkur

Jodhpur

Multan

Lucknow Thimphu

Chongqing

KatmanduJaipur

Ajmer

Ahmadabad

Udaipur

Surat

Vadodara

VaranasiAllahabad

Patna

Kanpur

Pune

Nagpur

Hyderabad

Solapur

Kolhapur

Vishakhapatnam

Vijayawada

Raipur

Cuttack

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Jamshedpur

DhakaImphal

Gauhati Kunming

Guiyang

Chennai (Madras)

Nellore

Kurnool

Bangalore

Mysore

Madurai

ChittagongMandalay

Prome

Yangon(Rangoon)

Henzada

Akyab

Moulmein

Louang Prabang

Vientiane

Bangkok

Phnom Penh

BattambangKampong Cham

Can Tho

Ho Chi Minh City

Nha Trang

Hue

Da Nang

Qui Nhon

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Songkhla

Kota Baharu

Haikou

Vinh

Nakhon Ratchasima

Haiphong

Hanoi

Zhanjiang

Nanning

Liuzhou Guangzhou

Shantou

ChangshaFuzhou

Nanchang

Hengyang

Chiang Mai

M.Lampang

LuoyangShanghai

Hong KongMacau

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25¡

20¡

10¡

110¡105¡100¡95¡80¡

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0 500 1000 Miles

0 500 1000 1500 Kilometres

OPERATIONAFGHAN ASSIST

2 YEARS 255 DAYS

By Maureen Geraets-Head

The Trapani Room at the E-3A Club is filled with guests attending the Training Wing Change of Command.

With the marching in of the Colors the ceremony starts. Colonel Arturo Di Martino, ITAAF, officially assumes command of the Training Wing on Sept. 20, 2013, after that Lt. Col. Knud Holmsgaard has relinquished command.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Mueller presided over the change of command. In his speech, he addressed the audience, “Today, we will hand the responsibility of command of the Training Wing – the responsibility of all Component training - to Colonel Arturo Di Martino. As the Component Commander, I depend on the Training Wing to provide us the foundation for success in everything we do; how we execute in the field starts in the Training Wing”.

The new Training Wing Commander, Colonel Di Martino said in his speech, “I am fully aware of the huge responsibilities that are connected with the fulfillment of a Wing Commander’s duties. Being in charge as the Wing Commander certainly means to be accountable. Accountable, not only to the Component Commander, not only to the flag that I’m representing in this multinational environment, but also to the other Wing Commanders by giving them the support and output that they are expecting from one’s unit in a timely, proper manner, always keeping in mind that no unit is a “stand-alone” reality, since we are all part of a bigger picture.”

Following the speeches was the signing of the change of command certificates.

After the national anthems of Germany, Italy and Denmark were played, the official part concluded with the retiring of the Colours.

Training Wing changes command

Photo by Wiel Borghans

Exercise, Exercise, ExerciseThe E-3A Component held a large, multi-scenario exercise in cooridination with local German emergency personnel. For more photos and information, see pages 8 and 9.

Colonel Arturo Di Martino assumes command of the Training Wing on Sept. 20, 2013.Photo by Wiel Borghans

Page 2: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days
Page 3: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

27 September 2013 NATO Skywatch 3

NATO Skywatch is an authorized, unofficial commercial enterprise newspaper published under exclusive written agreement with the NAEW&CF E-3A Component by HOUX DIGIPRINT, Arendstraat 3, 6135 KT Sittard, +31 (0)46 4582111. Opinions expressed by contributors are their

Volume 29, No. 9 27 Septembery 2013

own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by NATO of the products or services advertised. Submissions are due seven days before publication and may be edited for style and space.Email articles and classified advertisements to [email protected].

For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger Media at +31 (0)46 4529292, cellphone +31 (0)6 5472 6473, [email protected] or Houx Digiprint at +31 (0)46 4582111, [email protected]

Articles may be reproduced after permission has been obtained from the editor, provided mention is made of NATO Skywatch. To read the NATO Skywatch online visit www.e3a.nato.int

CommanderMaj. Gen. Andrew M. Mueller

Chief, Public AffairsMaj. Johannes Glowka

EditorStaff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria

Maj

For the past 30 years at the E-3A Component, the Deutsche Unteroffizier Kameradschaft, better known as “The DUK,” has hosted an annual Oktoberfest for the NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen community. As many of us know, this two-day event is well established as a yearly highlight in the E-3A Component. What is most amazing to me is this event is orchestrated entirely by volunteers – people willing to contribute their time, talents and energy to host events, which enable all of us to enjoy the unique characteristics of our international community.

This year, the Chairman of the DUK is Master Sgt. Wolfgang Schlegel and his Deputy Chairman is Master Sgt. Manuel Werner. Rumor is, the workhorse of the DUK is the Secretary, Master Sgt. Carsten Brüggenolte, who is helped by the Deputy Secretary, Senior Master Sgt. Hans Bernard Müller. I know there are many more volunteers helping the DUK with the Oktoberfest and I want to thank them all for a wonderful weekend. This year’s festival specifically recognizes our Navigators – a rare breed of aviator indeed. As always, any profits the DUK receives from the Oktoberfest will be distributed among the local community next Spring.

Another fantastic group of

volunteers on our base is found in the International Women’s Club, or IWC, whose President is Mrs. Linda Kolset. Each month this group hosts an event to showcase the cultures and foods from one of our 16 nations. I heard September’s Casino night was filled with excitement and I am certain October’s

NATEX fashion show is shaping up to be another fun day. Recently, I learned of three ladies who have volunteered for IWC for many years.

IWC members Mrs. Monika Dreisbach (photo left), Mrs. Doris Tropp (photo middle) and Mrs. Angelique Rensen (photo right) are great examples of volunteers in action here at NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen. Monika was the IWC vice-president for more than ten years, Doris served as the assistant

treasurer for five years and Angelique volunteered for more than 15 years as the IWC treasurer – WOW! Doris sums up some of the rewards of volunteering, “I had a great time all these years with the ladies and the different cultures. But now is the time to do something else, maybe helping out at the Thrift Shop.” Many thanks to all the members of the IWC.

Speaking of the Thrift Shop, under the lead of Mrs. Elke Lohmann, it depends on volunteers to a great

extent. Ten volunteers provide support, two days a week, selling used items to Component personnel. The volunteers have been making it happen since 1983.

There are plenty of other volunteers on our base like youth sports coaches, club and tour coordinators and more, who take time out to make things happen. A large group of volunteers from the Belgian National Support Unit, led by Mr. Stephan Grobben and Patrick de Rooze, hosted the fifth annual Component Pool Party in August, an event quickly becoming a tradition here in GK. Each April, the entire Turkish NSU volunteers to orchestrate our annual International Children’s Festival. I am certainly looking forward to each of these events next year.

As I look around our base, there

are many things going on after duty hours and on the weekends, most all orchestrated by volunteers – Component members willing to make an extra effort to make things happen for all of us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers who have contributed their talents to foster the unique events which highlight the value of our international community.

Many thanks to all of you for making things happen on NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen.

Volunteers – Making Things Happen for all of us

Photo Courtesy IWC

Page 4: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

Audi A1 3-trg. Attraction 1.2 TFSI 63 kW (86 PS), 5 Gang, Grundpreis ab Werk (inkl. MwSt.), Lackierung: Brillant- schwarz, Ausstattung: schw./schw. – schw./schw./titan- grau, Sonderausstattungen/Zubehör: Comfort-drive- Paket, Ablagepaket, Klimaanlage manuell, Mittelarm- lehne vorn, Sitzheizung vorn, Radioanlage Chorus, Seitenairbags vorn, Kopfairbag, el. Außenspiegel, ESP, el. FH, Start-Stopp-System, ZV mit FB u.v.m. Finanzierungsbeispiel: + Hauspreis 15.379,00 ¤ + Überführung/Kfz-Brief-Gebühr 597,99 ¤ – Anzahlung 18,71 % 2.990,00 ¤ = Nettodarlehnsbetrag 12.986,99 ¤ + Zinsen 814,07 ¤ + Bearbeitungsgebühr 454,54 ¤ = Darlehnssumme 14.255,60 ¤ + Laufzeit: 36 Monate + Nominalzins: p. a. 2,41 %

+ effektiver Jahreszins (UD): 3,90 %

+ 35 monatliche Raten: 149,00 ¤ + Schlussrate bei 10.000 km/Jahr: 9.040,60 ¤

Kraftstoffverbrauch: innerorts 6,2 l/100 km außerorts 4,4 l/100 km kombiniert 5,1 l/100 km

CO 2 -Emissionen: kombiniert 118 g/km

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(l. to r.w): Achim Käfferlein, Martin Deffur, Michael Wittwer, Gerd Caron, Lothar Herfs, Marcel Oellers, Markus Weber, Alfred Deffur, Michael Marx.

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Our finance offer for youAudi A1, 3-door, Attraction 1.2 TFSI 63 kW (86HP), 5-gear, basic price ex works (incl. VAT), Color painting: ‘brilliant black’, interior: black/ titan-grey. Additional special features: comfort drive pack-age, depot package, air-conditioning (manual), middle armrest (front), heated seats (front), radio Chorus, side airbags (front), head airbag, electronic mirrors, ESP, electronic window lift, start/stop system, central locking with radio control, and much more.

Financing example: Dealers’ price is+ overcrossing / registration document- down payment 18,71%= net amount of loan+ interest rate+ administration fee= amount of loan Contract period: 36 months Nominal interest rate

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Only 9 miles from base and only 1 mile to the centre of Heinsberg.

Indoor pool, playgrounds and jogging path, various shopping facilities and restaurants within walking distance.

Fully equipped modern kitchen, washer, dryer, SAT-TV, DVD- and CD Player,free high speed DSL Internet, babybed, highchair, toys, backyard, basket-ball.

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Page 5: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

27 September 2013 NATO Skywatch 5

By Maj. Rob van Leeuwen and Maj. Horst Rudat

Col. Knittelmeier, Commander of the German Air Wing in Mazar-e Sharif, visited the E-3A Force Element Sept. 14, 2013.

After welcoming remarks from Lt. Col. Gerald Probst, the Force Element Commander, the colonel and his staff were briefed on the airplane and the role of the E-3A in the Afghan Theatre of Operations by Maj. Rob van Leeuwen.

A one hour tour, guided by Major Van Leeuwen and Major Rudat in the AWACS completed the visit.

Colonel Knittelmeier and his staff were very interested in the way the E-3A Component and the Force Element functions as an international team on a daily basis.

Commander of the German Air Wing in MeS visits E-3A Force Element

Photo by Maj. Horst Rudat and modified by Maj. Rob van Leeuwen

Photo by Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria

I Fix PlanesGerrit “Snoopy” Vos, an aircraft maintenance specialist, poses for a photo in front of a NATO AWACS Sept. 18, 2013, at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany. Vos, a native of Nijmegen, Netherlands, has been working at the E-3A Component as a crew chief on the flightline for more than 30 years.

Photo by Andrea Hohenforst

Airborne youngsters found new facility Mr. Paul Maassen, kennel master and longtime employee of the component, found some unexpected roomies in his area of responsibility. After a very short construction period the brave little airborne swallows found their home at one of the cat safest places here on base – protected by 19 duty dogs. Our duty dogs normally support safeguard our aircrafts, facilities and events but do not mind helping out our other friends who reach for the skies. Exception proves the rule - until our feathered friends are ready for takeoff to the South.

Photo and text Maj. Johannes Glowka

On 6 September 2013, Squadron 3 celebrated the third anniversary of its sponsorship at the Euregiozoo Aachen.

The golden eagle, which all members of Squadron 3 wear as an official patch on their sleeve, was unfortunately not personally available for an interview!

On Friday evening, the Euregiozoo Aachen opened its doors to all those who sponsor their animals. The zoo personnel were particularly pleased to welcome members of the NATO E-3A Component in Geilenkirchen.

Apart from expressing their gratitude for the donation to the zoo, the question arose as to whether it would be possible to visit the NATO Air Base.

The Euregiozoo Aachen is the home of many mascots, because not only private individuals but also a number of German fighter wings are official sponsors of the zoo.

The Euregiozoo Aachen caters particularly for children and offers a children’s farm, two petting zoos, a large playground and a small house for birthday parties. The Euregiozoo Aachen is especially suitable for families with small children and is definitely worth a visit.

Third Anniversary of Squadron 3 “Golden Eagle Sponsorship” at Euregiozoo Aachen

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27 September 2013 NATO Skywatch 7

By Maureen Geraets-Head

It’s Monday, 0650 at Hangar One when crew chiefs start to walk in for their 7 o’clock daily briefing. Senior Master Sgt. Marco Welling from Aircraft Maintenance and Inspection Branch starts the short morning meeting and assigns crew chiefs in groups of three to prep E-3A aircraft that need to be launched or serviced. “…And Frank’s group goes to 455 on spot 7,” he ends the tasking list. The guys get up to start their working day.

Welling explains that during the past months there have been more aircraft to be serviced than that there are crew chiefs available. It has been extremely busy with launching, recovering and servicing the 17-aircraft strong AWACS fleet.

For Welling, it is the challenging task to schedule the team of crew chiefs – military and civilian - in such a way that the operational side can fly the jets and fulfill their tasks without any delays.

He continues, “It is an advantage to have a wonderful team here and it is great to work with them. Although, I’ve noticed that slowly they are reaching the limit of their flexibility, -the stretch is gone-, so to speak. One can only do so much within a given time and with fewer hands. We feel the lack of manpower. Mainly, everything still runs because this team has an enormous work experience,” Welling explains.

“Last week, we were short of crew chiefs but we were lucky to have some additional hands from FOB Konya personnel who are here for their currency training and we managed to launch the E-3A which otherwise would not have been possible,” says Welling.

Seven military colleagues from Forward Operating Bases Konya, Aktion and Trapani are presently deployed to the Component for their annual currency and refreshment training. Besides the daily servicing support also towing, de-icing and tire change are part of the package. This runs parallel to deploying for exercises

and ongoing operations and providing flight line support on weekends.

“It becomes critical when a Red Ball* pops up. Than the complete schedule has to be revised,” Welling adds with a grin. “And, it is of utmost importance that our work is performed in such a way that it complies with the safety requirements.”

“Colder weather is on its way and for us that means de-icing which demands a five-person crew: one supervisor, two drivers and two basket operators. It is a labor-intensive task and a burden when being undermanned. I wish other units could provide some assistance by, for instance, providing a driver, that would already be a tremendous help,” Welling continues.

Two crew chiefs are also trainers and they instruct FOB/FOL crew chiefs and newcomers. Mr. Sandy McIntosh who has been here since July 1, 1982, explains, “These crew chiefs attend once per year the three-week training session. This training is given four times per year with six to eight persons attending from the FOBs and FOL.”

McIntosch and his colleague instructor Mr. John Amos are responsible for the training program providing currency training and newcomers training. It takes three full months followed by two months of monitoring before the newcomer is qualified to work with NATO’s E-3A aircraft.

“Unfortunately with the current budget limitations, we did not get any new civilian colleagues to replace those who have left the Component,” adds Welling.

Overall, I see a group of highly motivated people, proud in what they do under any circumstance. While I drive back to my office it starts pouring down rain. They spend their workday mainly outside, rain or shine.

*Editor’s note: Red Ball: An unscheduled deficiency on a jet that has to be handled within 10 minutes.

Ground work comes first - Crew chiefs launch AWACS into the skyWhat is needed before the crew can use an E-3A aircraft to fly a mission?Each month NATO Skywatch likes to cover an aspect of mission essential ground support. Please contact PAO if you like us to write about your shop or branch.

Photos by Maureen Geraets-Head and Staff Sergeant Mike Longoria

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8 NATO Skywatch 27 September 2013

On Sept.21, 2013, the NATO E-3A Component and rescue forces from the local German communities executed an Emergency Response Exercise at NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen, Germany.

At exactly 10 o’clock local, the exercise started with a loud bang and smoke next to the specially prepared E-3A aircraft, which was towed earlier near the end of the runway.

The aircraft landed simulated with one of its gear still retracted and it skidded of the runway.

Immediately after the simulated incident, the NATO E-3A emergency response forces rushed to location and shortly after civilian local response forces supported, including two civilian Search and Rescue helicopters. This all was played under the watchful eye of invited German and Dutch local authorities and interested media.

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27 September 2013 NATO Skywatch 9

The main exercise objectives were to demonstrate and exercise the emergency response services’ dealing with a complex, large-scale aircraft emergency scenario on base, internal and external communication channels, established reporting procedures and response plans both on the German civilian and military side. Furthermore, the intent was to strengthen the local communities’ confidence in the abilities of response services in dealing with a major disaster at NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen.

Roughly 400 participants took part with their rescue vehicles and equipment from civilian local response services and the NATO military side. The exercise and its planning were the result of extensive cooperation between civilian Heinsberg county emergency response specialists and the military NATO E-3A Component counterparts that started one year ago.

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Page 11: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

27 September 2013 NATO Skywatch 11

By Col. John Backstrom

In putting together my thoughts and words for my departure from OW and the E-3A Component, I decided to tell the story of my involvement with NATO AWACS – mostly because it is not just my story but, also in one way or another, it’s the story of just about everyone here at the Component.

Four and a half years ago, I was comfortable in my role as the J5 at Canada Command; leading the national level planning for Canadian Forces support to security for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and working very closely with NORAD, US NORTHCOM and US Army North in developing a Combined Defence Plan and a Civil Assistance Plan. My future was secure. In the summer of 2009, I was to move back into Ops at Canada Command as the J3.

Out of the blue, I was told that I was being screened for a posting to NATO – specifically as the Assistant Chief of Staff Plans and Performance at Force Command HQ, located at SHAPE. After my initial surprise, I thought “OK, a chance to enjoy travelling in Europe and what a great way to transition toward retirement; three or four years with NATO”.

My handover at Force Command was brief – a lunch meeting with my predecessor during our House Hunting Trip. He told me it was a great job, not too busy or difficult and I could plan my vacations etc many months in advance … “UNLESS WE ARE PLANNING FOR AN OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT”.

By the time I arrived at Force Command in July of 2009, planning had begun and the first attempt to deploy in support of ISAF had been made – a one month deployment to Konya. Unfortunately, over-flight clearance was not granted by a few countries between Turkey and Afghanistan, and no missions could be flown. At Force Command and across the Component here at Geilenkirchen, planning efforts were in full swing.

Half way through my first year at Force Command, I was asked to move to GK as the OWC, which meant I might actually get to implement some of the plans we had been working on. So Sharon and I packed up again, after a little less than a year, and moved 200 or so kilometres to GK. But, not before deploying to Bahrain for two months in an attempt to negotiate a basing arrangement for NATO AWACS

with the Royal Bahraini Air Force. Discussions and negotiations worked well at our level. However, higher-level discussions and arrangements did not develop sufficiently, so we were back to planning mode.

In the fall of 2010, the option of deploying into Afghanistan, specifically, Mazar-e-Sharif was considered, discussed and debated. A site survey was done, recommendations were made and after considerable NAC discussion and a few “breaks of silence”, we received the order to deploy at 1700 on Friday, 07 Jan 2011. A real testament to not only the planning and preparation efforts but, most importantly to the initiative and dedication of a great many individuals from across the Component, personnel and equipment started moving on Monday, 10 January and by mid-week, the entire Force Element (about 120 people, three aircraft and a lot of equipment) was in place in Konya.

Planning and preparations continued at FOB Konya and at 2130 on Friday, 14 January, we had boots on the ground at Mazar-e-Sharif. There were 14 of us (NICs, officers, NCOs, aircrew, maintenance and support personnel), plus a flight deck crew to ferry the first jet back to Konya. We had almost nothing to work with; one and a half rooms in a secure building, with a few tables and chairs, a phone, an ISAF computer with no LOGIN, five ten-man tents with cots and kerosene heaters, limited aircraft spare parts and tools, a parking spot for an aircraft, but not much more.

Regardless, innovation, initiative, dedication, and smart risk-management prevailed and we all agreed that we could safely and effectively recover jets and crews in MeS and turn the jets for ferry flights back to Konya. We launched the first mission out of Konya less than 24 hours after our arrival in MeS. Because of the over-flight clearance requirements, the crew flew about 7 hours transit, 8 hours on-station and another hour transit, for a 16-hour flight from Konya to MeS, with two night heavy-weight air-refuellings, landing at 0830 on Sunday morning. Four hours later, the flight deck crew that had arrived with us flew a 7-hour transit back to Konya and before they landed, the second mission had already departed Konya for MeS. We kept this pace for two weeks, launching a mission out of Konya each day, recovering in MeS the next morning, and turning the jet around for a transit flight back to Konya, flown by the crew from the previous day’s mission.

During this two-week period, we

steadily built up our communications, ops and accommodations capabilities so that we could launch missions from both Konya and MeS on alternate days. However, the bulk of the Mission Planning was still being done in Konya. Eventually, the operation evolved to the point where all missions and the entire Detachment could operate from MeS. After two and a half years, the Component still has an amazing 95+ percent success rate at launching a mission a day.

Less than three months after starting Op AFGHAN ASSIST, the situation in Libya began to change rapidly. We had crews deployed to Trapani for Op ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR and for almost two weeks they provided 24-hour on-station coverage of a significant portion of the Mediterranean, before NATO’s Op UNIFIED PROTECTOR was stood-up. From the beginning of OUP until the end, the E-3A Component generated a greater than 100% mission success rate; tasked with flying a mission a day and holding a jet and crew on standby for all other AEW forces as well.

We did that for seven months, until the end of October 2011, and it was an E-3A from Geilenkirchen that was the last aircraft to go off-station, having ensured that all other aircraft had departed safely. These accomplishments are remarkable on their own but, you must remember that this was achieved while also maintaining and supporting Op AFGHAN ASSIST!

Since the end of OUP, we have recovered from the tremendous training backlog created by two con-current deployed operations. We have stood-down the TCA Sqn and stood-up a contract with TNT for airlift support. We have endured heat, dust, cold, snow and three flood seasons, the most recent of which closed MeS for a few days due to water and mud everywhere. We have survived political issues, Diplomatic (over-flight) Clearance Notification issues – forcing long and arduous transit routes between here and MeS. And, we continue to face national issues – constraints on deployments, funding pressures and of course, Canada’s decision to withdraw from NATO AWACS.

We, Operations Wing, the Component, and the Force have accomplished A LOT – all because of the people here in this hangar, and many, many more just like you who are currently deployed on operations or exercises, and some who have already moved on to their next assignments.

I have been tremendously impressed with the professionalism,

flexibility and ingenuity of our crews, our staff and support personnel in Airfield Services Sqn, Log Wing, IT Wing, Base Support, and the augmentees from TW, whether deployed or during force generation and training here at the MOB.

To Marco and Knud – congratulations to you both. You have done a great job at TW, generating and upgrading qualified aircrew and Marco, I know you will enjoy working with the outstanding folks at OW that I have had the privilege of working with for the past three years.

To LW, ITW, Base Support and A-Staff – this is an operational air base that includes a lot more than just operators and Operations Wing. Thanks for your operational focus and professionalism, because it takes all of your efforts to allow OW to function.

To General Mueller (and General Pototzky before him), Wing Commanders, OW Sqn Commanders and SNRs – thanks for your leadership; it has made my job easier; and thanks for your friendship; it has made my job more enjoyable.

Finally to Carla Henssen, Brad Schur and Ian McLeod – thanks for all of your efforts to help organize my work days and weeks. I know it wasn’t easy. To Helmut Diwo, Kees Pauw, Fred Akkerman and Holger Ernst – thanks for all of the outstanding advice over the past three years and also, thanks for not being shy about letting me know when I was wrong. But, most of all to all of you – thanks for your friendship. I truly hope our paths cross again.

Sharon and I will always remember with great fondness, our time here in Germany and especially the great many friends we have met.

Good luck to all of you as you work through the Force Review and the challenges and changes the coming months will bring.

Ops Wing Commander says final farewell

Page 12: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

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27 September 2013 NATO Skywatch 13

Diana Sousa, Vice President NATEX

What does one say when it’s time to leave a position that has provided professional and personal growth, great insight into international cultures and most of all the memorable encounters! After ten years at NATEX, most of which in the position of Vice President, it is with bitter-sweet emotions that I leave NATEX and the E-3A Component Geilenkirchen in September 2013.

NATEX has allowed me the extraordinary opportunity to work with some of the most interesting, supportive and open-minded individuals who afforded me the trust and cooperation needed to succeed.

My most sincere gratitude is extended to Major-General Mueller who has supported NATEX throughout his tenure as Commander of the NATO E-3A Component, having a like priority of assuring positive Morale and Welfare for all those military members and their families of this Component.

As a civilian working in a Military environment most of my career, I am still “in awe” and very proud to be a part of this community, having had the opportunities to attend such functions as the extraordinary NATO Change of Command(s), NATO 25th Anniversary celebrations and the NATO E-3A Component’s 30th Anniversary (to name a few).

These memories and the many others will never be forgotten! I can easily say that this segment of my career has most certainly been the most interesting, challenging and rewarding.

A special thanks is extended to Lieutenant -Colonel Ingo Jörz, Head Services Branch (and his predecessors) of whom I’ve worked closely with in achieving our mandate including the priority of “NATEX gives back” (where a percentage of every sale is returned to the Base MWA). His cooperation and understanding has greatly assisted NATEX in its quest for business competence and relevancy to this Component’s community.

I would be remiss not to mention those many other individuals I have had the great pleasure of working with on the Component, though too many to list as I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out. So a general thank you to you all.

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Carl Towning will assume the new position of Director NATEX. For the past three years Carl has been an integral part of the NATEX team in the position of NATEX Director of Store Operations. Rest assured that the importance of our mission and our cooperation and support to the Base will remain the priority.

I will be continuing my career at the Head Office in Ottawa in ongoing

pursuit of supporting Military Morale & Welfare mandates; I look forward to the challenges and opportunities it will bring. Ottawa is also my home town – allowing me the added pleasure of being closer to my family.

On a final note: a heartfelt thanks to NATEX Management and all NATEX employees who have consistently proven their dedication towards

achieving the NATEX Mission and who have supported me throughout my tenure at NATEX!

I will sorely miss NATEX, the E-3A Component and this beautiful country- and all those friends and colleagues I’ve met and worked with over the past 10 years.

Auf Wiedersehen.

Change in NATEX management

By CSA Staff CommitteePhoto Wiel Borghans

The CSA Staff Committee hosted an End-of-Summer event at the E-3A Club on Sept.12, 2013.

In view of the rainy weather, the indoor setting for the event proved to be a very good choice.

Vice-Chairman Ben Pereira welcomed the Component Commander, Maj. Gen. Andrew Mueller, and the Civilian Staff to the event.

General Mueller then presented Mr. Poul Kristensen with his Certificate of Retirement and Mr. Pereira presented the golden AWACS lapel pin on behalf of the CSA.

Mr. Kristensen joined the E-3A Component IT Wing (known back then as Software Support Centre) on Dec. 1, 1983, as a Programmer.

In March 2000, he was promoted to the post of Assistant Analyst/Programmer in the Operational

Software Division. At the start of August 2010, he was assigned to the post of Senior Software Programmer in the Mission Systems Engineering Division.

He retired from that post at the end of August this year.

The Commander then addressed the audience of NATO civilians on a range of current issues and held a Q&A session.

The official part of the event was followed by a social part with a buffet featuring food from three different countries: Greece, Italy and Spain. The CSA Committee received many appreciative comments about the tasty food.

As usual for this annual summer event, the Committee had also invited E-3A Component retirees to attend for the opportunity to socialize and renew old friendships.

Further pictures of the event are available in the photo gallery of the Portal’s CSA home page.

CSA hosts successful End-of-Summer Event

Photo by Wiel Borghans

Photo courtesy Natex

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14 NATO Skywatch 27 September 2013

MWA InforMAtIonOctoberUpcoming Events & IYA Activities

(Open to all US and NATO identification card holders)Points of contact: IYA Events: Mrs Neuhalfen, ext. 4954; Sports

Events: Mr Stelten, ext. 4920; Food Services: Mr Peeters, ext. 4990.

09 Oct: Table Tennis Tournament New Gym, 1100 – 1400 hrs. Deadline Registration: 08 Oct.

09 Oct: Heinsberg Hospital ToursTouring the maternity/obstretics ward of local hospitals is an important way for pregnant women to prepare for the big day. Tours address admitting procedures and your childbirth concerns. The meeting place is the Heinsberg Hospital lobby at 1800 hrs, 11 Sep and 09 Oct. For more information contact the New Parent Support Program at ACS. Call 31(0)46-443-7335

12 Oct: IYA Trip to AmsterdamSaturday, 12 October, 0800 – 2100. Explore the historic center, take a canal cruise through its wealth of waterways along beautiful houses built by wealthy merchants during the Golden Age of the Netherlands. You can visit the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House and famous museums with paintings by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer; and you will find street markets and thousands of stores and restaurants. Cost is € 24 per person, pay only € 16 per person with MWA Card.

12 Oct: Day Trip to the “De Bazaar”Sample the unique atmosphere of a bazaar featuring over 2,500 shops selling antiques, curiosities, hip clothing, new/used computers and tropical fruits, to name a few. Exotic smells, street artists - it’s a fun and fascinating display of divergent cultures. On Saturday, October 12 the bus will leave Schinnen at 9:30 a.m. for Beverwijk and return at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $49 for adults and $45 for 12 and under.

Trips are open to US/NATO ID cardholders and their guests. Contact us at 31(0)46-443-7561 or DSN 360-7561 or [email protected] mailto:[email protected] Remember, you can charge it on your VISA/MasterCard.

16 Oct: Badminton TournamentOld Gym, 1100 – 1400 hrs. Deadline Registration: 14 Oct.

17 Oct: Outdoor Soccer Tournament (Small Fields)Soccer Stadium, 1130 – 1400 hrs. Deadline Registration: 15 Oct.

18 Oct: CYSS Parents’ Night Out – JFC BrunssumEnjoy a night out while CYSS takes care of your children. The next evenings are 1830 to 2330 hrs. September 20 and October 18. A light dinner will be served. Care is $20 per child with each additional sibling at $18. AFC benefits can be used. Care is located at JFC Brunssum. To sign-up contact PCS at least two days prior at 31(0)45-526-3121 or stop by to make your reservation. Open to CYSS Registered Children Infant-6th Grade. Fees are non-refundable.

24 Oct: (Beach) Volleyball TournamentBeach Volleyball Courts or New Gym, 1300-1545 hrs. Deadline Registration: 22 Oct.

25 Oct: Bavarian Breakfast at the RotodomeThe Rotodome is hosting a Bavarian Breakfast on Friday, 25 Oct from 0700-1045 hrs. Bavarian Breakfast includes: Warm breakfast, “Weisswurst”, sweet mustard and a Brezel. Price: € 5.

25 Oct: Danish Special Lunch at the Rotodome

27 Oct: Family Brunch at the E-3A ClubThe E-3A Club is hosting a Family Brunch on 27 Oct, 1100 – 1400 hrs. Please make your reservations under telephone extension: 4990/1.

29 Oct: Boules (Jeux de Boules, Boccia)Softball Field 4, 1430 – 1630 hrs. Deadline Registration: 28 Oct.

Page 15: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

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JUST 15KM FROM GEILENKIRCHEN, 8KM FROM BRUNSSUM AND 2 KM FROM SCHINNEN!

Auto Kallen | Rijksweg Zuid 320 - Geleen | The NetherlandsTel +31 (0)46 - 423 86 86 | Contact person [email protected]

OFFICIAL VOLVO MILITARY/DIPLOMAT/EXPAT SALES AGENTFOR NATO AIRBASE GEILENKIRCHEN, JFC HQ BRUNSSUM & U.S. ARMY GARRISSON SCHINNENFOR NATO AIRBASE GEILENKIRCHEN, JFC HQ BRUNSSUM & U.S. ARMY GARRISSON SCHINNEN

CUSTOM BUILD YOUR VOLVO

· VOLVO FACTORY WARRANTY

· HOME SHIPMENT PROGRAM INCLUDED*

· US,CANADIAN AND EUROPEAN SPECS

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

· GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES

AND HIGHEST SERVICE

· BODY AND PAINT SHOP

VOLVO DEALER

MORE THAN

45 YEARS

www.autokallen.nl*ONLY U.S. & CANADIAN SPECS

Mo. Tu. We. + Sa. 16.00 - 23.00Th.- Fr. 11.30 - 14.00 and from 17.00 - 23.00 | Holidays and sundays 11.30 - 23.00

Offers valid from Monday to Thursday, only in the restaurant, about90 different dishes (except Calzone, Offers are not valid on public holidays)

+49 24 56 / 50 77 9452538 Selfkant-Tüddern Sittarder Str. 15

Special offer in the restaurant

Pizza Special

New Stoneoven Pizzabuy 3 Pizzas but only pay 2Monday to Friday, 49 different varietiesof pizza, except Calzone. Offers notvalid on public holidays.

OPENING TIMES

offer only as take out family choices

Ristorante - Pizzeria

RomaRoma

Prints - offset and digital

Birth- / Weddingcards

Personalized mailings

Mobile presentation systems

Corporate design

Banners (with frames)

[email protected] www.houxdigiprint.nl

XL DIGITAL PRINT & OFFSET CENTRE

Arendstraat 36135 KT SittardPhone +31 (0)46 4582111

Brusselsestraat 1346211 PJ MaastrichtPhone +31 (0)43 3256505

Design / DTP

XL prints

Manuals

Price lists

Plastic bags

Printed binders

www.houxdig ipr int .n l

We can offer you

beautiful boatswith/without crew with bookings for October 2013 and May/June 2014Confirmed by October 31th

with 20% off official pricelist

w w w. i o n i a n b r e e z e . g r

just 2 km from the NATO Aktion Base

Page 16: Volume 29, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 27 Septembery 2013 · 2013-09-30 · volume 29, no. 9 nato air base geilenkirchen 27 septembery 2013 operation afghan assist xxx days

RamsteinKindsbacher Str. 4766877 Ramstein-MiesenbachTel: 06371 61 39 90

GermanyKaiserslauternKaiserstrasse 167661 KaiserslauternTel: 0631 351 90 40

KaiserslauternKaiserstrasse 2267661 KaiserslauternTel.: 0631 3547 900

WiesbadenLudwig-Wolker-Str. 1455252 Mainz-KastelTel: 06134 567 80

SpangdahlemIm Kreuzgarten 1 A54529 SpangdahlemTel: 06565 93 69 90

AvianoVia Pordenone 48D33081 Aviano (PN)Tel: 0434 676 613

Italy SpainNaplesTel: 0434 676 613Email: [email protected]

SigonellaTel: 0434 676 613Email: [email protected]

VicenzaViale Della Pace 25436100 Vicenza (VI)Tel: 0444 91 09 38

RotaPlaza Del Triunfo 611520 Rota (Cadiz)Tel: 956 840 201

PENTAGON CAR SALES • www.PentagonCarSales.com

The new BMW 4 Series Coupé is almost here. Join us to celebrate the introduction of the latest Ultimate Driving Machine from BMW and experience this dynamic, all-new coupé for yourself at a Pentagon Car Sales showroom near you. For more details, visit us on the web at www.pentagoncarsales.com

MEET THE ALL-NEW BMW 4 SERIES COUPÉ AT PENTAGON CAR SALES – SAT/SUN OCT 5th & 6th.

SOME THINGS ARE WORTH WAITING FOR.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS• Test drives available• Stock models for immediate delivery• On the spot trade-In appraisals• Instant loan approvals• Complimentary food & refreshments.