Skywatch No. 02 - 26 Feb 2016

Transcription

Skywatch No. 02 - 26 Feb 2016
26 February 2016 NATO Skywatch 1
Volume 32, No. 2 • 26 February 2016
NATO E-3A crew completes the 1,000th mission in support of NATO Assurance Measures. (Photo André Joosten)
Assurance Measures reach 1,000 missions
A significant milestone was reached
on Feb. 11, 2016, when a NATO E-3A
completed the 1,000th mission in
support of NATO Assurance Measures
(AM). The NATO E-3A Component
has provided the bulk of these
missions from Geilenkirchen and
from its Forward Operating Bases
and Location in Aktion, Greece,
Konya, Turkey, Trapani, Italy and
Oerland, Norway.
The other Component of the NATO
Airborne Early Warning and Control
Force, the British E-3D Component,
has contributed about 25 percent of
the total sortie count and national
contributions from the French E-3F
and the Turkish E-7T fleets have made
significant contributions.
A NATO E-3A aircraft, tail number
LX-N 90456, with a mixed crew of
10 different nationalities took off
in the morning of Feb. 11, for their
AM task, landing at NATO Air Base,
Geilenkirchen, Germany, at 1900
hours.
It was on March 10, 2014, that the
North Atlantic Council, in response
to the situation in the Ukraine and
Crimea, decided to employ NATO
AWACS (Airborne Early Warning and
Control System) in orbits over Poland
and Romania.
The first AM flight was flown from
Geilenkirchen on 13 March 2014.
AM sorties are flown to conduct
air surveillance, enhance NATO’s
situational awareness and to provide
assurance to nations on NATO’s Eastern
Exhibition at Sentry Club
The German National Support Unit,
together with the Anita Lichtenstein
Gesamtschule and supported by the
MWA will bring an exhibition to the
Sentry Club Building.
The school is named after a young
Jewish girl from Geilenkirchen, who
died in a concentration camp during
World War II. Due to this historical
name, the school is including this
historical chapter into their work and
is doing projects linked to that. Since
2011, every ninth grader is doing
a trip to the former concentration
camp in Auschwitz and due to the
impression the children made, they
work out different projects.
The project of the art class will be
displayed here at the former Sentry
Club, starting March 16th, every
Tuesday and Thursday 1300 – 1500,
until April 14th. Every member of
the Component is invited to take a
look and to take opportunity to think
about that chapter of the German
history linked to our hosting city
Geilenkirchen.
Flank. Over time additional orbits
in the Baltics and Turkey have been
added to extend these influences.
Feb. 11 was therefore an important
day for NATO. It was also a momentous
day for the NAEW&C Force and for
the French and Turkish AWACS
communities, who together comprise
The Mixed Force. Tomorrow and into
the foreseeable future, The Mixed
Force will continue to play a pivotal
role in the delivery of NATO Assurance
Measures.
26 February 2016 NATO Skywatch 3
COMMANDER’S
CORNER
With the Commander’s Corner, our NAEW&CF Commander and E-3A Commander give
the opportunity to wing and squadron commanders, and branch and division heads to
share their thoughts about current topics taking place at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen.
Every month a different writer will highlight a specific topic concerning their discipline.
THE TLP AT A GLANCE
It is a great opportunity for this
Component to participate in the
Tactical Leadership Programme
because it is a superb occasion
for getting our air crews and
maintenance personnel trained
in all those matters that are
the reason to exist for this
unit, the Airborne Battle
Management.
Normally, four deployments are
planned yearly and the E-3A
Component takes part with one air
crew plus back up and maintenance
personnel. The average timeline of
the deployment is two weeks
during which all personnel are
completely involved in mission
planning, development and
accomplishment.
All individuals are devoted to mission
accomplishment and work together
as a compact group, able to integrate
in a more complex multinational
team that are trained to develop
the highest capabilities in tactical
leadership.
The E-3A Component is not a member
of this program as such but since its
inception has been closely related to
its circumstances and has been a very
pro-active member in all scheduled
missions, trying to be actively
involved in the planning
and execution of all missions
scheduled.
The location of this program in
Spain is not by chance. It was
carefully chosen, having to meet two
inalienable requirements – to have
extensive air space available, without
any kind of restrictions to develop
daylight and overnight operations
and enjoying such good weather
conditions that allows mission
accomplishments most of the time.
Air space availability: It was
necessary for the benefit of the
mission to make available sufficient
air space not limited for any kind
of restrictions. The ever growing air
traffic in Central Europe increasingly
stemmed air operations in the
assigned areas. Furthermore, the
new air tactics of the NATO scenarios
demanded to extend training
Commander
Brig. Gen. Karsten Stoye
Volume 32, No. 2
26 February 2016
Chief, Public Affairs
Maj. Johannes Glowka
NATO Skywatch is an authorized, unofficial
commercial enterprise newspaper published
Editor
under exclusive written agreement with the
Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow
NAEW&CF E-3A Component by HOUX DIGIPRINT,
Arendstraat 3, 6135 KT Sittard, +31 (0)46 4582111. Opinions expressed by contributors are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, the North
areas not only in daylight but also
overnight.
Weather conditions: Undeniably,
many missions during the flight
courses had to be cancelled due to
bad weather conditions, therefore
most nations had to assess the risk
of sending a contingent of fighters
for a TLP in which many missions
might not be successfully
accomplished due to bad weather
conditions.
accommodation, meals, crew rests,
reports, fuel and any kind of support
that is needed, and the mandatory
reports on personnel, maintenance
or development of missions in order
to keep abreast the Component
Commander on the development of the
deployment and its ability to change.
Therefore, those are sine qua non
(something that is absolutely needed)
conditions in order to ensure higher
participation and that missions are
carried out as planned.
Accordingly, our aircraft contribute
in a quite essential way to the main
objective which is to increase the
effectiveness of air forces in the field
of tactical leadership and conceptual
and doctrinal initiatives in support
Once the weather and the air space
are guaranteed, it is time for the E-3A of the Supreme Allied Commander
Component to get off the ground and Europe (SACEUR), Supreme Allied
Commander Transformation (SACT)
start planning. This cannot be done
and getting fully qualified air
overnight, thus some months before
the deployment, missions are analysed crews able to support Airborne
Battle Management as directed.
and meticulously planned. The crews
Congratulations for your invaluable
are built up, and the deployment
contribution!
commander has to plan how many
maintainers he will need in the
Col. Juan Ramon Del Rio
case that some repairs are needed,
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 pao@e3a.nato.int.
For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger Media at +31 (0)46 4529292,
cellphone +31 (0)6 5472 6473, hubdurlinger@hotmail.com or Houx Digiprint
at +31 (0)46 4582111, verkoop@houxdigiprint.nl
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
Culpeck Insurance Broker GmbH
Please
www.culpeck.com
We
proudlycomplete
introduce our online quotation
andform
welcome
ALL NATIONALITIES.
for our new special discounted US-Forces and NATO rates!!
Haihoverstrasse 11
D-52511 Geilenkirchen
Haihoverstrasse
11
Email: geilenkirchen@culpeck.com
D52511
Geilenkirchen
Web:
www.culpeck.com
Culpeck Insurance Broker GmbH
Email: geilenkirchen@culpeck.com
Web: www. culpeck.com
We proudly introduce
and welcome ALL NATIONALITIES.
Haihoverstrasse 11
D- 52511 Geilenkirchen
Call 02451 2983
Call 02451 2983
Email: geilenkirchen@culpeck.com
Web: www. culpeck.com
This could have been
your advertisement
Airport Shuttle Service
Phone: +49 (0)2452 - 7777
Also reservations by www.city6000.de
ANIMAL HOTEL ABDISSENBOSCH
D
A
Y
C
A
R
E
New cat-place where your cat can
move freely. Roomy outside place,
playgrounds, central heated.
Grooming salon, also Do-It-Yourself
wash salon for pets.
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday 08:00-12:00 and
16:00-19:00 hrs.
Sundays and holidays closed for
bringing in or picking-up.
for 40 years the address where your pet feels at home
AH AH Landgraaf • phone +31 (0)45 5317217
Vogelzankweg 230 • NL-6374
www.dierenhotelabdissenbosch.nl (also in English und auch im Deutsch)
Karin’s Guesthouse
Offering 8 fully equipped, family & pet friendly quality accommodations
Complimentary Cars & Airport Shuttle Service
Experience quality Temporary Living Facilities with a warm
family touch, all located within 15 minutes of NATO Airbase
Geilenkirchen, JFC Brunssum & AFNorth. Our family-run
Guesthouse has been accommodating and assisting NATO
Members and their families for nearly 15 years.
Contact us now for reservations or inquiries.
Phone: +49(0)2451-72015
Web: www.karins-guesthouse.com
Cell:
+49(0)178-4140855 Email: service@karins-guesthouse.com
We hope to see you soon!
www.facebook.com/KarinsGuesthouse
26 February 2016 NATO Skywatch 5
Strong symbol of friendship
Story by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M.
Longfellow
Photos by J. Herelle / Armée de l’Air
way to learn than with each other,”
Chaves said. “This visit, we were
able to have a natural exchange
between both crew members. It will be
very successful when we see what we
have learned at our home station.”
Chaves said he wants to benefit from
It has been roughly 10 years since
the E-3A AWACS and its crew members
from NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen,
Germany, have been to Avord,
France.
Brig. Gen. Dawn Dunlop, NAEW&C
Force Commander, Brig. Gen.
Karsten Stoye, E-3A Component
Commander, and a crew from
Squadron One flew an E-3A aircraft
to France for conferences, briefings
and familiarization of the E-3F.
“This visit will strengthen the tie
between NATO and the French AWACS,”
Dunlop said. “We have to become a
good teammate to ensure Assurance
Measures missions are met.”
Members of the French and NATO AWACS.
A British AWACS was recently at
Geilenkirchen in December for three
days for training purposes. The idea
for members of the Component to
come to France to also meet another
AWACS operator was in the works since
then.
“The visit between the E-3A’s and
E-3F’s is a great opportunity to
exchange information and processes
between the mission crews, flight
crews, mechanics, logistics and
training,” said Capt. Bastien Chaves,
Training Wing Commander at
Avord.
As both Generals were in conferences
for the day, the crew members and
maintenance members were able to
have hands-on of the E-3F simulator.
A NATO E-3A and French E-3F parked on the ramp at Avord Air Base
The crew members said France’s
simulator was very similar to the E-3A
simulator with the exception of better
maps to work with and messaging
between all members of the crew on
board.
Members of the crew also received a
tour of the E-3F aircraft during their
visit in France.
“We are working more and more
together, but we still don’t know
each other very well,” Chaves said.
“We are still so dedicated to our areas
and we are not as open, but we need
to be.”
Chaves’s job in France is to reorganize
their tasks and update their training.
He adds he doesn’t need to just
upgrade their training, but upgrade
their knowledge.
“We need to learn and what better
E-3A crew members receive explanation about the capabilities of the French E-3F
each visit and he would like to see
the exchange and observations of
improvement between everyone at
least once a year.
OFFICIAL VOLVO MILITARY/DIPLOMAT SALES AGENT
NATO AIRBASE GEILENKIRCHEN, U.S. ARMY GARRISSON SCHINNEN & JFC BRUNSSUM
- FOR ALL EUROPEAN, US, CANADIAN & UK
NATIONALITIES SERVING NATO
MILITARY DISCOUNT CENTRE
- LEADING TAX-FREE MILITARY AND
DIPLOMATIC VOLVO SUPPLIER
- GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE
- ALL PAYMENTS DIRECT TO THE
VOLVO FACTORY IN GOTHENBURG,
SWEDEN
- HOME SHIPMENT PROGRAM INCLUDED*
- US, CANADIAN AND EUROPEAN SPECS
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
WHY BUY A QUALITY CAR?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Quality
Quality
Quality
Quality
Quality
cars
cars
cars
cars
cars
- BODY AND PAINT SHOP
are designed and manufactured to last much longer
transport you and your family in the safest environment.
have exceptional resale values
are reliable
are a pleasure to own
- VOLVO DEALER SINCE 1965
*ONLY U.S. & CANADIAN SPECS
WHY BUY BMW , VOLVO or MERCEDES?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
BMW ,VOLVO and MERCEDES are your Quality cars
MASSIVE Military Discounts (Buy Quality for the price of an Average car)
FREE Home Shipment to the U.S.A or CANADA when you return home
FREE Service and Maintenance for 3 Years (U.S. Volvo models)
FREE European Breakdown/Recovery (incl. Hotel, flights home, rental car)
FREE 4 Year Warranty (3 year EU models)
FREE 12 Year Anti Corrosion guarantee
Purchase Price in YOUR Currency and protected against price increases
WHY BUY FROM ROADCRAFT?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
ROADCRAFT guarantee you the lowest price
ROADCRAFT guarantee the highest level of service
ROADCRAFT deliver to your Military Base
ROADCRAFT have over 30 years experience selling to Military/Diplomats
ROADCRAFT provide 24/7 LIFETIME SUPPORT- Unique in car sales
ROADCRAFT do not believe in pressure selling.
We value and respect our customers!
OVER 20%
savings OFF
Tax-Free prices
www.MilitaryTaxfreeCars.com / ceo@MilitaryTaxFreeCars.com
direct lines: 0031 646855537
IND. RESTAURANT
Original Indian Cuisine · www.tasteofindia.tv
Two restaurants
under a roof –
shopping center
Tüddern
From 12 ‚o‘ clock onwards
continuous warm kitchen
aks
Schnitzel, ste ms
e
and noodle it
en!
German kitch
Our Introductory Offer:
3-course Menu
10%
rebate
on all dishes
Mon to Thurs
· Papadam and Salad
· one Chicken, one Lamb
dish with Basmati rice
and original Tandoori
Naan (bread)
· Dessert (specialty of
the house)
20,90 E
(34,90 E p.2P.)
Also order all dishes
for take-away.
Hamburger
ies
and french fr
Mon to Sat
9 to 12 hrs
Chef‘s Tip!
breakfast
buffet
7,50 e
www.grenzenlos-selfkant.de
In der Fummer 18 · Selfkant-Tüddern · Tel.: +49 (0) 24 56 - 508 72 80
ToI_Anzeige_nato_225x162_4c_GB.indd 1
04.12.14 07:50
26 February 2016 NATO Skywatch 7
NAEW&C United – Air Commodore Teakle
Story and photo by
Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow
Wearing two hats in the military
can be a difficult job, but for Air
Commodore Paddy Teakle it has
been challenging yet satisfying.
Teakle has been the Deputy Force
Commander and Chief of Staff
since 2014 when working at SHAPE
Headquarters in Mons, Belgium,
and has been stationed at NATO Air
Base Geilenkirchen, Germany since
January of this year.
As the Deputy Force Commander, he
fulfils the roles and responsibilities of
the Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Dawn
Dunlop, during her absence. Teakle
is also responsible to the Commander
for the efficient and effective
management of the Force Headquarters
as Chief of Staff.
“The Force Commander is extremely
busy,” Teakle said. “It is crucial she has
complete confidence in all the support
mechanisms which have been put in
place to ensure that we all understand
her intent and work as one team to
deliver her vision and mission.”
General Dunlop spends a great deal of
time on key leadership engagement at
the operational and military strategic
level. This, Teakle explains, is a vital
element of the senior leadership’s role
and responsibility to ensure a greater
awareness and better understanding of
this unique NATO capability.
“Therefore, I am responsible for
ensuring that the support mechanisms
the Force Commander needs, work as
effectively and efficiently as possible,”
Teakle said. “Smooth staff processes
and information management are key
to the delivery of our operational
output and to the future development
of the Force.”
When asked about his goals for
the Force, Teakle stated that the
Commander sets the goals for the
Force and we all deliver. Teakle went
on to explain that he shares a vision
of this Force being NATO’s go-to force
for highly-capable and worldwide
deployable Airborne Early Warning,
Battle Management and Command and
Control.
“To deliver that, we need to focus all
our efforts on our core mission
to deliver ready, responsive capability
to operational commanders in support
of NAC-approved taskings,” Teakle
said.
“Therefore, if we frame everything
we do around the mission and
remain true to the Commander’s
priorities of mission effectiveness,
taking care of our people, being
efficient and effective in our use of
resources and working in a climate of
professionalism and respect, we will
continue to thrive,” he continues.
When asked the question how the
people of the Force can be a better
team, Teakle uses football (soccer) as
an analogy.
“I think it is fair to say that prior to
the Force Review Implementation,
there was a Force Command team at
SHAPE, an E-3A Component team here
at Geilenkirchen and a team out at
the FOBs and FOL,” Teakle explains.
“That is no longer the case. We are
now a single team with three different
elements.”
“In the United Kingdom, many
football teams have the word united
at the end—Manchester United,
Newcastle United and Sheffield United,
for example. This is because they were
formed from small teams who came
together to be better than they were
individually.”
“I see the bringing together of
the Force Command and the E-3A
Component in much the same
way—stronger together—NAEW&C
United,” Teakle said. “That is not to
say the three elements need to share
a common identity. Every team has
a defense, a midfield and an attack;
each element has a different identity
but they are all part of the same
team.”
“Every day, we are faced with
challenges and it is impossible to
predict what is around the corner.”
“If we work together as a team
to face these challenges, we will be
far better able to overcome them
than if we work separately,”
Teakle said. “change is not always
comfortable, but it is necessary and
the changes we are going through
right now will make us better than
before.”
Teakle asks everybody to embrace the
journey ahead. If you see a better
Air Commodore Teakle (second from left) discusses the strategic calander with his staff.
way of doing things, do not keep it to
yourself – share the knowledge and
make suggestions.
Asked about his first impressions of
working at Geilenkirchen, Teakle was
quick to answer, “The professionalism
and teamwork I see every day.”
So what does Teakle expect of the men
and women at Geilenkirchen.
“I expect people to respect the
cultural differences that are inherent
in a multinational force – we all have
a chance to grow and learn from being
part of this unique Force,” he said. “I
expect people to operate in a just and
fair manner – mistakes will be made
but we need to learn and share the
lessons so that they are not repeated.
We need to conduct our business in
a safe manner and do not let the
pressures of the job tempts to operate
unsafely.”
“Although mission success is what
drives us, people cannot perform to
the best of their abilities if they are so
driven they forget to have fun every
once in a while.”
“I expect people to have fun,” Teakle
said. “Geilenkirchen is a fantastic
base with great facilities for sport,
recreation and fun. Go out and find
your fun.”
Air Commodore Teakle will remain here
until 2017 when he expects to retire
from the Royal Air Force after 39 years
of unbroken service.
Story by
Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow
Photos by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M.
Longfellow/Maureen Geraets-Head
Growing up in Germany, men,
women and children participate in
Carnival every year where they
dress up in crazy, colourful
costumes. There is nothing
different than celebrating it
out on the town than on the base
here.
In Germany, Carnival is also called
Fastnache, Fasching, or the Fifth
Season. Festivals of this kind took
place in Greek and Roman times when
a man was chosen out of the crowd
to be ‘king.’ Nowadays he is called
Faschingsprinz (Prince Carnival). His
election was celebrated with a parade
and the wearing of masks, as some
people say, to scare away demons.
Carnival is also significant to many
Christians because it is celebrated
before the forty-day season of Lent.
It would take place a week before Ash
Wednesday and Carnival was the last
opportunity to party.
Carnival events all around the local
area are celebrated in pubs, party
tents or other outside venues, in the
streets and throughout villages.
The Carnival event was held on Feb. 4,
2016 at the E-3A Club on NATO Air Base
Geilenkirchen, Germany.
With silly hats, scary masks and funny
looking costumes, members of Force
Command and the E-3A Component
were invited to take on such an event.
During the event the dance group,
“Tanzmariechen” was performed and
the International Tevern Carnival
Association attended with Prince
Carnival who made an appearance.
Throughout the evening, members
could take the shuttle bus, that
was provided, to the Geilenkirchen
train station, Tevern, Gillrath and
Niederheid.
10 NATO Skywatch 26 February 2016
Mirror 1…check. Mirror 2…check. Mirror 3…check.
By Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow
The NAEWC & Force Command and
E-3A Component held a Safety Day
on Jan. 15. The briefing topic was
flight safety. As members of the
Component, flight safety is a large
part of everyday life. But not only
do we need to be safe in the air, we
need to be safe on the ground. Let’s
take a look at one of our member’s
stories from 2001.
Windows down, the warm, summer
breeze blowing in your face and you
are riding along with your love—just a
normal summer day.
But everything changed for Klaus
Rudzki and his fiancé on that Saturday
morning, June 9, 2001.
Rudzki’s fiancé was in the driver’s
seat, he was sitting in the passenger
side of the car riding on the autobahn,
A-46; ready to take the exit to go to
NATO Air Base, Geilenkirchen, Germany
for the International Pool Party.
“This was a standard drive for us,”
Rudzki said. “It is about a 45-minute
drive to base. We were having a typical
conversation.”
Traffic was light that early afternoon
with minimal cars on the road. The
car was travelling approximately 130
kilometers (km) when they saw their
exit.
“When we were approaching the
exit, four cars were visible and one
car coming up on our right to merge
on the autobahn,” Rudzki said. “We
were in the process of switching lanes
as the vehicle was approaching the
autobahn and the car in front of us
decided to be nice and move to the
left lane to let them in.”
Rudzki and his fiancé wouldn’t know
what was coming next until it was too
late. The car in front of them switched
lanes and did not see their car only
a mere three meters from theirs,
travelling at approximately 130 km
behind them.
Photo courtesy
“My fiancé slammed on her breaks
and the car went straight through
the gravel, spinning, on the side of
the road,” he said. “We basically went
flying – at least one full rotation over
the concrete barrier. I was knocked
unconscious.”
Rudzki’s next memory was upside
down. “When I woke up, I was upside
down, still strapped in with my
seatbelt,” he recalls. “I heard people
talking.”
Someone who witnessed the crash
stopped and helped them out of the car.
In a later account, he was told the doors
of the car could not open and they had
to remove them from the back.
“I only saw a little blood on my right
index finger,” Rudzki said. “I wasn’t
in any pain. Maybe I was in shock,
I don’t know. My fiancé was crying
and running around. She was panicstricken.”
Rudzki went to the hospital in
Heinsburg and his fiancé went to
another. On his ride in the ambulance,
he could taste blood.
“This was probably when I started
internally panicking,” he said. “Blood
on my finger was okay, but tasting
blood in my mouth is another.”
Rudzki was in the intensive care unit
for three days and the hospital for five
days after, with a compressed, right
lung, broken, right ankle and some
brain haemorrhaging. It wasn’t until a
year later during a physical where he
found out he also had a broken back
bone.
“In this type of situation, there is
only luck,” he said. “Later, people
told me when they saw photos of the
car they were very surprised we came
out alive with nonlife-threatening
injuries. We were at the wrong place at
the wrong time,” he said.
Both, Rudzki and his fiancé were
wearing their seatbelts, not travelling
with excessive speeds and were not
breaking any traffic laws, yet the
accident happened.
According to the Traffic and Accident
Data by the Federal Highway Research
Institute, in 2014 there were 18,901
accidents that occurred on the
autobahn in Germany. This is 18,901,
too many.
Most of these accidents can be
avoidable by a few simple safety steps
– do not follow too closely, do not use
excessive speeds, practice defensive
driving and check your surrounds
using your mirrors and your eyes.
Most importantly, wear your
seatbelt.
International Spouses Club goes Italian
Story by Mary Leard
We explored Tuscany last month,
courtesy of our Italian ladies! “Un
Giro in Toscana” took us on a culinary
and cultural tour of central Italy. The
E-3A club was filled with the
ambience of Italy with green, red
and white balloons, flags and ribbon
displayed throughout. Wine barrels
were adorned with many things
reminiscent of Italy including leaves,
grapes, tomatoes, bread, and of
course, bottles of Chianti where it is
produced in Tuscany. There was much
to be discovered and games to be
played.
After Italy’s National Anthem,
Antipasto of meats, cheese, pâté and
pickled vegetables were served, called
Verdure sott’ olio, Pecorino Toscano
DOP, Salame Toscano and Finocchiona.
Afterwards, the main entrée was a
traditional Tuscan tomato and bread
soup called Pappa al Pomodoro.
It was served with Fagioli
all’uccelletto con salsiccia, which was
a side of beans with pork sausage
(though chicken sausage can be
served as an alternative). Everything
was essentially Tuscany on a plate!
Picture by Claudio Menniti
In between raffle drawings, patrons
gave their best estimates in Guess
the Cork Number game, lent their
muscles in Tug of War and channeled
their inner rock star in karaoke. As
usual the dessert buffet is always a
highlight, with patrons making a bee
line as soon as the table is ready.
Various homemade Italian cakes
graced the long buffet table ranging
from Tiramisu, Crostata Nutella (tart
cake) Ciambellone Marmorizzato
(marbled donut cake) and at least 15
other different delicious types!
The night ended with a parade of
dancing around the room. There was
so much warmth and joy that floated
around the room, and thanks to the
hard work of the Italian coordinators,
it was hugely successful.
Thank you to everyone that came,
and we look forward to seeing you
at the next event to be held March
17th that will feature both Spain and
Greece!
26 February 2016 NATO Skywatch 11
One office- Three people- 105 years of service
By Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow
Where am I right now in my life?
What am I doing with my life?
Where do I work? How long have I
worked here? Do I plan on staying
in that job for long? When will I
retire? Where will I retire? These
are all questions that ponder
through people’s minds when they
are reminiscing their life of the
past and the future.
For three individuals, their times to
retire are within the next two years.
They are maintainers of the AWACS
flight simulator and flight training
device.
on base. And with so much
experience in one office, each one
of these individuals is equally
important.
After professional education and
military, Kmoch started working in
January 1976 where he worked in
Leck, Germany on the RF-4E Phantom
Flight Simulator for 18 years. He has
been working at Geilenkirchen since
January 1994.
Working as long as Kmoch has, he has
a little advice before he retires, “Keep
fit – no stress. Otherwise you cannot
enjoy your retirement.”
Mr. Bernhard Kmoch, Mr. Ulli Büttner,
and Mr. Dieter Bursche all work
together for the CAE Company and
have a total of 105 years of dedicated
service.
Büttner has been working at
Geilenkirchen since 1981 and has
hit 45 years of service for the base.
He says the best part of his career
was working in an interesting
international environment.
Their job is important to the mission
here at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen,
Germany. The E-3A simulator is a vital
part of training flight crew members
“Slow down and keep in mind
what possibilities you have and
what you would like to do,” he
advices. “All those things you never
had enough time during your working
life.”
He adds, he plans on traveling
on motorbike during nice weather,
skiing during the wintertime,
reading, working on computers and
other handcraft work after he
retires.
“I think I will find more than enough
out of boredom,” he said.
Bursche made his way in this career
30 years ago. He previously worked
Mr. Ulli Büttner
German SNR “flies”out
on the UH-1D flight Simulator in
Bückeburg, Germany, the TORNADO
flight simulator in Nörvenich, Germany
and in other locations before coming
to Geilenkirchen.
“I repaired my radio when I was 12
years old,” Bursche said. “From then
on, I knew this was my profession.”
Kmoch is retiring at the end of this
year, Büttner has just one more
year to go before his retirement and
Bursche is retiring in 2017.
Mr. Bernhard Kmoch
Mr. Dieter Bursche

A somewhat different “fini-flight” was performed by Lt. Colonel Volker von dem
Bach, German Senior National Representative, when he was “flying” down the
ladder of the Fire Fighter truck.
As of 26 February 2016, the new German SNR will be Lt. Colonel Andreas Böge.

Photo Staff Sergeant
Alexandra Longfellow





















Photo Capt. André Bongers
26 February 2016 NATO Skywatch 13
The first group of departing NATO civilian staff for 2016 were honoured during the January CSA event. Photo André Joosten
CSA starts New Year saying Farewell
By CSA Committee
Last January, the Civilian Staff
Association (CSA) held its New Year
Reception on Jan. 27, combined
with honouring and saying farewell
to nine staff members departing as
a result of the Force reorganisation
and recognizing three staff
members with 25 years of NATO
service.
watch of the staff member’s choice
to the retirees. He wished them good
health and all the best for the time to
come.
Two NATO civilians with 25 years of
The retirees received a Certificate of
Appreciation from Brigadier General
Karsten Stoye, NAEW&C Force E-3A
Component Commander. He handed
out the certificates to the following
staff members :
Ms. Gerrie Savelkoul (Oct 1980 - Dec
2015 ); Mrs. Angela Butterfield (Feb
2005 - Jan 2016) ; Mr. Roland Becker
(Jan 1981 – Jan 2016); Mr. Cornelis
Bogers (Jun 1983 – Jan 2016); Mr.
Ulrich Maassen (Feb 1982 – Jan 2016);
Mr. Rudi Mertens (Sep 1982 – Jan
2016); Mr. Helmut Roessler (Jan 1982
– Jan 2016); Mr. Werner Schumm (Oct
1981 – Jan 2016); Mr. Martin Spurdle
(July 1980 – Jan 2016).
As a token of appreciation for their
many years of service, Mr. Guy
Vandebeek, CSA Chairman, gave either
a gold AWACS lapel pin or an engraved
Photo André Joosten
NATO service, Mr. Stefan Schmidt, Mrs.
Angela Koerfer received a certificate
from General Stoye and an engraved
glass cube from Mr. Vandebeek on
behalf of the CSA.
The CSA will hold a Massive Farewell
Ceremony on 22 March, 1400, at
the E-3A Club, when a further
more than 100 NATO civilian staff
members will depart due to the Force’s
reorganization.
14 NATO Skywatch 26 February 2016
(Open to all US and NATO identification card holders)
JUNE
March
Visit the Services Branch WSS Web Page for the latest program information and upcoming events
POC: IYA Events: Mrs Neuhalfen, ext. 4954; Sports Events: Mr Stelten, ext. 4920; Food Services: Mr Peeters, ext. 4990
2 Mar: Comedy Force 5 show at Schinnen
ADMISSION FREE! 2000 hrs at the Schinnen Memory Lanes Lounge. For more
information call 0031- (0) 46-443-7370 or DSN 360-7370.
Email: usarmy.schinnen.imcom-europe.list.dfmwr-crd@mail.mil
7 Mar: Badminton Tournament
1100 - 1400 hrs, The Cube (Old Gym). Deadline Registration: 4 Mar Register by
contacting the Sports Department: email ofcgk-bpws@naew.nato.int or
call ext. 4946
11 Mar: 60s/70s Party at the E-3A Club Entrance Free!
Doors open at 1930 hrs. Music by DJ Patrick. Special Cocktails. Available Food
Items: Hamburger, french fries, chili con carne with bread. Prize for best outfit!
For more information contact Rene Peeters at 0049 (0)2451-63-4990 or email
rene.peeters@naew.nato.int
11 Mar: Charity Night 2016 “Black and White” at JFC Brunssum
Tickets € 25, includes welcome drink, international food, entertainment, 1
photo. Ticket locations: JFC HQ Library Brunssum on Wednesdays 1100 – 1300
hrs. Schinnen Thrift Shop on Tuesdays 1030 – 1430 hrs. Geilenkirchen NATO
Airbase at the NATEX convenience Plus on Wednesdays 1230 – 1400 hrs. Venue: International Conference Centre. After Feb 26, ticket price is € 35. Ticket
holders 18 yrs and older only. AllProceeds donated to many International
Charities approved by JFC Brunssum International Club.
Dress Code: Black & White with a “twist”.
16 Mar: Basketball Tournament
1615 - 1800 hrs, Sportsdome (New Gym). Deadline Registration: 14 Mar
Register by contacting the Sports Department:
Email ofcgk-bpws@naew.nato.int or call ext. 4946
18 Mar: Deadline Registration for youth Spring soccer league and youth
spring soccer camp
Register by contacting the Sports Department:
Email ofcgk-bpws@naew.nato.int or call ext. 4946
Restaurant und Café
18 Mar: Bavarian breakfast at the Rotodome
0600 – 1030 hrs. Enjoy a Bavarian Breakfast at the Rotodome. Cost is only
5.00€ with your valid MWA Card. “Leberkäse” 1.00 € extra and “Weizenbier”
(Trüb, Dark or Alc. Free) for 1.70 €. For more information contact Rene Peeters,
0049 (0)2451-63-4990 or email rene.peeters@naew.nato.int
Restaurant und Café
52538 Gangelt
02454 - 1414
Café Restaurant Partyservice
52538 Gangelt • Am Freibad 10
52538 Gangelt
English
spoken
02454 - 1414
Total crazy
USA Weeks
enjoy American cuisine 18.03 - 20.03.
Our biggest all - you - can - eat USA Buffet
WWW.Haus-Hamacher.de
•• reserve in time ••
WWW.facebook.com/haushamacher
www.facebook.com/haushamacher
www. Haus-Hamacher.de
Phone +49 (0)24 54 - 14 14
WWW.Haus-Hamacher.de
WWW.facebook.com/haushamacher
19 Mar: Schinnen organised Paris express trip
$79 per person. Hop aboard our motorcoach for an exciting day trip to Paris,
France and leave the driving to us. For more information call Schinnen Trips &
Tours DSN 360-7560 / Com 0031-(0)46-443-7560.
Email: usarmy.schinnen.imcom-europe.list.dfmwr-crd@mail.mil
21 Mar: IYA Easter egg hunt & games
1430 hrs, for children up to the age of 12, at the IYA Playground behind Bldg.
95. NO FEE! Rain delay date: 22 March. Further information at the IYA Office,
ext. 4955.
21 Mar - 1 Apr: IYA Easter break programme
For children aged 5 and older, 0745 – 1745: fun games, sports, beautiful
playground, movies, seasonal arts and crafts, egg hunt, field trips. Further
information and registration at the IYA Office, ext. 4954 or 0049 2451 63 4954.
22 Mar: indoor soccer tournament
1200 - 1430 hrs, Sportsdome (New Gym). Deadline Registration: 18 Mar Register
by contacting the Sports Department: Email ofcgk-bpws@naew.nato.int or call
ext. 4946
24 Mar: IYA trip to Burgers’ Zoo
0845 – 1745 hrs. Featuring 8 outdoor and indoor theme sites and playgrounds,
for children aged 5 and older, € 28 without MWA Card, € 19 with MWA Card.
Chaperones go free. Further information and registration at the IYA Office,
ext. 4954 or 0049 2451 63 4954.
24 Mar: Easter lunch at the Rotodome
1100 – 1330 hrs. Enjoy your Easter Lunch at the Rotodome. Cost is only 7.50 €
with your valid MWA Card or 10.50 € without MWA Card. For more information
contact Rene Peeters, 0049 (0)2451-63-4990 or
email rene.peeters@naew.nato.int
31 Mar: IYA trip to de Efteling
0815 – 1745 hrs. Big amusement park with a wide variety of attractions for
different age groups, for children aged 5 and older, € 28 without MWA Card, € 19
with MWA Card for ages 5 -12; € 47 without MWA Card, € 31,50 with MWA Card
for ages 13 and up. Chaperones go free. Further information and registration at
the IYA Office, ext. 4954 or 0049 2451 63 4954.
Rumpenerstraat 49 6443 CC Brunssum Phone +31 (0)45 564 01 58 www.elcomal.nl
family-friendly accommodation
for short or long-term stays.
Member
Professional
Association
of Innkeepers
International
for your total car cleaning
• your car is being hand-washed with wax shampoo for only € 13,50
• car cleaning
• Permagard protective coating
• dent removal without repainting
• spot repair
✁
DISCOUNT COUPON € 10.
Special Promotion:
✁
of ✁
00
✁
Altes Brauhaus
temporary
lodging
valid on a
total treatment
of euro 125,-
Heerlen • Breukerweg 195 • Heerlen • +31 (0)45 - 522 59 00
Book now and receive
FREE CAR RENTAL
with minimum 10-night stay*
Jacobs
automobile
sales team
looks
forward
to your
visit:
(l. to r.w):
Achim Käfferlein,
Martin Deffur,
Michael Wittwer,
Gerd Caron,
Lothar Herfs,
Marcel Oellers,
Markus Weber,
Alfred Deffur,
Michael Marx.
* Visit
www.langbro.de
for details and restrictions
Apartments feature:
• WithorWithoutKitchen
• TV/DVDplayerandhundreds
of titles
• Englishlanguageprogramming
withSKYSatellite
• Freewireless,localandinternationalcalling
Freewasher&dryer
Sauna/TanningBed/Aerobics
Trainer/WeightMachine
Visit.
Watch.
And discover.
The Audi specialist
in your region.
Our finance offer for you
Complimentary
coffee&teabar
Brauereistraße4
Gangelt-Langbroich
+49(0)2454936555
Brauhaus@langbro.de
www.langbro.de
Audi A1,
A1 3-trg.
Attraction
PS),5-gear,
5 Gang,
3-door,
Attraction1.2
1.2TFSI
TFSI 63
63 kW
kW (86
(86HP),
basic
Grundpreis
Werk
(inkl.
MwSt.),
Lackierung:
Brillantprice ex worksab
(incl.
VAT),
Color
painting:
‘brilliant black’,
interior:
schwarz,
Ausstattung:
schw./schw.
– schw./schw./titanblack/ titan-grey.
Additional
special features:
comfort drive packgrau,
Sonderausstattungen/Zubehör:
Comfort-driveage, depot
package, air-conditioning (manual),
middle armrest
Paket,
Ablagepaket,
Klimaanlage
manuell,
Mittelarm(front), heated seats (front), radio Chorus, side airbags
(front), head
lehne
vorn,
Sitzheizung
vorn,
Radioanlage
airbag, electronic mirrors, ESP, electronic windowChorus,
lift, start/stop
Seitenairbags
vorn,
Kopfairbag,
el.
Außenspiegel,
ESP,
system, central locking with radio control, and much more.
el. FH, Start-Stopp-System, ZV mit FB u.v.m.
Financing example:
Finanzierungsbeispiel:
+ Hauspreis
15.379,00 ¤
Dealers’ price is
overcrossing / registration document
+ Überführung/Kfz-Brief-Gebühr
597,99 ¤
- Anzahlung
down payment
18,71%
–
18,71
%
2.990,00 ¤
net amount of loan
= Nettodarlehnsbetrag
12.986,99 ¤
+ Zinsen
814,07 ¤
interest rate
+ Bearbeitungsgebühr
454,54 ¤
administration fee
= Darlehnssumme
14.255,60 ¤
amount of loan
Contract period: 36 months
+ Laufzeit:
36 Monate
+ Nominalzins:
p. a. 2,41 %
Nominal interest rate
Annual percentage
rate(UD):
+ effektiver
Jahreszins
+ 35
Raten:
35monatliche
monthly rates
Ending rate with
10,000 km/Jahr:
km/year
+ Schlussrate
bei 10.000
Fuel consumption:
In town 6.2 l/100 km
Out of town 4.4 l/100 km
Kraftstoffverbrauch:
Combined 5.1 l/100 km
innerorts 6,2 l/100 km
außerorts 4,4 l/100 km
CO2 emissions:
kombiniert
5,1 l/100 km
Combined 118 g/km
CO2-Emissionen:
kombiniert
g/km
All prices incl.118
19%
VAT
Alle Werte inkl. 19 % MwSt.
* A special offer by Audi Bank.
*Subject
Ein Angebot
der AudiofBank.
to the condition
*credit-worthiness.
Bonität vorausgesetzt.
3,90 % Landstr. 48-50, 52511 Geilenkirchen
149,00 ¤ Telefon: 02451-987011
9.040,60 ¤
JAGUAR LAND ROVER NATO TAX FREE SALES
The New Discovery Sport combines
Design excellence, engineering integrity and exceptional
versatility to create a PEMIUM COMPACT SUV.
Jaguar XE from:
£ 19,067.00*
Discovery Sport from: £ 23,035.00*
*RHD, LHD prices per individual quotation
Jaguar XE
So Distinctive, So Instinctive, So Alive
Jaguar Land Rover offer direct factory prices to all NATO serving personnel through the TDMS
service.
We offer LHD vehicles built specifically to your country specifications.
To obtain further information, please contact our dedicated military sales team.
The only authorised supplier of Jaguar Land Rover cars to HM forces.
Peter Thomas
Jaguar Land Rover NATO Sales
Lilienthalallee 100
BLDG 81 ROOM 25
52511 Geilenkirchen
+49 2451 634060
+49 2451 9154232
Mobile +31652303151
E-Mail elmpttaxfree@t-online.de or pete.thomas@grantandgreen..de
Web www. grantandgreen.de

Similar documents

Skywatch No. 03 - 27 Mar 2015

Skywatch No. 03 - 27 Mar 2015 under a roof – shopping center Tüddern

More information

Skywatch No. 05 - 29 May 2015

Skywatch No. 05 - 29 May 2015 It completed this mission as tasked and landed Fully Mission Capable – ready for more. Nevertheless, the retirement of 449 is just the next step in a series of changes which the E-3A Component will...

More information

Skywatch No. 02 - 27 Feb 2015

Skywatch No. 02 - 27 Feb 2015 acknowledgement is proof of just how important AWACS is to NATO.”

More information

Dual change of command at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen: Force

Dual change of command at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen: Force Maj. Gen. Andrew Mueller, U.S. Air Force, relinquished the command of the E-3A Component, while Brig. Gen. Karsten Stoye, German Air Force, assumed command of the multinational unit that operates o...

More information

Tri - nato awacs

Tri - nato awacs Gen. Andrew M. Mueller, together who received their well-earned

More information

Skywatch No. 12 - 18 Dec 2015

Skywatch No. 12 - 18 Dec 2015 for 37 years the address where your pet feels at home AH AH Landgraaf • phone +31 (0)45 5317217 Vogelzankweg 230 • NL-6374 www.dierenhotelabdissenbosch.nl (also in English und auch im Deutsch)

More information

Mei 2013

Mei 2013 to HQ JFC Brunssum. Opinions herein do not necessarily reflect official NATO or HQ JFC Brunssum policy. The appearance of advertisements, including inserts, does not constitute endorsement by NATO ...

More information