Volume 23, No. 15 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 24 August 2007 · Volume 23, No. 15 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 24 August 2007 By Lt. Col. Bernd Lorenzen The team E-3A Component successfully

Volume 23, No. 15 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 24 August 2007

By Lt. Col. Bernd Lorenzen

The team E-3A Component successfully demonstrated the ability to sustain a single 24 hour-a-day deployed operation with the NATO Mid-Term (NMT) modified system.

As a milestone on the way to IOC (Initial Operational Capability) for NMT, the E-3A Component was tasked by Force Command to demonstrate the ability to sustain a single 24 hour-a-day deployed operation with the NMT modified system. The Operations Wing

deployed four NMT airplanes and four crews from Flying Squadrons 1 and 3 to Forward Operating Location (FOL) Ørland from 10 to 16 August.

The Logistics Wing, the Information Technology Wing, and the Support Wing deployed expert teams in support of this demonstration. In Ørland the teams, together with the FOL staff, conducted Exercise MAGIC FUTURE 07 to fulfil this demonstration.

This single 24 hour-a-day deployed exercise also supported the NATO Exercise Northern Viking as well as the NATO Integrated Air Defence

System (NATINADS) in northern Europe. It is envisioned that the E-3A Component with its new NMT platform will continue to play a vital role in both commitments. Two of four missions from Ørland flew to Iceland to support Exercise Northern Viking. The two other missions flew long-range surveillance missions all across northern Europe.

Exercise Magic Future went well, the planes took off and landed almost as planned and provided output to their customer’s satisfaction. However, as the NMT system is still at an early stage, the team in Ørland was also

faced with some problems and challenges. But these type of problems are normal at this stage of such a huge information technology project. Just imagine how long it took for Microsoft to develop mature computer software, and they had billions of testers that helped them. These problems just need to be properly managed and get fixed in the end.

Overall, the team E-3A Component has completed a major milestone of our premiere project, NMT, which should enable us to cope with the upcoming challenges well until the middle of the 21st century.

A NATO Mid-Term Milestone: 24 Hours Operations

During a flight on 9 August the German Minister of Defense, Dr. Franz-Josef Jung (front), took the seat of the Tactical Director and watched the E-3A’s role in NATO Air Policing. The Tactical Director for the flight, LTC Bernd Lorenzen (standing) explains the situation of the exercise scenario.

During the exercise, the Component’s TCA acted as an exercise target simulating an airliner that has radio and navigational equipment failure. The TCA was then intercepted by two F-4F Phantom aircraft from German Battle Flight who provided navigational assistance and guided the TCA into an airbase in Neuburg for a low approach.

After the flight Dr. Jung held a press conference in which he praised the E-3A Component and Joint Force Command Headquarters Brunssum for their role in fighting terrorism.

Photo Capt. Peter Verlande

Next NATO Skywatch:7 September

Submissions due by:30 August

Ukrainian students visit the Component

See page 6

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NATO Skywatch is an authorized, unofficial com-mercial enterprise newspaper published under exclusive written agreement with the NAEW & CF E-3A Component by Pollaert Mediacenter, Postbus 1234, 6040 KE Roermond, +31 (475) 370 280. Opinions expressed by contributors are their 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. Send articles and classified advertisements to the NAEWF E-3A Component Public Information Office (PIO), Postfach 433007, D-52511 Geilenkirchen, or base distribution Mail Stop 33. Call PIO at (02451) 632480 or fax (02451) 7936 or e-mail [email protected]. For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger Media at +31 (46) 452-9292 or fax +31 (46) 452-9285.Articles may be reproduced after permission has been obtained from the editor, provided men-tion is made of NATO Skywatch.

CommanderBrig. Gen. Stephen D. Schmidt

Chief, Public Information OfficeCapt. Richard Komurek

EditorSMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg

Volume 23, No. 9 4 May 2007

24 August 2007 NATO Skywatch 3

By Heidi Soerensen

Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry, the Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, visited the base on Friday, 10 August. He was welcomed in the morning by E-3A Deputy Component Commander, Col. Jelle Zijlstra who briefed Lt. Gen. Eikenberry afterwards about the Component, its assets, its personnel, its missions and its capabilities.

After the briefing Lt. Gen. Eikenberry proceeded to the flight line for a demonstration, with powered consoles, in one of the NATO Mid Term aircraft.

An Afghanistan Operation briefing was given by Lt. Gen. Eikenberry followed by lunch with Component Leadership in the Officer’s Club. His previous assignment was Commander of the Combined Forces Command – Afghanistan.

Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee visits the base

Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry receives explanation during the NMT aircraft tour.

Photo André Joosten

By SMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg

The Squadron 2 deployment to Kecskemét, Hungary from 10 to 15 August was a mixture of showing the AWACS flag and training with the Hungarian Air Force. Besides the AWACS, many different types of aircraft were to be seen and visited. For the flying display teams from Patrouille de France and the Turkish Stars showed their perfect displays among several others.

Around 160.000 people visited the two-day international air show

and military display. The airbase near the city of Kecskemét hosted a successful air show and an enjoyable stay for the crowd and participating international crews. Due to the amount of participants involved, many of the crews, like the AWACS members, had to stay in hotels in Budapest, 85 kilometres away. That meant, including driving time, duty days of 14 hours.

Kecskemét, the capital of Bács-Kiskun County, is situated in the middle of Hungary. Its name originates from the word ‘kecske’,

meaning goat, and ‘mét’, meaning district. The goat can be seen also in the base symbol and its motto is “Neither height, nor depth frightens us.”

The days around the air show provided the opportunity to conduct planning with the Hungarian Air Force (HuAF).

A training scenario was made with special attention for Recognised Air Picture Support in Combined Air Operations Centre 5 and weapons activity together with HuAF Grippen aircraft.

Both air show days ended with a race between the Bell helicopter ‘Cobra’, a HuAF MIG-29 fighter aircraft and a Red Bull Formula 1 racecar. Despite that the racecar couldn’t win against a MIG-29, it was a challenge to get the car next to the E-3A for a photo shoot afterwards. With power of persuasion, the deployment commander Lt. Col. Ekkehard Heinichen managed to persuade the Formula 1 crew to do so. The result is a super photo for everyone to take with them home and to join with others.

AWACS visits Hungary for airshow and training

A chance in a lifetime: On photo with a Formula 1 racecar. Photo courtesy MSgt. Gerhard Nicht

4 NATO Skywatch 24 August 2007

Text and photos Capt. Richard Komurek

Nearly 40 members of the Training Wing deployed to Keflavik, Iceland from 10 through 16 August as part of Exercise Northern Viking 2007. The exercise, the first of its kind in Iceland, included forces from the U.S., Norway, Denmark, Latvia and the E-3A Component. The objective for the combined forces was to exercise the air defense, anti-terror and command and control capabilities of NATO forces in Iceland.

The participating forces were greeted with fanfare and media attention upon the opening day of the exercise. Distinguished visitors included the Prime Minister of Iceland, Geir Haarde, U.S, German and other Ambassadors in Iceland and U.S. Gen. William Hobbins, commander of U.S Forces in Europe and Allied Air Component Command

Headquarters Ramstein. The exercise was a large event for Iceland because the island country, which has no military forces of its own, has been working to adjust its defense strategy after the closure of the U.S. military base in Keflavik and departure of U.S. aircraft and personnel in 2006.

Although Northern Viking was a fairly small in size with about 300 participants, 13 fixed wing and rotor aircraft and one patrol frigate, it was big in political importance for Iceland and also for the training opportunities it provided to Training Wing members who provided air surveillance and command and control. It also provided an opportunity for the Component to conduct a demonstration with NATO Mid-Term AWACS aircraft, which also participated in the exercise by flying two missions from Forward Operating Location Oerland.

“It was a very good small scale exercise,” said Lt. Col. Hans-Ulrich Mueller, Chief of Mission Crew Training Branch and the commander of the AWACS deployment to Iceland.

“There were three F-15s and two KC-135s from the U.S., 2 F-16s and one P-3 from Norway. It was a really good setup for students getting their Basic Qualification upgrade to conduct intercept control and tanker control. Both the mission deck and the flight deck got great training because there was air refueling as well as interception and identification going on. It was also a great chance to conduct Link-16 training with the Norwegian and U.S fighters,” He said.

Mueller was also impressed by the facilities and support provided in Iceland.

“Iceland seems to be a really good place for further air surveillance and link training,” he said. “They gave us superb logistics, lodging and food…all the support was great.”

Maj. Kirk Stahlbaum from Operations Wing, who assisted the exercise by acting as a Tactical Director student for the instructor upgrade of Maj. Ignacio Lanzat

Lacour, agreed that Northern Viking offered a great training experience and excellent exercise support.

“This Training Wing deployment provided a robust and high level of training,” he said. “And the support we got from the Icelanders was some of the best I’ve ever seen for a deployed AWACS crew.”

Another aspect of the deployment that impressed Component members was the beautiful and rugged Icelandic landscape, with its geysers, waterfalls and thermal springs. The AWACS crews were fortunate to have time in their schedule to explore Iceland and they enjoyed long sunny days and scenic sights such as the famous Blue Lagoon thermal pool and the nightlife of the capital city Reykjavik, which starts around midnight just after sunset.

“We saw that Iceland provides fantastic scenery and food … and that not only the beer is blonde in Iceland,” said Mueller.

AWACS deploys to Iceland for Exercise Northern Viking

U.S. Gen. William Hobbins, commander of U.S. Forcesin Europe and Allied Component Command Headquarters Ramstein, gets his picture taken with AWACS crewmembers in front of an E-3A aircraft.

Steam rises from the volcanic landscape of Iceland, in the region near Keflavik.

(Left to right) Capt Mirko Naumann, Capt Georg Pfefferer and Capt. Manfred Sackert enjoy the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. One of Iceland’s top tourist attractions, the Blue Lagoon’s volcanic hot spring offers uniquely colored mineral water that contains algae and silica mud that are reportedly good for the skin.

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By Heidi Soerensen

On 8 August the E-3A Component welcomed a group of 35 high school students from the Ukraine, accompanied by Petr Zlatohlavek, the Executive Director from the NATO Information Centre in Prague, Czech Republic. The background for this visit is quite an interesting story.

In 2000 the NATO Information Centre in Prague proposed a high school competition, called ‘Aliente’, with the overall purpose to publicize and enhance the knowledge about NATO in recent member countries. “This competition rapidly grew popular and today it includes all NATO countries and thousands of students participate in this prestigious international competition every year. Although originally a Czech project, it has developed into a truly multinational endeavour bringing together students from various countries and even continents”, says Zlatohlavek.

Recently the NATO Information Centre in Prague expanded the ‘Aliante’ knowledge competition to include the Ukraine. Since Ukraine is not a NATO member their competition is limited only to Ukrainian students, but that does not mean it’s less extensive. The Ukraine has 46 million citizens and more than 20,000 high schools. The ‘Aliente’ competition was held all over the Ukraine, which is an area of 603,628 sq km, almost twice the size of Germany.

Ukrainian students visit the ComponentIn the first round of the

competition the participating students were challenged with, among other categories, a NATO knowledge test and essay writing. Sixty students made it through ‘the eye of the needle’ to the ‘Aliente’ finale that took place in June 2007 on a Ukrainian Navy Base in Sevastopol. The finale lasted four days and consisted of psychological and physical tests, extended NATO

knowledge test, more comprehensive essay writing and much more. Furthermore, a wide selection of NATO briefings held by leading politicians and even ministers were offered to the finalists

On 8 August 35 Ukrainian students visited the E-3A Component as a part of their well-deserved ten- day ‘Aliente Winners Trip’. This trip includes a visit to various NATO

installations all over Europe and more than 3,000 kilometres on the road in an old Polish bus.

After the briefing and the E-3A walkthrough you could feel their enthusiasm and their eagerness that showed in the qualified questions they asked. But they were not the only ones being impressed that day. While watching the last student walk out the main gate, we were very impressed too.

The Ukrainian students enjoy their visit on to E-3A Component.Photo André Joosten

By Joseph Skerly

The Orca’s Swim Team Fall Season started 21 August and runs through to 31 January 2008. We train three nights a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 1830 to 1930 for the 10 years & under group and from 1930 to 2030 for the 11 years & older group at the JFC HQ Brunssum Pool in the Netherlands.

We have 12 regular season meets scheduled, with five at home, six in different locations in Germany and Belgium, and one ‘far away meet’ in Naples, IT. Additionally, we will be hosting the European Forces Swim League Divisionals meet at Brunssum, and are planning to attend the EFSL Championships in Berlin, Germany with all Champs qualifiers.

Who can join? All children age 6-19 of government civilian, contractor or military personnel supporting the NATO mission at Geilenkirchen, JFC HQ Brunssum and Schinnen Garrison or students at a DoD, DND or EFSL

eligible international school are eligible. By EFSL rules, the Orcas may also contain a limited percentage of host country (German) children and/or Dutch children who are not otherwise eligible. Please call or email an Executive Board member if you have questions about eligibility.

Registration for the SeasonRegistration forms can be found

on our web site at http://www.geilenkirchenorcas.org. Please visit the site and see what the Orcas are all about. Swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 50m in a recognized competitive stroke. All registration forms must be turned in before swimmers will be permitted to enter the water with the team for the respective season, to include tryouts.

Cost is €210 1st child, €180 2nd child, €150 3rd and so on.

For further information e-mail Joseph Skerly at [email protected]

ORCAS international swim team

Text and photo A1C Florian Hüftle

Between the towns of Geilenkirchen and Übach-Palenberg, there is a lovely place called Willy-Dohmen Park. From 1953 until the end of the eighties, it was a large gravel pit from which sand and gravel were taken in order to build streets after World War 2. After this economic use had become unprofitable, an entrepreneur named Willy Dohmen decided to cultivate the area by planting acacias, oak trees and conifers.

Imbedded in hills and valleys filled with small-sized lakes and

fruit trees, it’s an experience to walk on the park’s paths. Fauna is also represented in the Willy-Dohmen Park: Carps, ducks, geese and herons make the park appear very lively.

But one of the highlights is the 7000 rhododendrons and narcissus that bloom from May until September. The doors to the park are open the whole year round and there is no entrance fee. And after hiking the Willy-Dohmen Park (Hasenbuschstrasse 50, 52531 Übach-Palenberg) one can walk over to the nearby ‘Wurmtal-Park’ to have a cup of coffee or a piece of cake.

From Gravel Pit to Lush Parkland: Willy Dohmen Park

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start. Admission for adults is e4

and for children (11 and under) is e2.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (PG-13)Friday, 24 August, 19.30 Johnny Depp

Fantastic Four: The Rise of Silver Surfer (PG)Saturday, 25 August, 16.00Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd

Nancy Drew (PG)Saturday, 25 August, 19.00Emma Roberts, Tate Donovan

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Text and photos SMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg

If you actually need to get somewhere, a hot air balloon is a fairly impractical vehicle. You can’t really steer it, and it only travels as fast as the wind blows. But if you simply want to enjoy the experience of flying, there’s nothing quite like it. Riding in a hot air balloon is one of the most peaceful, pleasant activities one can do.

During the 25th Anniversary celebration in mid June, TCA loadmaster Prietzel worked at a booth in Hangar 1. Located between stands offering wine from Italy, carpets from Turkey, jewellery from Spain and wooden shoes from The Netherlands, Prietzel promoted his hobby. “I have been flying hot air balloons more than 10 years,” says Prietzel. “In the nineties I got my private pilot license and then I decided to specialise in hot air balloons.” One of the challenges involved in balloon flying is the cost…it’s not among the cheapest of hobbies. That’s why he worked as a freelance pilot for several balloon agencies for free. “In this way I could practise my hobby and get experience,” he explains. “But since the beginning of 2007 I’ve had my own balloon.”

The stand at the 25 years celebration helped to make people on base aware of the possibility of having a balloon flight in the local area. Since then he has given several rides and has had interest from others wanting to fly. “In this way I can do my hobby and find a cost break-even point,” Prietzel says.

As a writer for the Skywatch, I was lucky to join on a ride 3 August. All the equipment Prietzel brings fits in a trailer towed by a four-wheel drive car. This was quite handy after the 1.5 hour flight when we landed in a potato field in Beggendorf

and needed to return back to Geilenkirchen.

Prietzel is a cautious pilot. “I only go up when the skies are clear and wind conditions are within limits,” he said. “It also has to be fun. For launching we can’t have wind of more than 10 knots, or else we can’t stabilize the balloon. That’s also why I need a launching area that shelters me from the wind.” Every flight starts one day in advance when Prietzel calls the weather service to find out about climate and wind conditions in the area. He also double checks on the day of the flight itself for any updated information.

Balloon pilots must also call the weather service to get a rough idea of which way the balloon will travel and how they should manoeuvre once they are in the air. “Sometimes passengers want to see their hometown during the ride and with the wind direction in mind I can plan for that. For a flight we must have a suitable launching area that protects from the wind, no obstacles and we cannot fly in a control area,” Prietzel explained.

A lot of the work in hot air ballooning comes at the beginning

and the end of the flight, when the crew and passengers inflate and deflate the balloon. Once the crew finds a suitable launching point, they attach the burner system to the basket. Then they attach the balloon envelope and begin laying it out on the ground. Once the envelope is laid out, Prietzel begins inflating it, using a powerful fan at the base of the envelope. When there is enough air in the balloon, he blasts the burner flame into the envelope mouth. This heats the air, building pressure until the balloon inflates all the way and starts to lift off the ground. Surprisingly, this entire process takes no more than 20 minutes.

When all passengers are in the basket, the balloon easily launches from the ground. Below us we see the E-3A Component with its aircraft getting smaller and smaller. As we look around us we see that we are not alone. In a distance we see more balloons taking advantage from the fine weather. We also see gliders landing. “When there are gliders and hot air balloons at the same time in the air then one of them is doing something wrong,” Prietzel says. “As gliders need thermals in the air, hot air balloons don’t. That’s why in summertime you only see

Hot air balloon ride provides air of nobility

Squadron 1 weapons controller Capt. Mirko Naumann and his girlfriend Conny Budzier enjoy the views out of the basket.

The balloon easily launches from the ground. Photo Capt. Richard Komurek

24 August 2007 NATO Skywatch 9

La Roche Ceremony

It’s time again for the annual La Roche Ceremony that is held in honour of the heroes who lost their lives in WWII, specifically giving honour and remembrance to the crewmembers of the American B17 ‘Joker’ that crashed in Berismenil, Belgium. The B17 Memorial ceremony will be in Berismenil on 9 September and will include a ceremonial wreath laying.

All NATO personnel are invited and encouraged to attend this historic ceremony. For additional information, please contact Captain Willie Wallace at [email protected]

The German NCO Association (‘DUK’) would like to invite all Component members and their family and friends to the 25th Oktoberfest on 22 and 23 September in Hangar 2. Doors will be open Saturday at 1800 with an evening of delicious food, special Oktoberfest beer and live entertainment. On Sunday the doors opens at 1030 with the traditional ‘Frühschoppen’ at 1100.

As we consider the Sunday being a family day there will be plenty of kids’ entertainment also.

Tickets will be on sale at the Frisbee Club front desk and at the Sentry Club.

Each NATO ID cardholder is entitled to purchase 4 tickets plus 1 for him/herself. If you sponsor non NATO ID cardholders it is mandatory to sign them in with full name and national passport number when purchasing the tickets. If you have to change names on a ticket afterwards it has to be changed at the ‘DUK-Office’, bldg 46, ext. 3465.

As in the past, the majority of the profits will be donated to local charity organisations.

air balloons after sunrise and before sunset. In wintertime we also join hot air balloon festivals in the Alps. Then you can ride all day long.”

Surely piloting a balloon takes skill, but when I observe Prietzel using the controls it looks very simple. To lift the balloon, he moves a control that opens up the propane valve. The lever works just like the knobs on a gas grill. As you turn it, the flow of gas increases, so the flame grows in size. He can increase the vertical speed by blasting a larger flame to heat the air more rapidly. Hot air balloons also have a cord to open the parachute valve at the top of the envelope. When Prietzel pulls the attached cord, some hot air can escape the envelope, decreasing the inner air temperature. This causes the balloon to slow its ascent. If he keeps the valve open long enough, the balloon will sink. Essentially these are the only controls, heat to make the balloon rise and venting to make it sink. There are also two ropes to give the balloon a direction that is needed.

Prietzel’s basket carries 4 propane gas cylinders, 30 kg each, enough for two hours. Modern hot air balloons use propane in the burner to heat the air. Besides the gas cylinders the

basket provides place for five persons. Prietzel is equipped also with an altimeter and a radio. Reaching the right altitude is pretty tricky because there is a delay between blasting the burners and the balloon actually lifting. Something that Prietzel experienced some years ago. “Once I struck the tops of a couple of fruit trees because the delay was a little more than normal.”

Villages, woods, agricultural fields as well as cars on freeways and locomotives move under us. These views along with the barking of dogs at farmhouses are the only noises that reach us. It feels that the balloon stands still in the air while the earth flies past underneath us.

Controlled operation comes only with many hours of ballooning experience. A balloon landing can be a little rough but after the one and a half hour ride, Prietzel put it smoothly down in a potato field. “Go to the left at McDonald’s and then again left”, Prietzel instructed by cell phone to Marion, his partner in life, to let her know where he intends to land and where she has to bring the trailer.

When Prietzel opens the parachute valve all the way the air can escape

out the top of the balloon. In the meanwhile another crewmember grabs a cord attached to the top of the balloon, and pulls the envelope over onto the ground. Once the balloon envelope is on the soil, the crew begins pushing the air out. When the balloon is flattened, the crew packs it into a stuff sack and then with the basket into the trailer. The landing process, combined with deflating and re-packing the balloon envelope, takes a while longer than the launching procedure.

By the meantime it is already quite dark on the potato field. But it’s not time to go home yet. A history lesson ends the hot air balloon ride. With the car headlights on, Prietzel tells us the history of hot air balloons. When we all know the facts we receive our certificate, as well our tasking in future that when we notice a hot air balloon landing, whenever possible, to help out. A ceremony concludes the experience with an air of nobility.

The ceremony itself is a lot like the hot air balloon ride, a truly unique event that you have to experience for yourself.

For more information on hot air balloon rides call SMSgt. Matthias Prietzel at ext. 2562 or cell phone 0163 7077799.

Hot air balloon ride provides air of nobility

When Matthias Prietzel controls his balloon he is in his element.


By Heidi Soerensen

Among numerous articles in the Skywatch archives, we always strive to find one of particular interest for you – the readers. With this issue we have something that affects all of us almost every day: Shopping. Today we have a base with a wide variety of shopping possibilities, but how did that start? From this original front-page article of 8 November 1985, let us begin the NATEX journey.

First I met with the Vice President of NATEX, Diana Sousa, who has been employed for more than 25 years with CFPSA (Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency). NATEX is a division of CFPSA and is the official concession of the E-3A Component’s Exchange shopping facilities.

When entering the NATEX administration office in front of the main gate I definitely got the impression of entering a world of professional business. The receptionist was very service minded, the walls displayed some of the exclusive brands you see in the shops and the rest of the building was filled with lots of busy employees in a humming office landscape.

The mission statement of NATEX is “to ensure customer satisfaction by providing superior service, quality merchandise at competitive prices” said Diana. “We have 15 nations on base so it is very important to have a varied assortment of product. In the Grocery/Duty Free store we offer

numerous brands of goods in an attempt to satisfy as many customers as possible, though that can be challenging”. To accomplish that, the NATEX buyers procure goods from all over Europe and North America, but at the same time, they also focus on local fresh produce.

“Retail is a very competitive market. We regularly complete comparison price checks at our competitors and other Duty-free businesses. Due to the sizes of some of our businesses and therefore buying-power, relative to that of larger chain retailers, buying for these areas, and subsequently pricing, can be complicated; as an example, we buy 10 units of a TV and our competition may buy 500. This will inevitably impact what we pay, compared to what they would pay, hence the possibility of pricing issues.”

The success of NATEX greatly benefits the Component. NATEX pays annual royalties to the Component based on consumer sales and in accordance with the contractual obligations. At the discretion of base officials, these royalties are used for a variety of activities on the Component to enhance Morale and Welfare programs. Furthermore NATEX independently donates to Component entities in supplementary support.

To better understand the history of NATEX, Diana provided me with a spreadsheet displaying the progressive course of the NATEX beginning with the grand opening of the NATEX Combination Store in 1985 and ending today with the seven outlets at the Component: Retail, Grocery, Casual Mode, 4 Seasons Store, Car Rental, Automotive Garage/Gas Station and Video Plus. “Over the course of time, business grew, and in 1987 we had made a decision to expand by segregating the electronics and cosmetics from the original store into its own retail store. In approximately 1991, clothing was introduced, with LEVI’S as the first apparel brand. Merchandised in a small area of the retail store, it too rapidly expanded into the beginnings of its own store, which was located in what is today known as the NATEX Getränke Markt,” said Diana.

Take a closer look at the spreadsheet and each category of goods has their own story. Starting with their own place on a shelf, the products slowly grew into a bigger area and for some categories of goods they expanded so much that they ended up with their own store. NATEX has operated the Exchange shopping centre since 1985, starting with 45 employees. “Looking back, I think that we have been successful at continuously adapting to the customers’ needs based on a progressive and dynamic business,” said Diana. “Around 2000 we launched an aggressive renovation plan, upgrading all stores to ensure a nice ambience of the duty-free shopping experience, matched with a ‘superior service’ customer focus. This approach had been particularly successful, doubling sales volume in four years.”

The NATEX expansions required erecting a new building and renovating other NATEX occupied

buildings and several parking areas. All of this was funded by NATEX alone. “Some of those projects required considerable investment, understanding that there is always an element of risk involved, such as, not being cognisant of base strategy and any potential political decisions that could affect the Component and NATEX. But, thus far it has been very positive and all the expansions to-date were well worth the investments.”

“I have always had an innate passion for retail and find it to be a very exciting industry. It’s all about people and meeting the customer; I find it very stimulating. It can be complex finding employees due to our status, but what we concentrate on are individuals with a positive attitude, adaptability, and wherever possible, language skills. We offer training and focus on ensuring that the utmost of respect is given to one another, as this is what we expect them to convey to our customers. It’s all about people,” said Diana with a catching enthusiasm. Today NATEX employs approximately 225 people, 85% of which are dependants of NATO Military members. For more information about employment opportunities, visit their web site at www.natex.de

Then I asked Diana about future plans. “We are continuously looking at further evolving to meet customers’ expectations as much as possible. What did not work ten years ago, may work today; we maintain an objective approach and are always looking to the future,” said Diana. “I take a serious look at all Customer Comment Cards that are sent to me, and the remarks/suggestions made on “contact us” on our web site, which all provide valuable feedback from our customers. We welcome new ideas and if there is a market for it, we may just do it,” she said.

A historical journey through the E-3A Component’s past

In this issue of NATO Skywatch we will continue to look back at the Component’s heritage by publishing another original article from the past.

This aircraft landedat Geilenkirchen

Air Base.

Do you knowwhat it is?

SEE PAGE 12

On 26 July the Chief of General Staff Czech Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Vlastimil Picek, visited the base using a Yakovlev Yak-40, a small three-engined regional transport aircraft introduced in 1966. Its main design feature was ease of operation outside major airport service areas and it is

equipped with a built-in air stairs and is capable of STOL - Short Take-Off and Landing - operations.

Its nickname is ‘flying whistle’, for the distinct engine sound it makes.

Photo A1C Florian Hüftle

Bertje Ehlen Antique • 25 years of experience

The Antique HallOpening hours:

monday to friday 10.00-18.00 hrssaturday 10.00-15.00 hrs wednesday closedsunday 11.00-15.00 hrs

Achter de kerk 10a • Broek-Sittard

The Antique Hall: +31 (0)46 - 458 24 33

Private: +31 (0)46 - 452 20 06Mobile: +31 (0)6 - 225 712 34

Marbe Antiques

• Rural Oak and pine antique furniture •

• French and English furniture • Clocks and paraphernalia •

Private medical Practice

Dr. med. Martin Krings, BSc

GENERAL PRACTITIONER; focus on HOMEOPATHY

(B56) Karl-Arnold-Str. 116 • 52511 Geilenkirchen - Gillrath

Consultation after appointment

49 (0) 2451 921823

e-mail: [email protected]

O P E N I N G

First House in Town

• exclusive single, double and triple rooms, rooms with kitchenette, dignified furnitures, shower/WC, minibar, cable-color-TV, direct dial telephone, balcony

• lavish buffet in our Café Fleur• laundry for our guests only• 12 luxurious apartmenthouses in quiet area for families with children,

modern styled furnitures, 2-bedrooms, living room, bathroom, complete kitchen with microwave,cable-color-TV, direct dial phone, wireless lan in the complete building.

Theodor Heuss Ring 15 phone: (+49-2451) 627-0 52511 Geilenkirchen fax: (+49-2451) 627300 e-mail: [email protected] home page: www.cityhotel-geilenkirchen.de www.hotel-geilenkirchen.com

Our bistro Café Fleur is daily open from 7:00 to 24:00 hr

Starting price � 20.449 Total delivered price � 42.429

Autorized Honda partner and Citroën workshopLarge selection of new and used cars

Spare parts (Honda and Citroën)Maintenance and services

Body repair and spray paint jobs

Workshop: Erik Thönnissen – [email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 951018Spare parts: Erik Thönnissen – [email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 951018

Sell: Marcel Gehlen – [email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 951013Fax +49 (0)2452 9510 20 – www.autohaus-conen.de

Heating oillow price

top service

Bischoff & Leeuw oHG Berliner Ring 15-17 • 52511 Geilenkirchen • +49 (0)2451 68001

VERTRETUNG DER ESSO AG

Krefelder Straße 67441066 Mönchengladbach(Opposite ‘Realkauf ’,next to McDonalds)

VOLVOTAX FREE SALES.

Jürgen BirdTel +49(0)21 61/96 99 973E-Mail: [email protected]

– Your OFFICIAL VOLVO sales agent in Germany

– ALL specifications; US & Canadian, European, etc.

– NATO Forces discount prices & promotions

– Full VOLVO showroom and workshop facilities

– English & German speaking staff

– 15 years Military Sales experience

Volvo. for life


International Youth Activities

Dance ClassesThe IYA Dance program under the experienced and certified instruction of Mrs. Stella Schinagl is starting again at the IYA Multi-purpose Room the week of 3 September. Cost is €14 for 4 lessons. Register in class. The following classes are offered:

BalletTots - Monday 1515-1600, Pre-primary - Tuesday 1500-1600, Primary - Thursday 1600-1700, Grade I - Wednesday, 1600 - 1700, Grade II - Wednesday 1700-1800,

Grade III - Monday 1600-1700.

Tap & JazzBeginners - Tuesday 1600-1700 or Wednesday 1500-1600, Elementary - Tuesday 1700-1800,Grade I - Thursday 1700-1800, Advanced - Monday 1700-1800.

Wanted: Teachers for IYA Instructional ClassesThe IYA is looking for instructors for Guitar and Martial Arts classes.

If you are interested, or if you would like to offer an additional sports, music or crafts course, please call ext. 4954 or ext. 4955.

This aircraft landedat Geilenkirchen

Air Base.

Do you knowwhat it is?

SEE PAGE 12

On 26 July the Chief of General Staff Czech Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Vlastimil Picek, visited the base using a Yakovlev Yak-40, a small three-engined regional transport aircraft introduced in 1966. Its main design feature was ease of operation outside major airport service areas and it is

equipped with a built-in air stairs and is capable of STOL - Short Take-Off and Landing - operations.

Its nickname is ‘flying whistle’, for the distinct engine sound it makes.

Photo A1C Florian Hüftle

Autos2006 3.8L V-6 Chrysler town and country touring 7 passenger van, 18,500 miles/American specs, auto trans, traction control, heated power leather seats, auto climate control, 7 speaker CD stereo, on board computer dis-play, never smoked in, very clean. Price €18,580 obo + vat if applicable. Call 02452 156 0799, email [email protected]

1993 Volkswagen Polo Fox 3 Door Wagon, very reliable 2nd or 3rd car with only 154,000 kilometers / 95,000 Miles. Extremely well maintained: May 2004, new brakes, Pads, Rotors, & Disks; July 2005 new muffler; Jan 2007 new battery, spark plugs, distributor cap, air filter, and Driving Belt; latest safety inspection 2 March 2007. Asking price €750. POC: Mr.Norbert Lindner, ext. 3012.

MiscellaneousDark Belgian oak roll-top desk, vgc, €150 ono; sturdy rollaway bed, ex-pands to double, storage underneath,€75 ono; dark wood hanging mirror with doors, €35 ono; 2 electric standing fans, €10 each. Contact Jo or Tom DeRemer, 0031-6466-83216 or mail [email protected].

Skywatch Classifieds are free to all NATO personnel. Advertisements must be printed or typed, and include your name, office symbol and duty extension. The editor will not accept advertisements for services that generate a regular income, or for housing other than vacation rentals. Submissions for the next NATO Skywatch are due to PIO, Mail Stop 33, e-mail: [email protected], before noon Thursday, 30 August.

Applications are invited for the following posts:

Senior Technician (Radar), AGK LER 5010 & 5200, Advertisement Numbers 07034-07035, NATO Grade B-4, assigned to the Radar Maintenance Branch, Electronics Maintenance Squadron, Logistics Wing. These posts are due to be filled as soon as possible.

Closing date: 10 September 2007.

Junior Tecnician (Equipmemt Maintenance), AGK LAS 1040 & 1060, Advertisement Numbers 07038-07039, NATO Grade B-2, assigned to the Tools & Equipment Section, Maintenance Support Branch, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Logistics Wing. These posts are due to be filled as soon as possible.


Vehicle Maintenance Specialist, AGK SVM 0090, Advertisement Number 07031, NATO Grade LWR, assigned to the Maintenance & Repair Section, Vehicle Maintenance Branch, Motorpool Squadron, Base Support Wing. This post is due to be filled as soon as possible.


For further details, please visit the Component Information Portal (WISE) under Headquarters, PEC, Recruitment/Services Section or review the advertisement posted in Building 8.

Note: Only applications of qualified

personnel will be considered.

Preuvenemint – a taste of fine cuisine

Preuvenemint is a four-day culinary event on the Vrijthof square in the city of Maastricht, the Netherlands. It is held yearly in the last weekend of August and this year it is from 23 to 26 August. The Vrijthof square will have some forty

stands in a nice setting, where one can taste delicious food and wine and enjoy a large variety of live music.

The word Preuvenemint is a contraction of the Maastricht words ‘prevue’, to taste and ‘evenemint’, event. And that’s exactly what is, an

event where you can taste all the good things of life. Over thirty stands function as a restaurant; beer and soft drinks are available in four large stands and live music is played from a permanent open-air-stage. This makes the Maastricht Preuvenemint the largest open-air restaurant in the world and by far the coziest.

There is no entrance fee. Special Preuvenemint coupons to pay for your food and drinks are available at several places on the square.

One preuvenelap costs €1,70, a booklet of ten €17. Opening hours: Friday 1600-0200, Saturday 1400-0200 and Sunday from 1200-midnight.

Vacancy Announcement

Photo PIO archive

Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 146-148, GeilenkirchenPhone +49 (0)2451 9878-0 Fax +49 (0)2451 9878-29

[email protected] www.stadthotel-geilenkirchen.de

• Our StadtHotel has several double, single rooms and two apartments.

• All rooms are equipped with bathroom/TV and phone.

• A cosy bistro belongs to the hotel.

• 5 Minutes from Base.

Vamos de Copas al Café Madrid

TAPAS - an expression of a fine Spanish life style

TAPAS - are tempting, small delicacie s that accom-panied by a good beverage, invite to a nice chat with friends

Kitchen open daily: 12.00-15.00

and 18.00-23.00

Apfelstrasse 16 • Heinsberg Downtown • Phone +49 (0)2452-106290

Experience the Spanish way of life

at Café Madrid

Waldschänke NeissAn der Waldschänke 1 52538 Selfkant-Süsterseel

Phone: +49 (0)2456-5099 971Fax: +49 (0)2456-5099 972

Opening hours:Wednesday to Sunday: from 12.00 hours on • Kitchen open:12.00 -14.00 and 17.30-21.00 hours.

www.waldschaenke-neiss.de

WaldschänkeRestaurant

On Fridays free soup with menu

English menuMeals are also served in our Biergarten

Erdinger Weizen beer on draught

MWA official function

All MWA facilities will be closed TODAY, Friday 24

August at 1200 for an official function with the following exceptions: Sentry Club will remain open during normal business hours; Frisbee Club will be open for breakfast

only; Officer’s Club, Library, Sauna and Pool will be

completely closed.


The IDH, Officers’, Frisbee and Sentry Clubs are now on the BASS LAN System. Menu information is under Public Folders/Base Support Wing/Services Squadron/Clubs or IDH. Also, check out the Services Squadron web page for programme information and upcoming events.

E-3A Component Clubs Sunday brunch will alternate

between Officers’/Frisbee Clubs. Members from both clubs are eligible to attend. Brunch prices members €10.70, guests €13, children 4-12 years half price.

Reservations should be made NLT 1200 on the Friday before. Club cards are required. For additional information, please contact the Officers’ Club, ext. 4990, or the Frisbee Club, tel. 4994.

2 Officers’ Club family brunch. Frisbee Club closed.

9 Frisbee Club brunch. Officers’ Club closed.

16 Officers’ Club Bavarian brunch. Frisbee Club closed.

26 Clubs closed due to the Oktoberfest.

30 No brunch. Officers’ Club (SWPO/4990) Operating hours bar

Monday-Friday 1100-2100. Restaurant Monday-Friday 1130-1330, Sunday 1100-1400 (alternating with the Frisbee Club). Reservations are required for Sunday brunch by 1200 on the Friday before. Club cards required when using the Frisbee Club (ext. 4994).

Lunch at the Officers’ Club: Monday through Thursday A la Carte menu served, Monday and Wednesday A vegetarian special also available, Friday Buffet Style lunch.

Throughout the month membership Appreciation. One time each month for each Officers’ Club member, buy one drink of your choice and get an equivalent drink of your choice free of charge, Club cards required.

Tuesdays 1700-1800 Happy Hour, free snacks available; Fridays 1430-1700 Happy Hour, free snacks available.

Special Notes: The Officers’ Club has rooms available for your conferences, meetings, presentations, lunches or Commanders’ Call. Make your reservations now.

For members living on base – if you like to watch TV and/or have a drink during the weekends while the club is closed – collect the key for the Officers’ Club Casual Bar at the Pass/Visitors’ Office, Main Gate.

Officers’ Club Participation in Frisbee Club Events: During

Frisbee Club opening hours, Officers’ Club members are eligible to utilize the Frisbee Club for breakfast, dinner and Sunday brunch (on an alternating basis between the Frisbee and Officers’ Clubs). Club cards required when Officers’ Club members are using the Frisbee Club.

Cancellations for Officers’ Club events will be accepted up to two days prior to the event on ext. 4990. After this time, a cancellation fee of €5 per person must be charged for non-excused absences.

Visit the Officers’ Club Web Page on the Component Information Portal, through Base Support Wing, Services Squadron, Clubs, for the latest information.

28 Candlelight Dinner, see special flyer.

Frisbee Club (SWPN/4994) Make a reservation today at

the Frisbee Grill and enjoy the cosy atmosphere and good food! Remember - the Frisbee Club is open for breakfast and dinner to all Frisbee and Officers’ Club members (club cards required).

Every Monday night Country Line Dance, at 1930.

Every Monday -Thursday Happy Hour from 1700 until 1800; Every Friday Happy Hour from 1430 1900 (including snacks at 1700).

Every Monday and Friday night Steak Night (normal restaurant times), steak dinner only – reservations required!

Every Friday at lunchtime: BBQ on the Terrace.

4 Skat, 1800-2300. 11 Bingo, 19.00-2230.25 Bingo, 1900-2230.27 International Wives’ Club –

American Night.

Sentry Club (SWPJ/4997) In addition to the daily

special, the Sentry Club will also offer a weekend special which will include a soup or

dessert as well as the main course. The weekend special will be advertised in the Sentry Club and also on the Component information web page.

Last Pizza Order at 1930, Monday-Friday a variety of new pizzas is available now, i.e. Pizza ‘Gyros’, Pizza ‘Calzone’ and Pizza ‘Spinach’). We also will add some new toppings. As soon as the preparations are finished, the details will be advertised on our Component information web page. We will also offer little rolls made from pizza dough with herb butter or garlic mayonnaise.

Take advantage of our new Salad Bar. Various types of freshly prepared salads available at a reasonable price.

Do you need support for

conferences or meetings? The Sentry Club can assist with coffee, soft drinks, half rolls or freshly prepared muffins. For more information, please contact the Sentry Club management. Need supplies for a party? The Sentry Club is your stop for Warsteiner Beer in 30 ltr and 50 ltr containers, various soft drinks in 1 ltr bottles and tables, benches and other items to help in organising your party. Please be sure to order in advance as certain items (e.g. tables, benches, beer wagons, etc.) must be ordered from the supplier.

Visit the Souvenir Shop, a

variety of nice new items have arrived. Many 25th anniversary articles for sale. Good quality red or white wine with 25th anniversary logo as well as watches. The ideal Christmas gift. Also, the 2008 calendar has arrived.

Additional information on any of the above can be obtained from the Sentry Club Manager, ext. 4996.

Sports Department (SWPT/4946)4 Mini Olympics Coaches’

meeting, 1500 Q&Q Room Sentry Club.

7 Deadline to register inclusion in Old Gym, New Gym and Multi-purpose room in the Winter Schedule.

14 Mini Olympics Deadline Registration.

19 E-3A Component’s Sports Day.

20 Volleyball League/Tournament, 1500 Q&Q Room Sentry Club Coaches’ meeting.

Opening Hours: Swimming Pool every day

from 1100-1900; Sauna mixed Monday-Wednesday- Friday 1100-1330, Thursday 1530-2030; Men only Tuesday 1530-2030; Ladies only Wednesday 1530-2030. Sunbeds 24 hour operation all week.

International Library

(SWPL/4956) The operating hours are

1100-1500, Monday through Friday. Come and visit your International Library at Bldg 96 and browse our wide selection of New York Times Bestsellers or check out one of our DVDs. We have over 200 of them. Relax and enjoy the nice atmosphere while browsing through the daily Stars and Stripes or one of our many magazine titles, including People, Cosmopolitan, Business Week and Travel & Leisure.

Looking for new music? Check out one of our more than 300 CDs on hand. Movie night tonight? Check out our DVD selection. Taking a road trip? Check out our large selection of audio books on CD & cassette. New selection of Audio Books has arrived. Take them to the beach. Take them on a plane, Take them in the car. Take them everywhere.

We are pleased to offer our ‘retired’ videocassettes to you for sale at the reduced price of €0,50.

International Pre-School (SWPS/4957)Welcome back to all our students!3 First day of school year

2007/2008.13 Open House at 1800. Parents

can tour the facility, meet other parents and talk to the staff.

There are still spaces available for our afternoon class. Registration at the School’s office or call ext. 4957 for more information.

Thrift Shop (SWPG/4919) Tuesdays + Thursdays

operating hours 1000-1400.

MWA INFORMATIONSeptember

E-3A COMPONENT SPORTS DAY

This year’s Component Sports Day will take place on Wednesday, 19 September. Please mark your calendars

accordingly. A detailed schedule will follow shortly.

Services Squadron looks forward to hosting this fun-

packed event offering sporting activities for one and all.

� WINTERSPORT � APRÈS-SKI � RESTAURANTS � FUNCTION ROOM COMPLEX � HOTEL

SNOWWORLD LANDGRAAFWINTER SPORTS & APRES-SKI

12OCTOBERNOKIA SNOWBOARDFIS WORLD CUPPARALLEL SLALOM

WORLDCUP

WWW.SNOWWORLD.COMFOR SPECTATORS FREE ENTRANCE

13OCTOBERFIS SNOWBOARDEUROPA CUPS L O P E S T Y L E

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Documents

Volume 23, No. 15 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 24 August 2007 · Volume 23, No. 15 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 24 August 2007 By Lt. Col. Bernd Lorenzen The team E-3A Component successfully