Volume 22, No. 11 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 19 June 2006 Memorial Day ceremonies held at Margraten

Text and Photo TSgt Matthew Woods

On Sunday, 28 May 2006, Memorial Day was officially the World War II Netherlands- proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General American Cemetery and Memorial John Logan, national commander of the held a ceremony at Margraten, Grand Army of the Republic, and was The Netherlands, in observance of first observed on 30 May 1868, when Memorial Day. Memorial Day is flowers were placed on the graves of one of two U.S. Federal holidays Union and Confederate soldiers at held in remembrance of those who Arlington National Cemetery. have died while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day is not about division, rather it is about reconciliation; it is In attendance was the US about coming together to honour those Ambassador to the Netherlands, who gave their all. After World War I, Roland E. Arnall, Chairman, U.S. the holiday changed from honouring Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, just those who died fighting in the Civil Senator Larry E. Craig and Commanding War to honouring Americans who died General, United States Army, Europe & fighting in any war. 7th Army, General David D. McKiernan. Gen. McKiernan quoted another Last year, President Bush was in American general, General George S. attendance with Her Majesty Queen Patton, who is buried in Luxemburg, Beatrix of the Netherlands, to when he said, “It is foolish and wrong commemorate the 60th Anniversary to mourn the men who died. Rather we of Victory in Europe (V-E Day). should thank God that such men lived.”

Brigadier General Schmidt represented the NATO E-3A Component in the During the memorial ceremony Brig.Gen. laying of a wreath to commemorate Stephen Schmidt (middle) laid a wreath as those who gave the ultimate sacrifice NATO E-3A Component representative to for their country and for a free Europe. honour those who died fighting in any war. Squadron Two changes commander

Squadron Two held its change of command on 23 May 06 at the Officers’ Club. During this ceremony Lt.Col. Martin Cournoyer, Canadian Air Force, relinquished command to Lt.Col. Spurgeon Stewart, also Canadian Air Force. He assumed command for Squadron Two through Col. Manfred Arndt, Operations Wing commander and Canadian Senior National Representative. Lt.Col. Cournoyer proceeded to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, to serve as the Executive Assistant to Canada’s Chief of the Air Staff.

Lt.Col Spurgeon Stewart (right) accepting command for Squadron Two from Col. Manfred Arndt, Operations Wing commander. Photo MSgt. Mark Boggess

Next NATO Skywatch: 30 June Sports day photos Civilians honoured Also in this issue: during CSA meeting Submissions due by: See page 4. 22 June See page 6. 2 NATO Skywatch 19 June 2006 19 June 2006 NATO Skywatch 3 “MAGIC, picture!”

By Captain Rae Joseph, 1Wing in the briefing room to plan. PAO/Maple Flag 39 PAO “Developing a plan is as important as executing it,” said Maj. Collacutt, who “MAGIC, picture!” An all too familiar has served 29 years combined time in request from fighter pilots in the thick the reserve and regular force. “The of it to the NATO Airborne Warning AWACS is the command and control and Control System (AWACS) that may structure of the exercise. We put a lot be many kilometres from the fight - but of emphasis on the planning portion of sees all the action during Exercise Maple Flag because if you don’t have a Maple Flag XXXIX. good plan it’s not going to get executed properly to achieve your goal.” “We’re [AWACS]—the first to leave and the last to come home,” laughed Maj. Collacutt, from Dartmouth, Tactical Director Major Mike Collacutt, N.S., is one of six Canadians, who a Canadian from the NATO Air Base in complement the 60-member multi- Geilenkirchen, Germany, home to the national E-3A contingent participating E-3A Component which flies the in Maple Flag. From ground crew to Diversity at it’s best: (right to left) Major Mike Collacutt, Canadian Forces, AWACS - a modified Boeing 707- that aircrew to operators the NATO AWACS Instructor Tactical Director; Captain Olaf Meiser, German Air Force, Fighter is here for the six-week exercise in Cold is like a flying mini globe with Allocation Officer; Captain Juan Narbona, Spanish Air Force, Passive Detection Lake, Alberta. members represented from countries Officer; and Major Peter Boersting, Royal Danish Air Force, Tactical Director, plan such as Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, for the next mission at Exercise Maple Flag XXXIX in Cold Lake, Alberta. During Maple Flag - an international U.S.A. and of course Canada. Photo WO Serge Peters, Air Public Affairs air combat exercise - the AWACS, call sign Magic, acts not only as the ears “It’s been a lot of fun and an unique working with NATO during Maple Flag,” seamless due to a standardized NATO and eyes for the Canadian and eight experience [being apart of NATO],” said he said. “We all have a parts to play and system. other allied aircrews otherwise known Port Coquitlam, B.C., native Corporal we do it well.” as Blue Air, but also like a director of an Dan Gates, a Crew Chief who has been “Yes there is a set NATO structure aerial ballet. The opposing force a.k.a with the E-3A Component for two years. Fellow crewmember, Flight Engineer but within that structure there is Red Air played out by the United States But as far as Maple Flag, Cpl Gates is Sergeant Kim Blake from Burnaby B.C. allowances for people to stay true Air Force including the 64th AGRS no newcomer to the training exercise agreed, serving with the NATO AWACS to who they are and where they aggressor squadron from Nellis Air simulating an air combat environment, has been a great experience. “I’ve been come from,” said Major Collacutt. Force Base. and emphasizing air operations with NATO for two years now serving So for not only providing command involving large package coalition along side men and women from and control to allied forces to achieve The AWACS takes flight an hour prior forces over Alberta skies since 1978. different parts of the world and it their objectives during Maple Flag to the Maple Flag launch to get into has been great,” said Sgt Blake adding XXXIX, but doing so in a diverse position, but before their mission is “I was posted to Cold Lake for despite the cultural differences, coalition environment the NATO set into motion the crew huddles 15 years, but this is my second time professionally the differences are quite AWACS is truly MAGIC.

troops). “NATO has gone through very UN Humanitarian envoy visits Squadron One fundamental changes in term of what NATO it has done and what is doing and this NATO’s assistance to the African celebrates 25th would bring the force planning into line Union for Darfur NATO-UN anniversary with the realities of the 21 st century, “ cooperation Assistance to Pakistan Mr. Appathurai said, “It is a substantial Squadron One is proud to realignment of the way in which NATO The United Nations Undersecretary announce its upcoming 25th will plan to structure its forces.” General for Humanitarian Affairs, Jan anniversary celebration, which will NATO sets new level of ambition At present, the Alliance and its Egeland, discussed Darfur and the role be on 7 July 2006. All present and for operations partner countries have some 28,000 of the military in disaster relief during former Squadron One members, Meeting in Brussels on 8 June, NATO troops on operations and missions in a visit to NATO on 30 May. family, friends, and Component Defence Ministers approved new Afghanistan, the Balkans, Iraq and the Mr Egeland met NATO Secretary personnel are cordially invited to planning targets for NATO countries, to Mediterranean, with the bulk in General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to help us celebrate. be able to conduct a greater number of Afghanistan and Kosovo. By the end discuss NATO’s continuing support The Squadron will open its doors at smaller-scale operations than NATO has of this year, the Alliance will lead up for the African Union’s peacekeeping 0800 for an Open House. The official planned for in the past. However, the to 25,000 troops in Afghanistan. mission in Darfur. start to the 25th Anniversary begins Alliance will also retain its ability to James Appathurai said that the at 1300 on the sports field, which will carry out larger operations. Ministerial guidance also set out Focus on Darfur be followed by the unveiling of the The Ministers of Defence of the to ensure that NATO has “effective NATO recently agreed to extend its 25th anniversary patch. 25 NATO countries in the Defence working arrangements” to work with assistance to the African Union until 1400 Soccer Game (Officers vs. Planning Committee approved what is other actors, such as other international September this year. This Alliance is NCOs) followed by a Tug-of-War called ‘Ministerial Guidance’ for the organisations and NGOs.The document helping to airlift African Union tournament at 1600. Family fun will Alliance’s force planning process. is based on the so-called Comprehensive peacekeepers in and out of Darfur kick off at 1630. During our family Political Guidance, which was agreed and training its forces. fun we will have barbeque, birthday Substantial realignment by NATO countries last year. Defence They also discussed likely NATO cake and drinks, which will be paid While the document itself is planning in the Alliance is a fundamental support for a possible UN-led for with pre-purchased tickets that classified and will not be published by element of the arrangements which peacekeeping mission in Darfur, after will be available prior to the formal the Alliance, NATO Spokesman James enable its member countries to enjoy the mandate of the current African ceremony and all day at the picnic. Appathurai told reporters this means the crucial political, military and Union force ends in September. Mr Additionally, we will have children’s NATO would no longer be planning for resource advantages of collective Egeland also raised the possibility of games, a bouncing castle, aircraft “one big war”. Instead, the Alliance’s defence and other common military future military assistance to huma- tours, and live music and DJ. We planning process will be geared to efforts to enhance security and stability. nitarian missions. encourage you to come out and ensuring that NATO can conduct a The process seeks to ensure that the In October 2005, the Alliance have a great time with us. greater number of the more likely Alliance has the requisite forces, assets, launched a massive airlift operation If you have questions about our smaller-scale operations - at brigade facilities and capabilities to fulfill its to help deliver United Nations relief 25th anniversary please call ext. 4102, or division level (up to 30,000 troops) tasks. As such, it covers both NATO’s supplies to the victims of the Squadron One Admin office. - with less emphasis on the larger-scale own capabilities and those of Allied devastating earthquake that struck operations - at corps level (up to 60,000 countries. Pakistan.

Commander own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, the North Atlantic Treaty Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Schmidt Organization. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does Chief, Public Information Office not constitute an endorsement by NATO of the products or services advertised. Submissions are due Capt. Robert A. Firman seven days before publication and may be edited for style and space. Send articles and classified Editor advertisements to the NAEWF E-3A Component Public Information Office (PIO), Postfach 433007, Volume 22, No. 11 19 June 2006 Mrs. Maureen Geraets-Head D-52511 Geilenkirchen, or base distribution Mail Stop 33. Call PIO at (02451) 632480 or fax (02451) NATO Skywatch is an authorized, unofficial 7936 or e-mail pio@e3a.nato.int. commercial enterprise newspaper published For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger Media at +31 (46) 452-9292 or fax +31 (46) 452-9285. under exclusive written agreement with the NAEW & CF E-3A Component by Pollaert Mediacenter, Articles may be reproduced after permission has been obtained from the editor, provided mention Postbus 1234, 6040 KE Roermond, +31 (475) 370 280. Opinions expressed by contributors are their is made of NATO Skywatch. 4 NATO Skywatch 19 June 2006 19 June 2006 NATO Skywatch 5 6 NATO Skywatch 19 June 2006 Almost 150 Years of Service for the Component

Text and photos Mr. Andy Bischoff Since October 1982 Mr. Allan Keen Three other Component members Grundmann serves in the Logistics was assigned to the Logistics Wing, first were also honoured by General Wing Radar Shop as an E-3A radar On 6 June the Civilian Staff as a navigation technician and later as Schmidt with certificates for 25 years technician. Mr. Andy Bischoff started Organization (CSA) celebrated its a communication systems technician. of service. Mr. Lothar Boeven started June 1981 in the Logistic Wing as a annual barbeque and quarterly Hail Since October 1982 Mr. Claus von in the IT Wing as a programmer for the computer technician, and now serves & Farwell outside the Bavarian Keller. Frankenberg was assigned to the Radar System; he now works Mid-Term in IT Wing as a risk manager. The event was a success with over Logistics Wing as a Computer Systems Program issues. Mr. Helmut 300 attending. Technician where he served Many individuals contributed to his entire career. Mr. Henk Goeyenbier the success of the event. Our Three Component members Since March 1982 Mr. received his certificate International Dining Hall colleagues were honored by our Component Henk Goeyenbier was later as he was out volunteered and provided excellent Commander, Brig. General Schmidt, assigned to the Information working an issue on food service. Martin Spurdle and with a certificate of appreciation on Technology Wing and the NATO Mid-Term the Beat-NICs played rock and roll their retirement for their lifelong recently as an aircraft. music for the crowd. Maj. ‘The King’ service. Analyst/Programmer. Le Roi (our French Liaison Officer) performed as Elvis for the last time at (left to right) Mayor of Geilenkirchen Mr. Andreas Borghorst, Mr. Andy the Component. Bischoff, Mr. Claus von Frankenberg, Mr. Lothar Boeven, Mr. Helmut Grundmann, Mr. Allan Keen and E-3A Component Commander, Brig. Another fun moment was when bandleader Martin Gen. Stephen Schmidt. Spurdle was able to integrate members of the Component leadership. (from left to right) Col. Jelle Zijlstra, Lt.Col. Erik Jacobsen, Col. Angel Burgos and Brig. Gen. Stephen Schmidt with percusion instruments during a song.

Dutch pinned with aircrew wings Geilenkirchen Riders Association (GKRA) By SMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg vital missions in the framework of the Motorcycle enthusiasts from all NATO alliance’s objectives. nations, regardless of your riding The NATO E-3A Component Dutch preference; did you know that GK has contingent’s inaugural ‘wing Weapons controller’s 1Lt. Sipke a motorcycle club? The GKRA meets parade’ was conducted on 7 June Lautenbach and Capt. Cees Uyl, the third Thursday of every month in in the Officers Club. The presiding Surveillance Control Officer Capt. the Sentry Club at 1200, all year long. officer, Dutch Director of Air Harold Hendrickx and Passive Detection Operations Commodore Jake Officer 1Lt. Eric van Canneyt proudly As our emblem indicates, our motto Franken, pinned aircrew wings on got their aircrew wings in front of their is Mentor, Ride, and Safety. So if you four Dutch Component members. families and the Dutch Detachment. are looking for a way to spend time with other motorcycle enthusiasts, The presentation of the wings is the The event was attended by E-3A riding and sharing experience, then culmination of many months of class- Component commander Brig. Gen. come out and join us. room instruction, self study, simulator Stephen D. Schmidt, wing commanders hours and actual flying hours. They all and other distinguished guests, and For more information contact: passed their exams to become ‘basic was musically graced by the Royal Director: Stephen Costello ext.4416 qualified’. Netherlands Air Force band. Vice: Michael Claxton ext.3031 Due to operational commitments, Treasure: Manfred Sackert ext.4219 Most of them have, in the meantime, Surveillance Control Officer Capt. Eric Secretary: Daniel Hubner ext.2228 completed their combat ready training van Zanten will receive his aircrew wing phase and are fully qualified to perform on a later date.

The aircrew wing receipents: From left to right: Weapons controllers 1Lt. Sipke Lautenbach and Capt. Cees Uyl, Surveillance Control Officer Capt. Harold Hendrickx and Passive Detection Officer 1Lt. Eric van Canneyt. CLASSIFIED Photo Andrea Hohenforst SKYWATCH 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, 22 June.

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