Volume 24, No. 9 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 9 May 2008 VIPs transit E-3A Component
By SMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg
The International Charlemagne prize is a distinction that has been awarded annually since 1950 to individuals who have made contributions to European unification. The prize, which consists of a certificate, a bronze medal and a monetary award, was awarded this year to the German Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel. Dr. Merkel received the prize on 1 May in the historical Coronation Hall of Aachen, where the Emperor Charlemagne had used to hold his court
NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen is often used as intermediate station for the invited guests for landing German Chancellor Dr. Angela and departure. On 30 April and Merkel (right) is welcomed after 1 May, Dr. Merkel and the following landing on 30 April by E-3A distinguished persons set foot at Component Commander Brig. the E-3 Component on their way to Gen. Stephen Schmidt and his Aachen: King of Spain Juan Carlos wife Sarah, and Base Support I; former Italian President Mr. Carlo Wing Commander Col. Reinhard Azeglio Ciampi and the President of Mack (left). France, Nicolas Sarkozy
The International Charlemagne prize of Aachen symbolizes the European Spirit of the city, which was of pivotal importance in early European history. Aachen, with its hot springs, became the capital and chief residence of the legendary Charlemagne, King of the Franks. He was emperor from 800 to 814 over an empire which stretched a great part of Western Europe. Charlemagne was the example for the surrounding nations by the way he succeeded to bring unity in the big empire with its diversity of nations, languages and cultures.
Other award recipients in the past have been German Chancellor King of Spain Juan Carlos I Konrad Adenauer, the British Prime took the opportunity to meet Minister Winston Churchill, Queen members of the Spanish Beatrix of the Netherlands, French community on base. President Francois Mitterand and Photos Hay Janssen German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
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Editor’s note: The Cultural Corner is The Danish Monarchy a series that will highlight one of the nations of the Component with some interesting facts and information.
The Kingdom of Denmark: Land of fairy tales, modern design and the happiest people on earth
By Capt. Richard Komurek percent) combined with some of the 30 Danish military and 16 civilian most generous welfare benefits. This members. The center of Danish The small kingdom of Denmark means that 33 percent of taxes are activity is their National Support Unit, is world famous for the fairy tales paid back to the citizens in transfer of which features Danish newspapers, of Hans Christian Andersen and the income and Danes receive virtually Danish military internet and a coffee sleek modern design of furniture, free education and free health care. shop. The commander of the NSU, jewelry and architecture. Examples Maj. Fleming Carlsen, says one of of Danish architecture are the Workers in Denmark enjoy good the most interesting aspects of the Sydney Opera House, the La Grande wages and benefits. Nonetheless, Danish military is that they have Arche De La Defense in Paris and Danish companies are among the a union, just like Danish civilian the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein- most competitive in the world. This employees. This union takes care of Westfalen in Dusseldorf. is made possible by a combination problems regarding working hours, of flexibility and security, or payments and salaries. The Danes are also among the flexicurity. For security, Danish happiest people in the world. workers are among the most highly By visiting the Danish NSU, I found Adrian White, a British psychologist organised in the world, with 85 out what Danes miss most about from Leicester Universtity, has percent belonging to a union. For Denmark. They miss their favorite created the first ever ‘Map of World flexibility, Danish employers can foods: a good strong licorice, Danish The Danish monarchy is Happiness’ using data published by fire employees at very short notice. pastries, smørrebrød (open face one of the oldest in the world the United Nations and other global This allows the companies to adjust sandwiches), pickled herring, Akavit and can be traced back more organizations. Denmark was rated #1 to changing market trends. Lastly, (a drink like vodka) and Danish hot than 1000 years. The Queen out of 178 nations. So let’s have impact of unemployment is low dogs. What makes a Danish hot dog of Denmark, Margrethe II, is a look at Denmark. because Denmark has generous special? According to Inga Ratzer, “It’s therefore able to count kings unemployment benefits and invests not so much the hot dog, it’s what we like Gorm the Old (deceased The Scandinavian Model heavily in retraining programs. put on it. A good Danish hot dog has 958) and Harald Bluetooth The Kingdom of Denmark Denmark also has a high employment mustard, ketchup, crispy onion and (deceased 987) among her includes Denmark and the self- rate of women (73.1 percent in cucumber.” ancestors. In 1967, she married governing areas of Greenland and 2005). This high rate of employment Lastly, one should not write about the French diplomat Comte the Faroe Islands. The ice-free part of for women is made possible by the Denmark without mentioning that Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, Greenland is almost 10 times larger public childcare system, which allows one of the most famous toys in the thereafter called Prince than Denmark, which is 43,098 km2 both parents to work a full working world originates from Denmark: Henrik. They have the sons in size without its territories. week of 37 hours without worrying LEGO. The name LEGO is an Frederik (b.1968) and Joachim One aspect of Danish culture is the about who will look after their abbreviation of two Danish words (b.1969). On the death of King approach used for the organisation children. “leg godt”, meaning “play well”. So Frederik IX on the 14th January of society, which is often called the perhaps it is LEGO toys that make 1972, Margrethe II ascended Scandinavian Model. It features some Danes at the Component Denmark the happiest country in the the throne. of the highest taxes in the world (50.1 Here at the Component there are world, or maybe it’s the hot dogs?
Denmark facts
• Population: 797,584 (1769); Kronborg Castle, near Helsingør, is a UNESCO 5.4 million (2007); immigrants- World Heritage site that dates back to 1585 8.7 % of population (2007) and was immortalized as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. • Capital: Copenhagen 1.1 million (2007), name originates from Køpmannæhafn, “merchants’ harbor”
• Money: Krone. 1 Eur = 7.46 Kr.
Facts and data courtesy of www. denmark.dk and the CIA World Factbook
Commander own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, the North Atlantic Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Schmidt 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. Chief, Public Affairs Submissions are due seven days before publication and may be edited for style and space. Capt. Richard Komurek Volume 24, No. 9 9 May 2008 Send articles and classified advertisements to the NAEW&F E-3A Component Public Affairs (PA), Editor Postfach 433007, D-52511 Geilenkirchen, or base distribution Mail Stop 33. Call PA at (02451) NATO Skywatch is an authorized, unofficial SMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg 632480 or fax (02451) 7936 or e-mail [email protected]. For paid advertisements call Hub commercial enterprise newspaper published Durlinger media at +31 (46) 452 9292, fax +31 (46) 452 9285 or [email protected]. under exclusive written agreement with the NAEW&CF E-3A Component by HOUX DIGIPRINT, Articles may be reproduced after permission has been obtained from the editor, provided mention Arendstraat 3, 6135 KT Sittard, +31 (0)46 4582111. Opinions expressed by contributors are their is made of NATO Skywatch. 4 NATO Skywatch 9 May 2008
Greek NCO Spotlight
By Lt. Col. Dimitrios Votsis ‘Spartan Hammer’ in 2006, which was held in his home base. With regard to NATO’s ‘2008- Year of the NCO’ the Hellenic Despite his few years in service, Detachment of the E-3A this young NCO has already lots of Component chose to put the experience on his specialty gained spotlight on TSgt. Alexandros from courses he has taken, his Dimopoulos, the one and only assignments and performed tasks. Greek IMP representing Greek And his selection to be assigned Air force’s philosophy on Security to the E-3A Component in order and Military Policing at the to represent Greece as the only Component’s Security Squadron. Greek Military Policeman in this international environment apparently TSgt. Dimopoulos entered the proves this and rewards his efforts. Hellenic Air Force NCO Military TSgt. Dimopoulos is recognized for Academy in September 2001 and his military virtues, his high sense of graduated two years later, September professionalism, his willingness to 2003, with the rank of Staff Sergeant learn and his great effort to quickly and the specialty of Defence and and effectively adapt to NATO’s Security Forces. After his graduation Security concepts and standards. he was assigned to the Defence and Security Squadron of the TSgt. Dimopoulos says: “I feel very 117 Combat Wing, located in privileged to be a member of this Andravida, Greece, which remained Component as my first international his home base until his assignment experience in my career. Security to the E-3A Component. and Law Enforcement are topics always changing and evolving, so Meanwhile he was temporarily working together with so many transferred several times to the different nationalities in one Military 124 Basic Training Wing, serving as Police force is a benefit of serving Drill Sergeant for newly recruited here. Having the chance, I would enlisted personnel. Additionally he like to thank the Security Squadron received training and participated for the friendly and warm working in the Security Operation for the environment, and especially the IMP 2004 Olympic Games in Greece, Bravo Flight. We manage to be like a contributing to the execution of the big family and at the same time we safest and most peaceful modern keep our performance and execution Games, as it was generally admitted of our duties at a very high level. by the participating nations. In the end, I would like to express my gratitude to my National Senior TSgt. Alexandros Dimopoulos Last but not least, he actively took Representative, Lt. Col. Dimitrios checks the speed limit of part in the preparation and execution Votsis, for honouring me with his vehicles on base. Photo NSGR of the security plan for the NATO Trial choice.”
Photo Andea Hohenforst Military Budget Committee visits base
By Heidi Soerensen
On 21 April the Military Budget Committee visited the E-3A Component. Commander NAEW&CF Maj. Gen. Axel R. Tüttelmann joined the visit. The Military Budget Committee had a busy day at the Component, including mission overview briefing, ATC demonstration, simulator tour and a tour on the E-3A.
E-3A Component Commander Brig. Gen. Stephen Schmidt used the opportunity to familiarize committee members with Component operations and to discuss the most pressing financial- related issues that the Component is facing. The ACO Financial Controller, Mr. Van Sprundel, also took part in the visit, his first since his appointment in January 2008. Superior Experience the Fascination of a Mobile World
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By Jos Rienties it should be understood that On highways with more then two • Check the traffic behind you. motorcyclists are relatively badly lanes, position yourself between Car drivers often overlook On various places next to the visible for car drivers. The average the two lanes that are furthest to motorcyclists. Use your mirrors Dutch motorways you will find car driver is also not able to correctly the left. frequently to be aware of the traffic the attached poster, which ask predict the speed of a motorcyclist. behind you. This also applies in a for your special attention for • Stopping in a tailback. If you are traffic jam. Many car drivers then motorcyclists in a traffic tailback. • Appropriate speed. Do not rush the last person in a tailback, use seem to have more attention for The poster campaign is focused it. The speed difference between your hazard lights and brake other things (phone, diary). A on car drivers and asks them to motorcyclist and car passed should lights to make clear that you and glance in your mirror can be the consider the motorcycle drivers not be more then 10 km/h. Keep your bike are at the end of the difference between an accident passing through a tailback. The to this rule of thumb with every line. Sometimes car drivers do and preventing it. campaign aims to persuade car car you pass. High differences in notice the tailback, but not the drivers to frequently check their speed are one of the major sources motorcyclist at the rear of the line. • Use the middle of your lane. If you rear-view mirrors and to leave of annoyance and can lead to Maintain enough distance to the drive in the middle of your lane, room for motorcyclists, who can dangerous reactions. car in front of you, try to position motorcyclists often have enough then safely pass by. yourself between waiting cars. room to pass you in the area close • Be alert and watch for That’s a much safer location. to the dashed line. It helps if you The poster campaign is an integral unpredictable behaviour. The two give them a bit of extra room by part of the tailback behavioural code main hazards facing motorcyclists • End of the tailback. As soon as the driving a bit further to the right for car drivers and motorcyclists. are as follows: At gaps in the traffic gets going again, position when you are on the right lane, and Tailbacks cost car-drivers a lot a bit further to the left when of time. It would cost even you are on the left lane. more time if motorcyclists had to queue-up in the same • Changing lane. Car drivers long line, and it would be even who change lane without worse if motorcyclists chose to paying attention to the use their cars instead of their traffic coming from behind motorcycles. are the most lethal danger The car driver will also benefit for motorcyclists. Always by giving motorcyclists space check your mirror and and attention. The behavioural your ‘blind spot’ before code lays down how to give this changing lanes. Think space and attention and which about the motorcyclists ‘game rules’ are applicable to all that are using the corridor traffic users. The starting point between the cars to pass is ‘Cooperation means that through the tailback and traffic will move faster, are sometimes not visible smoother and more safely’. because they are in your ‘blind spot’. If you decide Background to change lanes, warn the For various reasons a traffic behind you by using motorcyclist benefits by passing your turn signals. a tailback of stopped or slowly moving cars. One of them is • Do not open your the protection of his own life. door unless absolutely With no airbags, bumpers and necessary. Being in the collision zones a motorcyclist middle of a traffic jam on a will be at risk in a head-tail hot summer day is not fun, collision. Another aspect is and sometimes drivers or the necessary cooling of man passengers open the doors, and machine. During summer either for cooling or just periods the temperature can PAO archive to see what is going on. be very high on motorways. Be aware that this can have A motorcyclist does not have serious consequences for the luxury of air-conditioning tailback you can expect car drivers yourself on the lane between the motorcyclists. If you do and is often dressed in protective to suddenly change lanes, and in cars. Use your turn signals to make have to open your door, clothing that will become hot when warmer temperatures beware of sure the car drivers understand then first closely check the he is at a standstill. open car doors. your intentions. traffic behind you.
In the Netherlands ever since • Multiple motorcyclists. When Where are you as a motorcyclist This behavioural code provides 1991 it has not been forbidden driving with several other not allowed to drive? strong advice and not legal rules. for a motorcyclist to slowly pass motorcyclists, keep your head cool, Emergency lane, the lane furthest You can’t use it as a basis for asserting through a tailback. Since passing follow the flow, keep a minimum to the right, intended for rescue legal rights. If one party does not can be done in various ways, there distance of two cars between services. The strip between the left keep to the code, then this does not are some game rules on how to do yourself and next motorcyclist, lane and the safety margins. Special automatically mean that the other this. The advantage of these rules and follow the same path. lanes (e.g. bus lanes, truck lanes, person is liable for any damage that is that you can now predict each streetcar lanes). The sections marked occurs. other’s behaviour and largely prevent • Approaching a tailback. On with hatched lines (e.g. at the point accidents and irritations. These ‘game approaching a tailback, keep a close where several lanes converge). The code is compiled from ‘game rules’ have been combined to form a eye on what is happening behind Sections marked with solid white rules’ for both car drivers and behavioural code that is supported by you. When possible, decrease road markings (often seen at merging motorcyclists (without side car), and the major traffic safety organizations. your speed smoothly and warn points) it is only meant for stopped or slow- the traffic behind you by using moving traffic on Dutch motorways. Game rules for motorcyclists your hazard lights or brake lights. Game rules for car drivers Motorcyclists have to obey a To avoid confusion when driving You can give attention and space For the official Dutch version of this number of rules if they pass cars through a tailback do not use to motorcyclists in the following text please visit the following source and in a traffic jam. As a basic principle your turn signals or hazard lights. manner. link: www.motorplatform.nl 9 May 2008 NATO Skywatch 7 Multicultural celebration of youth International Children’s Festival 2008 attracted more than 1,500 visitors
Text and photos Heidi Soerensen with positive and educational youth. Without a doubt, the mission entertainment. Besides the wide of the day was a resounding success. On Saturday, 26 April the Turkish variety of enthusiastic dance National Support Unit successfully performances, numerous outdoor The ICF Committee would like celebrated the 20th International activities such as an International to thank the Turkish Consulate Children’s Festival (ICF) at the E-3A Military Police dog show, NATO train General in Cologne, Component Component. The Mass Briefing rides, an E-3A static display, an F-16 Commander Brig. Gen. Stephen Facility and its surroundings were cockpit, clowns and horse riding Schmidt, Morale and Welfare Activity transformed into a spectacular scene turned the day into an adventure for Branch, International Youth Activities with exciting activities, fascinating the entire family. and DITIB folk Dance Group for their performances, beating rhythms and contributions and efforts in making lots of shining eyes in happy, painted The ICF Committee wanted this the International Children’s Festival faces. particular day to be a day when all of such an outstanding success. Ballet performed by the IYA group. us took pride in the joy and pleasure The ICF is based on a tradition of hearing children’s laughter as established more than 80 years ago. year since then the Turkish NSU well as celebrating the innocence of “Everything is fun today!” On 23 April 1920 the first Turkish has welcomed children and their Elena (3 years) and Rose National Assembly dedicated its families to this special day. This year (8 years). opening day to children and during over 1,500 people from all nations the following years the 23 April was took part in this truly multicultural celebrated as the Children’s Day in celebration of youth. Turkey. In 1978 the United Nations adopted the idea, and the 23rd April “Unlike other commercialized days, was selected as World Children’s Day. we don’t have to buy anything today. The first ICF at the E-3A Component We just encourage our children to was celebrated in 1989, and every show their talent, perform, express themselves and have fun. We Clown Udin’s balloon show. also give them a chance to meet different cultures and tolerate differences. We firmly believe that a better future with peace and harmony can only be achieved by bringing children together from different ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds,” said Turkish Senior National Representative, Major Fikret Celik in his opening remarks.
For toddlers, teenagers, and people of all ages it was a day packed Guidelines for jogging/walking along perimeter fence line By IMP the southern perimeter fence line times the Civil Guard conduct identification on your person is only authorized from 0700 - patrols with the K9 off leash. when challenged by Security Due to current 2000 hrs from the 1 April until As a security reminder, I.A.W. Force personnel, you can be security incidents that 30 September. From the 1 October Component Directive 70-111 detained and taken to the IMP have transpired on the until 30 April the time frame “Personnel must be able to station until you are properly component perimeter changes slightly to 0830-1700 hrs. produce proper identification any identified. fence line we kindly advice time it is requested by Security Component member’s disregar- Force personnel.” It is requested Note: “Jogging/walking in Component personnel on ding this directive can risk the that when jogging, personnel the northern area and along the the following. hazard of running into Civil Guard should have some form of northern fence line is prohibited K9 working dog teams conducting identification readily available. at all times.” If you have any I.A.W. Component Directive routine patrols along the questions please contact SWSP, 70 - 113, jogging/walking along perimeter fence. After the above If you do not have any ext. 4819. It was the Transall C-160 xxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxx xx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxx
8 NATO Skywatch 9 May 2008
Alliance Players were from. We were truly the new By Annia Wyndham kids on the block and the under dogs, going in. Most other theatres were As many of you know, the represented by 25-35 people, and we Alliance Players decided to enter were only nine. But, against all odds This helicopter landed our spring production Absurd we were nominated eleven times and at Geilenkirchen Person Singular in the Installation took home three wins! Air Base Management Command - Europe Region Tournament of Plays 2008 Needless to say we are all extremely Do you know competition (also known as the excited about this fantastic and what it is? Topper Awards). Nine of us went overwhelming outcome. We intend down to attend the award ceremony to make our participation in the Photo A1C Florian Hueftle SEE PAGE 10 in Heidelberg, Germany, where we Toppers an annual tradition and enjoyed a fantastic show of singing, hope it will put the Alliance Players, dancing and award presenting. Brunssum back on the theatrical map. Hopefully this will also boost It’s been many, many years since audience numbers, as this is the only International Spring Bazaar the Alliance Players participated in English speaking theatre in the area any competition and many people and we want to show people that we Mark your calendar for 17 and 18 operated by the award winning asked who we were and where we are good enough to support. May to attend the 3rd International GKES Odyssey of the Mind ‘Dino- Friends Spring Bazaar. The event Stories’ team. will be held in the multi-purpose The team recently won building on the Geilenkirchen the European championship Opening of the swimming pool Elementary School (GKES) campus competition and is raising money Got that summer feeling yet? Well, if you haven’t - from 1000 to 1800 both days. to attend the world championship mark your calendar for the official opening of the swimming Vendors will be selling: Norwegian in Maryland, U.S.A. pool on base on Friday, 16 May at 1100. sweaters, leather bags & clothes, Belgian tapestries, Turkish carpets, The team will be selling hotdogs, Kenyan sandals & bags, handmade drinks, popcorn and cotton candy. jewellery, Murano glass, and These six students from GKES have much more. All U.S. and NATO ID worked very hard to win 1st place cardholders are welcome to attend. and are now practicing 2 hours a day to achieve another win at the While at the bazaar, remember world championship, which takes to stop by the concession stand place in June.
New opening times for the sauna As of 1 May, through to 30 September, the Sauna’s new opening times are: Mixed Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 1100-1330, and Thursdays 1530- 1830; men only Tuesdays 1530-2030; ladies only Wednesdays 1530-1830. Photo Capt. Richard Komurek
How about a ski-dive jump? Join a ski-dive tandem jump and have fun on Saturday, 24 May from 0900 to 1700. Location is NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen and the possibility is open for NATO id cardholders and their relatives only. Your weight has to be below 95 kg/ 209 pounds. If you are interested and want more information please contact Thomas Heide at 0049 177 7004501 or thomas- Photos courtesy Thomas Heide [email protected] /NLY MILES FROM BASE AND ONLY MILE TO THE CENTRE OF (EINSBERG $PTJNBT-PEHF Heating oil )NDOOR POOL PLAYGROUNDS AND JOGGING PATH WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
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