Volume 27, No. 2 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 4 February...

By Capt. Wilko ter Horst and Capt. Kristen ThompsonPhotos Andrea Hohenforst

On 27 January a Commander’s Call was initiated by Brig.Gen. Burkhard Pototzky to inform the base personnel on Operation Afghan Assist. An important part of the Commander’s speech was the recognition of the efforts in supporting NATO’s ISAF operation. He stated that after continuous preparation, we finally made it to Operation Afghan Assist.

Also the Force Commander, Maj.Gen. Stephen Schmidt, referred to this during his visit at the deployment FOB at the beginning of Operation Afghan Assist. He said, “This is a small step for the men, but a giant leap for the Component.”

NATO Meritorious Service Medal

After his speech, Brig.Gen. Pototzky invited Mr. Michael Brunstedt and Lt.Col. Helmut Diwo to come forward. Both were honored with the NATO Meritorious Service Medal.

Mr. Michael Brunstedt has been a Mission Support Programmer at the Component since 1994. Throughout this time, he displayed superior performance, providing critical database support to the Component.

He has been providing world-class support to 1,500 users, including software tools used by mission crews for pre/post mission planning and centralized tasking.

During Operation Allied Force, Michael identified a problem with ATO/ACO parsing capability and single-handedly created and delivered this critical requirement. With this capability, operational crews had the latest information regarding changes

and adaptations in a dynamic theatre.

More recently, Michael Brundstedt’s superior technical skills and operational insight have been crucial to the implementation of NATO’s mission support system. This system delivers essential planning data for E-3A missions and enables mission data to be incorporated directly on to the E-3A aircraft. Brig.Gen. Pototzky said, “Michael is the epitome of professionalism with unmatched dedication to duty. He strives to expedite the fulfillment of new user requirements and provides timely, effective solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of the E-3A Community”.

Lt.Col. Helmut Diwo is our Operations Wing Deputy Commander. Through his exceptionally high leadership and management skills he added great value to the operational output of the E-3A Component.

Remarkably dedicated exceedingly capable, Lt.Col. Diwo coordinated,

directed and oversaw the very extensive Operations Wing preparations for NATO AWACS support of ISAF operations. Acutely aware of the increased challenges of this role, he expertly ensured the tailoring and completion of mission crew academics, simulator and live training events.

Also in preparation for ISAF operations, Lt.Col. Diwo was a key member of the site survey team to the Middle East Region in order to contribute to a Memorandum of Understanding with NATO on hosting NATO AWACS. Brig.Gen. Pototzky explained, “In this function he had to deal with local political, military and civilian authorities to set the grounds to deploy aircraft, personnel and equipment to a Middle East Airbase”. The Component Commander added, ”Without Lt.Col. Diwo’s impressive talents and tremendous commitment, this task could not have been accomplished. In summary, Lt.Col. Diwo for sure is one of the most dedicated and qualified members within the Component’s key personnel”.

NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 4 February 2011Volume 27, No. 2

Next NATO Skywatch:18 February

Submissions due by:10 February

In-Out-Processing leanedSee page 4

Component supports NATO’s ISAF operation

The proud NATO Meritorious Service Medal recipients, Lt.Col. Helmut Diwo (left) and Mr. Michael Brunstedt (right), in Hangar 2 after the Commander’s Call.

Brig.Gen. Burkhard Pototzky addressing base personnel during his Commander’s Call.

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4 February 2011 NATO Skywatch 3

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

Volume 27, No. 2 4 February 2011

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

For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger Media at +31 (0) 46 452 9292, cellphone +31 (0)6 5472 6473 or [email protected].

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

CommanderBrig. Gen. Burkhard Pototzky

Chief, Public AffairsLt.Col. Antje Kalka

EditorMrs. Maureen Geraets-Head

By NAPMA staff

On 18 January 2011, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) added the Czech Republic as a member state to the charter of the NAEW&C Programme Management Organization (NAPMO). As such, the Czech Republic will start contributing to the NAEW&C Programme for Modernization, Operations, and Support, and its industry will be invited to participate in modernization projects and depot level maintenance activities of the E-3A fleet.

The NAEW&C Force and the NAEW&C Programme Management Agency (NAPMA) are looking forward to the Czech Republic staff officially taking up their assigned positions at the Agency and the NAEW&C Force. With the Czech Republic’s accession, NAPMO has now 18 member states, of whom 17 share the operation of the 17 NATO E-3A aircraft based at the NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany. The countries are Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, and the United States of America.

The United Kingdom contributes to the Programme by providing military staff at the NAEW&C Force Command Headquarters and by operating E-3D aircraft from RAF Waddington for NATO’s AEW&C missions.

NAPMO welcomes Czech Republic as new member

Last September, the French Civil General Aviation Agency performed an audit and upgraded the flight simulator to level D. At a ceremony on 10 January to celebrate the flight simulator reaching Level D status, Component Commander Brig. Gen. Burkhard Pototzky said during his speech, “The Component is the first NATO military force in Europe that is operating a flight simulator for

heavy aircraft, which passed the highest possible civil joint aviation standards.”

The Commander continues, “Company CAE Stolberg installed the newest visual technology. Although the simulator will not replace actual flying training, it will save the Component money in terms of training, flying hours, maintenance and fuel.”

Flight simulator’s Level D ceremony

The framed poster will decorate the Flight Simulator’s room with pride. During the ceremony at the E-3A Club, Mr. Ulrich Aderhold, General Manager CAE for Germany, hands the Full Flight Simulator Level D qualification poster to Component Commander Brig. Gen. Burkhard Pototzky. Photo Andrea Hohenforst

By Mr. Hans Voets

NATO, and therefore the E-3A Component, as the direct employer of NATO International Civilians (NICs), has always had a specific responsibility towards staff members who are unable to work due to health problems. As NICs have no nation to fall back on, as military members have, it is NATO itself that has to set up an adequate program for supporting NIC staff and enabling supervisors to deal with their absence.

The year 2011 promises to be the year in which the first changes in the approach to supporting sick NATO civilians will become effective. This new approach entails a better exchange of information between the staff members concerned, their supervisors, the Personnel Division and Medical Squadron.

Plans, procedures and administrative processes are also being developed to improve expertise within the Medical Squadron in order to help staff to re-integrate more smoothly in line with their capabilities. This will be achieved by engaging the services of an external medical consultant.

As the importance of this issue has been widely recognized for some time, a dedicated working group to develop new procedures was clearly needed. This multidisciplinary working group has now been established with participation of Mr. Hans Voets, Mr.Josef Hess, Mr. Helmut Stienen, Capt. Uli Gorgels, Maj. Horst Rudat and Mr. Ben Pereira representing respectively Personnel Division, Safety Office, Medical Branch, Electronics Maintenance Squadron, Supply Squadron and the Civilian Staff Association. This year, a pilot program will start within Logistics Wing. The ultimate goal is the full implementation of this program, Component-wide, in 2012.

Many factors need to be taken into account. These include the operational context, Host Nation law, the privacy of staff members and other parties, the integration of the medical consultant into Medical Squadron and its Occupational Health Office, and effective coordination with other E-3A Component agencies. The program is intended to create a win-win situation for all involved: enabling sick staff members to receive appropriate attention that might lead to a quicker, possibly partial return to the workplace, thereby reducing the burden on colleagues and enhancing workforce availability for management.

Plans are currently being developed to create:• Better instructions for all NIC staff

on ‘what to do’ when reporting absent due to sickness

• Better instructions for supervisors on ‘what to do’ when a NIC reports sick

• Regular (yearly) discussions between supervisors and staff, paying close attention to the relationship between health promotion, sick leave history and work situation

• Training supervisors to conduct these processes

• Review of the NATO invalidity process

• Introduction of case management: better monitoring and coordination of progress and the actions of all involved

• Outsourced medical consultancy services to improve re-integration

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Launch of Reintegration Assistance Program working group

4 NATO Skywatch 4 February 2011

By David Nelson

Do you remember your first days on base? If your experience was like that of some others before you, you might have been greeted with a base map and a fistful of in-processing checklists, and sent out to collect official stamps as quickly as possible. Weeks later, with even more unit level checklists added to your mounting pile of paperwork, were you left wondering whether you would finish in-processing before it was time to leave GK? Well, you weren’t the first one to find yourself in this unfortunate position but, if the results of a recent Lean transformation initiative are anything to go by, you may very well be among the last.

“Just a second, what is Lean?” you ask. Lean is a quality tool designed to provide customers with maximum value by eliminating waste and improving process flows. In the case of in- and out-processing, the customer is you, the Component member, and the process is the sequence of actions followed using checklists. The primary resource being used is time.

Every customer’s time is valuable, so time spent wandering around the base without accomplishing anything is waste and must be eliminated. Furthermore, since the focus of value is on the customer, frustrating newcomers with unnecessary bureaucracy is contrary to Lean principles and counter-productive to Component needs. It would therefore be advantageous to both the customer and to the Component to have new Component members settled into their work environments as quickly as possible. To accomplish this, the E-3A Component’s Office of Transformation (DCOMT) was tasked to assemble a team to review in and out-processing. The team, led by A-1’s Maj. Martin Siverio with the expert assistance of Mr. Bernie Loewen, had their orders: wherever feasible, provide recommendations for streamlining the process.

In early December, a team of Subject Matter Experts, Customers, and Unit Lean representatives came together for training and to determine the scope of the event. Since most of the team had no previous Lean experience, it was left to the expertise of DCOMT’s chief, Lt. Col. Mike Bensche, and the Lean Facilitator, Mr. Leon Koolen, to quickly train the team and bring us all up to a level at which we could discuss the issues and learn to apply Lean principles. Once trained, we quickly deliberated on how big this event was going to be. After much discussion it was decided that, with so many checklists on the Component, the scope of the event would need to focus on improving Component-level checklists initially. Lessons learned from this event could then be applied at the unit level. Only four of the twelve Component-level checklists were selected for analysis because the checklists were so similar in format

that, again, any recommendations for improvement of one checklist could just as easily be applied to many of the others. With the scope of the event clearly stated, it was time to get to work.

For three days in mid-January, the team came together again to conduct a Value Stream Analysis (VSA) of the four processes. A VSA breaks down a process into its constituent parts and maps it out to reflect its current state. Once every step of the current state of in- and out-processing of military personnel and NATO civilians was mapped out, the team went on to identify the issues negatively impacting the processes and conducted a root cause analysis for each issue. This identified potential areas for improvement.

Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the three days for most of the team was the chance to create an ideal state. With no restrictions on manpower, facilities, or money, the VSA team was divided into two groups and asked to come up with an ideal situation. Competition between the groups was short and fierce but, in the end, both groups ended up with similar suggestions. The ideal state, as envisioned by the team, can be summarized as follows:

• Newcomers to be identified by the nation and all personal information (photos included) to be provided by the nations at least 90 days before arrival

• Creation of a central database to generate required forms, ID cards

• Automatic requests for computer account creation based on the Post Number

• Creation of a centrally located ‘one-stop shop’ type of customer service center that would be staffed, equipped and funded to handle in- and out-processing, ID cards, parking permits, ration

cards, administrative aspects of vaccinations, and so on.

And then reality hit... it was time to ask, “Why can’t we do this?” While the facilities are available on base, it doesn’t take a VSA team to tell you that money and manpower are short at the moment. Nevertheless, some elements of the ideal state will be kept, some discarded, and some kept in reserve for future analysis.

It was then left to map out exactly what could be done - the future state. Again, the VSA team turned their attention to each step of the process. After much discussion, some steps were deleted, some reassigned, and some were relegated to the unit level. The list of changes is long, but here’s a short summary:

• 30% fewer steps on checklists• Expanded opening hours, clearly

listed for each organization on checklist

• Organizations to provide in-/out-processing appointments outside normal business hours

• Checklists to show all required documents that have to be brought to each step

• Validity of ID cards and parking permits extended to five years

What has all this accomplished? Well, change is happening already. As of 31 January, Component ID cards and parking permits will be issued for five years, thus avoiding the need for reissue after the current three years, saving time and money.

Additionally, following some coordination with the wings and divisions, a new in-processing checklist will go on 15 March into use.

Deputy Component Commander, Col. Ton van Happen again emphasized the importance of Lean, “This is another example of ‘How can I do better?’ based on ideas and suggestions from people who know best – you, at working level. Now it’s time for the next step, ‘Make it happen’. We may never achieve the ideal state, but I think we should constantly ask ourselves whether we can further improve. So I challenge you to look at your workplace with a new set of eyes, thinking ‘Work smarter not harder’. And keep these ideas coming,” he concluded.

Want to learn more about this or previous VSA events? Take a look at Office of Transformation’s (DCOMT) site on the E-3A Component Portal to get some more insight.

“Lean” is a process improvement concept that originally started in Japan during the 1950s, although the term itself only became widespread about 20 years ago.

The critical element of Lean is the identification and elimination of waste in a particular process. Once the wasteful steps are eliminated, the overall process efficiency increases in terms of speed, cost and economic use of resources. Key to this concept is determining what the customer—the person who uses a product or service—thinks is value, and would be willing to pay for…most other things are waste.

Lean contrasts with alternative business practices such as those that maintain large inventory stocks (generating warehousing costs) and highly specialized workers (who are idle when not performing their specific function). Under the Lean concept, it is unlikely a customer would be willing to pay for warehousing expenses, or to pay workers who are not working for significant periods of time.

To learn more about Lean visit the DCOMT SharePoint Portal.

Lean transforms Component in- and out-processing

SSgt. Erica Spriggs capturing proposals from the team to improve the Component’s in- and out-processing. Photo Leon Koolen

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Text and photos CMSgt. Claus Cohnen

One deployment - three aims: E-3A Mission Support, Simulator Training, Currency Experience, all to provide maximum benefit to the Component in general and the TCA crews in particular.

In fall 2010 a white blanket of snow was covering the Geilenkirchen area for the second time, even before the meteorological winter started. This snowfall wasn’t unexpected. The day before their departure, the support personnel of the COMPTUEX Naval exercise in San Diego were notified that the original show time on Thursday morning at the APT (Air Passenger Terminal) in Hangar IV had been postponed for one hour. Then, due to the deicing schedule in the afternoon, it was deferred for another hour.

Next change: Tail 20199 just returned from maintenance. After a positive receiving inspection the lights were “green” for a tail swap. Instead of loading 20000, whose fuel capacity is reduced by technical limitations, the cargo movers proceeded to 20199. Advantage of this: Only one “pit stop” for refueling in Winnipeg, Canada, instead of two (Goose Bay and Winnipeg). Impact: The timings had to be changed again and the flight plan had to be adjusted.

After final coordination of all the operational services involved, the crew and passengers were ready to board. Team effort is important for everybody in every deployment. Especially in the small TCA squadron. “That goes without saying,” commented Deployment and Aircraft Commander Maj. Miguel Lens Prado as he lugged the flight meals into the TCA.

The passengers were welcomed by the loadmaster and politely asked to take a seat in the rear of the aircraft. Due to the weight of the technical equipment in the cargo compartment and the maximum fuel load in the wings, the TCA is better balanced if other weight is as far to the rear as possible. “This supports our takeoff

and extends our security margin a little bit,” explained MSgt. Joerg Alberga.

The TCA was still in its parking position. Another E-3A had priority in the flight schedule. Finally, the TCA’s engines were running. Instead of the pushback, a Sabena technician was called to the cockpit. Flight cancelled because we were now too late? No, some minutes later Mr. Guy Vercammen explained with a smile that an indicator showed “open door” although it was really closed. “It must have been the contact in the door. Perhaps there was still some snow on the contact before the door was closed”. Problem resolved, pushback, deicing, taxiing, and then clearance for a takeoff which pushed the fully loaded TCA close to its limits under these wintry conditions.

Three crews were on board. Two of them were scheduled to go to the only remaining Boeing 707 simulator in Miami, operated by PANAM personnel and one crew, for pilots

finalizing their conversion training. “This allows us a tighter flight schedule by also respecting crew rest requirements and enhances the availability of the TCA for additional Component missions,” emphasized Maj. Miguel Lens Prado and Maj. Robert Smit simultaneously.

Touchdown in San Diego, 20 hours after initial show-time and 20 degrees warmer. The customs officers initiated their immigration procedure after confirmation of “blocked wheels”. It took quite some time until all the necessary duties were finished and transport to the accommodation commenced. At the hotel the shining eyes of the E-3A crew members, as well as the TCA Crew and the support personnel, welcomed the long-awaited luggage truck.

Short debriefing and co-ordination of preparations for the flight to Miami. On the Saturday one crew took care of the mission planning while the “loadies” (loadmasters) organized the flight meals and the

Sabena technicians started fueling the TCA. Sunday morning at 0800, not 0700 as initially scheduled, depart from the hotel and head for Coronado Island naval air base. At 0945, TCA check completed, doors closed. Ready to start engines. No clearance from the Tower, because of the lack of confirmation for the flight plan. Thirty minutes and numerous radio calls later the engines were running, and little later the TCA got airborne.

The pleasant aspect of this delay was the rare landing in Miami from the Atlantic side because the wind direction had changed in the meantime. This approach to one of the busiest airports in the US, with its splendid skyline, is unique.

Christmas time is a time for surprises. One was already waiting for the crew in the hotel: Info from PANAM. Delay in Monday’s simulator sessions. “It’s not unusual. We are flexible and used to these changes” remarked CMSgt. Michael “Moose” Moxon, flight engineer, the British

Deployment and Aircraft Commander Maj. Miguel Lens Prado carrying a box with the flight meals into the TCA.

Combined TCA flight in support of naval exercise in San Diego and simulator training in Miami

TCA timings always change

TCA at Miami Airport In Miami is the only remaining Boeing 707 simulator for pilots finalizing their conversion training.

Maj. Miguel Lens Pardo (left) and flight deck crew.

4 February 2011 NATO Skywatch 7

voluntary national contribution. Hella Gort, an experienced MSgt. and also a flight engineer, emphasizes the team spirit within the TCA squadron. “Although they are not scheduled for this, the loadies sometimes

participate in the Simulator Sessions to get a better mutual understanding of our duties.” She underlines this with an example from a worst case scenario: “Shortly after a full load takeoff all four generators were out of service. Battery capacity is only sufficient for 30 minutes maximum. If the loadmaster fails to shut down all power to the galley section, we risk additional loss of crucial energy. So we are vigilant, frequently communicating to exchange information on the current status. Ultimately everybody wants a safe landing in this – fortunately very unlikely – emergency”.

While this scenario was under the supervision of the two simulator trainers, Maj. Milan Vojacek studied the documents for his final TCA certification flight across the Atlantic. Loadmaster MSgt. James O’Connor fetched the flight meals and the Sabena technicians refueled the TCA. Unfortunately the airport fuel service did not provide the promised higher pressure for faster refueling. So it took almost two times longer to get the 66 tons of kerosene into the tanks of the TCA. “Perhaps this was one of the last TCA refuelings here in Miami,” said Mr. Guy Vercammen to Mr. Laurent Pacolet and disconnected the fuel nozzle.

At 0300 Maj Robert Smit briefed the last change to the crew, “Heavy snowfall could perhaps prevent touchdown in Geilenkirchen. Command Post is already checking for alternates.” Fortunately less snow fell than expected and Special Vehicles Section made an additional effort to ensure a safe landing.

“We provided the requested support to the E-3A, kept up our currency and reached final TCA qualification. One team, three missions accomplished,” said Maj. Lens Prado, summarizing a very beneficial deployment. Probably one of the last op its kind, because in 2011 the TCA faces its last year at the E-3A Component. After that time the TNT company will provide the replacement service, based on the TCA principle Today Not Tomorrow.

Fueling of the TCA at San Diego Airbase.

Combined TCA flight in support of naval exercise in San Diego and simulator training in Miami

TCA timings always change

One of the last times that SABENA technician Mr. Laurent Pacolet refuels the TCA in Miami.

Construction almost complete

Grand Opening of the new E-3A Portal main page

By Lt.Col. Antje Kalka and MSgt. Jason Amidan

Internet users hate the ‘under construction’ sign. A working URL with no content is frustrating and useless to those looking for information.

By now, as everybody on the air base should know, the old WISE page will soon be history. WISE is being replaced with a new Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) Portal. Every day, the IT Wing - Web Applications Section - is conducting training and every day the information providers are uploading new pages.

Under this URL - http://e3aportal.gk.e3a.nato.int/sites/e3a - you will find the main page of the new WSS Portal. This page is comparable to the entrance hall of a hotel, where you find many informational signs. In WSS these are links, slide shows and Web Parts such as the Commander’s Corner. This location provides regularly updated information as well as places to relax and enjoy your stay. However, when you want to see your room you have to leave the entrance hall and walk a bit, maybe even take the lift.

If you are a hotel manager and have the challenge of renovating your entrance hall, you either can close your hotel or make step-by-step renovations. We are convinced that, although it might bring some inconvenience both for the users and for the information providers, it is better to have a functional Portal than an ‘under construction’ sign.

Public Affairs Office and the Web Applications Section are working hand in hand and at high pressure to present you a completely new main page very soon. New paths offer new opportunities and new perspectives. Admittedly, some paths in WSS won’t be the same as in WISE. But all the “information rooms” can still be found.

Users are already discovering the new paths. And information providers are doing their best to make the information they have to provide as attractive as possible. They see WSS as a unique chance to ‘redecorate’ their rooms by filling them with information. We hope that you will find the new Lobby of the Portal interesting and informative. Please bear with us as we make improvements.

By Janina Bien

On 21 January 2011 the position of Company Commander of the German National Support Unit (NSU) was handed over to Capt. Kathrin Schmidt in an official ceremony. This day was a special highlight for the Component, as this post is now staffed with a female captain for the first time. “I am greatly looking forward to taking over this responsible task as Company Commander”, said Capt. Schmidt.Lt. Col. Jörg Baumanns, Commander of the German NSU, released the former Company Commander Capt. Oliver Wilms, whose next assignment will be as a Logistics Staff Officer in Cologne.

Photo André Joosten

First female Company Commander for NSU


By Horst Pohl

The Component is currently deploying a large quantity of materiel in support of ISAF operations. All of this materiel is being forwarded by different organizations to the cargo marshalling area at Hangar 4. Along with the physical move of the materiel is the requirement for documentation. Form 52.2, Deployment Packing List, is mandatory to document the identification of the property and the hand-over from the user to Cargo Movement Section.

Cargo Movement Section prepares the equipment for air transport to the designated deployment airfield, where it is handed over to the deployed organization. Deployed equipment must be tracked and accounted for in all phases of an operation/exercise. This is accomplished by using the Programme Integrated Logistics System (PILS).

PILS, as the Force’s logistics management system, is used by the Supply Equipment Management Section (LWSGE), to maintain accountability for all equipment

issued to user organizations during peacetime and contingency operations. Unit Deployment Managers closely coordinate equipment deployments with their Equipment Custodians to ensure that the visibility of the asset is properly maintained in the PILS database. This is referred to as ‘total asset visibility’. Equipment Custodians report the deployment of their equipment to the Equipment Management Section for the necessary PILS update.

At the deployed airfield, personnel assigned as Unit Deployment Property Custodians become responsible for the equipment for the duration of the deployment. When the operation is complete, the property return process (re-deployment) is a mirror image of the deployment process, and all the property is again air-transported to the Main Operating Base (MOB) Geilenkirchen. At the MOB, OW4M verifies receipt of the equipment and communicates with user organizations for rapid pick-up of their property. To close the loop, Equipment Custodians report the status of their property to the

Equipment Management Section and resume custody of the equipment by signing the appropriate PILS re-issue documentation.

It is vital to the overall deployability of the Component that its equipment is always accounted for. This ensures our ability to deploy rapidly and effectively sustain operations. The LWSGE personnel maintaining the accountability of equipment during

deployment operations are Mr. Joerg Koschel, ext. 3971, and Ms. Jolanda Goettgens, ext. 3972.

How do we maintain equipment asset accountability on deployment operations?

In presence of Mr. Fred Janssen (left) from OW4M and Mr. Jo Collaris (right) from BAS, Mr. Horst Pohl validates equipment-related data identified on the unit’s deployment packing lists. Photo Andrea Hohenforst

Norwegian Song Festival at FOB Ørland

Text Capt. Jonathan Cowell and MSgt. Andreas Doll Photos MSgt. Andreas Doll

On 15 January the first round of the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix song festival was held in E-3A Hangar E at the FOB in Ørland. 3,500 people participated in this semi-final event, which was completely sold out, and

Squadron Three was very proud to display the E-3A there.

The duo Åste & Rikke won first place with their great song “Not That Easy (Ah-Åh-Ah-Åh)” and will participate in the final show in Oslo on 12 February. Their strongest competitor Helene Boklse, who came in second with the song “Vardlokk”, also gave her very best in this show.

The winner in the Norwegian Final will move on to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 14 May, where the German singer Lena will try to defend the title with her song for Germany.

WWW.SNOWWORLD.COM


Visit the Services Branch WSS Web Page for the latest program information and upcoming events.

MWA Card Issuing OfficeMWA Cards are now being issued

in Building 80 (Services Branch Accounting Section), Room 16. Office opening hours: Mon-Thursday 0900-1130 and 1300-1500; Friday 0900-1130. An MWA Card costs €60 per Component member for a period of twelve months – payment only in cash. As an MWA Card holder you will receive a 30% discount on all food and beverage items purchased at the E-3A Club/Rotodome and also on participation in all MWA programmes on base. You will also receive the Food Services Newsletter and the weekly Rotodome menu per email, if you wish.

Food Services System (BPWF/4990)

POC: Mr. Rene Peeters, ext. 4990, email [email protected]

Visit the Food Services System WSS Page Services Branch Web Page for the latest programme information and upcoming events.

RotodomeOpening Hours: Mon- Fri: 0600-

1900 serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a fast food line. The Rotodome is the main MWA food facility open to everybody, also for families with children. Pizza

Please call ext. 4937 to pre-order pizza. We cannot guarantee the pizza will be available exactly at the requested time during the busy lunch-time periods. Pizzas are freshly made and require more preparation time. Take-away is possible.

Visit the Component’s Food Services System WSS page for detailed information on menus/fast food items and price structure. Customers wishing to receive the menu per email are requested to send their email address to [email protected] for inclusion in the automatic distribution list.

E-3A ClubOpening hours: Monday-Friday,

1100-2200Coffee & cake (€3.55) is served every

day as of 1100. Coffee-to-go is also available. Toasties, Toast Hawaii and sandwiches are now also available.

Goulash soup and/or Chili con

Carne with bread are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1100 to 1330. Price for MWA members €2.50 and for non-MWA members €3.50.

The E-3A Club is equipped to cater for all special functions, official dinners, conferences, meetings, on a limited basis. Please contact Mr. Peeters, ext. 4990, to arrange details.

Upcoming Events11 February MWA Carnival Dance18 March Mongolian BBQ24 April Easter Brunch28 April Spring Dance

Sports Department (BPWS/4946)Opening hours: Mon- Fri: 0600-

2100. Weekends: 1000-1600 (winter schedule)

Sports Department staff will be available during the opening hours from Monday through Friday, but not during the weekends.

All Component personnel are authorised to utilise the sports facilities free of charge. However, participation in sports classes with an instructor, like spinning, aerobics, dance classes, etc., is restricted to personnel in possession of a valid MWA Membership Card. Dependants are required to be in possession of a valid membership card to utilise the Gym. Daily checks will be conducted.

Upcoming Sports Events:9 Feb 1000-1500 Badminton Tournament, Old Gym26 Feb Volleyball TournamentParticipation only for E-3A Component, JFC Brunssum, USAG Schinnen, and ZVBw Niederheid members. Maximum participation: 16 teams. Deadline for Registration: 11 Feb 2011. Tournament Day: 26 Feb 2011, 1000-1630, New Gym

International Library (BPWL/4956)

Operating hours 1100-1500, Monday through Friday.

The International Library is situated in Building 96. Along with the large book collection, the Library also has 6 computers with 17-inch LCD monitors, and a fast, new DSL Internet connection (16,000 bits/sec), which is no longer connected to the NATO server, enabling users to access sites such as e-Bay, Facebook, etc.

For people wishing to learn another language, new courses in French, German and Dutch have been added to the collection. Receipt of updated English courses is expected in the near future. Also new in the Library: children’s language CD box sets in German, French, Spanish, and Italian.

Patrons wishing to

apply for a Rosetta Stone account can

now do so online without having to visit the

Library, although an official .military

address is required.Our travel section

includes books and guides for most European countries, in

addition to many other worldwide destinations.

All CDs and DVDs are available to loan free of charge, with many of the titles being regularly updated. There are fiction and non-fiction books available in many languages, and material to help with continuing education, including CLEP material on DVD. The Library staff hopes to see you soon.

International Youth Activities(BPWY/4954/5) Information and registration at the

IYA Office in Bldg 95, ext. 4954/5

Volkshochschule Language Courses on NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen

Volkshochschule, the official German College for Adults, is starting its winter-spring semester the week of 7 February 2011. Classes are held in Bldg 141. Register in class. Further information at ext. 4954. The following courses are offered:GERMAN: basic price is €96 for 30 mornings/eveningsA1.1 - Beginners - Intensive Courses, Schritte 1, Tue & Thu, 1030-1200, instructor: N.N., Room 125, Tue & Thu, 1900-2030, instructor: Marita Klee, Room 118.A1.2 - Advanced Beginners - Intensive Courses, Schritte 2, Tue & Thu, 1030-1200, instructor: Tanja Rzeppa, Room 109, Tue & Thu, 1730-1900, instructor: Marita Klee, Room 118Starting in the middle of Schritte 2, Mon & Wed, 1000-1130, instructor: Meral Alkan-Oncu, Room 109.A2.1 - Pre-Intermediate - Intensive Course, Schritte 3, Tue & Thu, 1700-1830, instructor: Christine Mertens, Room 109.A2.2 - Intermediate - Intensive Course, Schritte 4, Tue & Thu, 0900-1030, instructor: Tanja Rzeppa, Room 109.

B2/C1 - Advanced - Intensive Course, Aspekte 1, Tue & Thu, 1830- 2000, instructor: Christine Mertens, Room 109. This course directly prepares you for the C1 exam “Mittelstufenprüfung”, an internationally acknowledged degree. You will have the opportunity to take this exam.Special Course: German for Turkish SpeakersMon & Wed, 1130-1300, instructor: Meral Alkan-Oncu, Room 109FRENCH: basic price is €48 for 15 afternoons/evenings, Instructor: Stéphanie Dinh-Phung, Room 118.A1.2 - Advanced Beginners, Mon, 1730-1900, Latitudes 1.B1/B2 - Intermediate-Advanced, Wed, 1630-1800, Latitudes 2.ENGLISH: the basic price is €77 for 24 mornings.Intensive Courses - Instructor: Karen Dale, Room 118.A2 - Pre-Intermediate, Tue & Thu, 0830-1000, Headway Pre-Intermediate, Unit 6.B1 - Intermediate, Mon & Wed, 0830-1000, Headway Intermediate, Unit 6.

Thrift Shop (BPWT/4919) Opening hours 1000-1400 every

Tuesday and Thursday.

Play Handball in Übach-Palenberg - new players welcome

By Koos Brongers

We are looking for some handball players for our handball club in Übach-Palenberg. We have three men’s teams playing in different categories.

The first team is playing in the Oberliga, they have training on Tuesday and Thursday from 1930-2200.

The second team is playing in the Kreisliga, also on Tuesday and Thursday from 1930-2200.

The third team is playing in the 2. Kreisklasse, training on Friday 2000-2200. Also we have one ladies’ team in the Kreisliga, their training is on Wednesday 2000-2200. And we also have youth training at various times.

If you are interested please call Mr. Koos Brongers, ext. 4666 or 0176-96634297.

MWA InforMAtIonFebruary

skyWAtchcLAssIfIEDSkywatch Classifieds are free to all NATO personnel.

Advertisements must be typed, including name, office symbol and duty extension. Advertisements for services that generate a regular income will not be accepted. Submissions are due to PAO, e-mail: [email protected], by noon Thursday, 10 February.

WantedFriendly person who owns a car to

drive our 14 year old son three times a week from Geilenkirchen to hockey

practice in Düsseldorf. For exact times, payment details, and to let us know you are interested, please send an e-mail to [email protected]

Workshop & spare parts: Bernd Schü[email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 9510 16

Sell: Waldemar Bader – [email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 9510 13Fax +49 (0)2452 9510 20 – www.autohaus-conen.de – English spoken

Authorized Honda partner, Acura and Citroën workshopLarge selection of new and used cars

Spare parts (Honda, Acura and Citroën)Maintenance and services (for US-spec. also)

Body repair and spray paint jobs

Conen GmbH

Erkelenzer Straße 76 - Heinsberg-DremmenTAXFREE

TAXFREE

Starting price € 21.419 Starting price € 20.449

Service & parts: Erik Thönnissene-mail: [email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 951018

Sales: Waldemar Badere-mail: [email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 951013

13.600 10.500

Your authorized HONDA, ACURA & Citroen partnerLarge range of new & pre-owned cars

Service & parts for american & european spec. HONDA, ACURA & CitroenGlass exchange & chip repair for all car brands

Body shop; Paint shop

DISCOUNT COUPON valid on atotal treatment

of euro 125,-

•••••

your car is being hand-washed with wax shampoo for only € 13,50 car cleaning Permagard protective coating dent removal without repainting spot repair

✁

✁✁

✁of € 10.00

Heerlen • Breukerweg 195 • Heerlen • +31 (0)45 - 522 59 00

for your total car cleaning

www.cargo-karting.be+32(0)89 77 28 50

Heufkensweg 5 • maasmecHelen (belgium)open: monday-friday 1800-2300 uur

saturday 1400-2400 uur • sunday 1500-2300 uur

sodi rx7 karts

cartingcircuiton 2 floorsunique in europe

for companies and groups we offer a large variety of facilities.for info and directions check our website.

THERE’S MORE TO LIFE THAN PLAYING IT SAFE.

OFFICIAL VOLVO MILITARY SALES AGENT FOR NATO AIRBASE GEILENKIRCHEN, JFC HQ BRUNSSUM & U.S. ARMY

THERE’S MORE TO LIFE THAN PLAYING IT SAFE. NAUGHTY VOLVOS NOW AT VOLVO AUTO KALLEN.

OFFICIAL VOLVO MILITARY SALES AGENT FOR NATO AIRBASE GEILENKIRCHEN, JFC HQ BRUNSSUM & U.S. ARMY GARRISON SCHINNEN

• Custom build your New Volvo• Volvo Factory Warranty• Home Shipment program included• Specials on Military Sales• US and Canadian Specs• European Specs• Diplomat Sales• Service and Maintenance

Just 15 km from Geilenkirchen, 8 km from Brunssum and 2 km from Schinnen! Rijksweg Zuid 320 6161 BZ Geleen The Netherlands (Nearby Mcdonalds)

+31 (0)46 4238686

www.autokallen.nl [email protected] (contact Mr. Roger

NAUGHTY VOLVOS NOW AT

OFFICIAL VOLVO MILITARY SALES AGENT FOR NATO AIRBASE GEILENKIRCHEN, JFC HQ BRUNSSUM & U.S. ARMY

Just 15 km from Geilenkirchen, 8 km from Brunssum and 2 km from Schinnen! 320 6161 BZ Geleen The Netherlands (Nearby Mcdonalds)

+31 (0)46 4238686

[email protected] (contact Mr. Roger Vossen)

THE NEW MINI COUNTRYMAN.LAUNCH DAY – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH. See you later, tarmac! The new MINI Countryman, now with optional 4-wheel drive extends the go-kart feeling beyond the road. It will take you from A to wherever your B is. Drop by on launch day to enjoy some tasty complimentary cuisine and take the new MINI Countryman for a spin. But be careful, you’ll fall in love!

PENTAGON CAR SALES

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

GermanyKaiserslauternKaiserstrasse 167661 KaiserslauternTel: 0631 351 90 40

HeidelbergHebelstrasse 369115 HeidelbergTel: 06221 144 90

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

SpangdahlemIm Kreuzgarten 1 A54529 SpangdahlemTel: 06565 93 69 90

AvianoVia Pordenone 48D33081 Aviano (PN)Tel: 0434 676 613/4/5

Italy SpainNaplesTel: 0444 91 09 38Email: [email protected]

SigonellaTel: 0444 91 09 38 Email: [email protected]

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

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

• www.PentagonCarSales.com

Volume 27, No. 2 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 4 February...

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Transcript of Volume 27, No. 2 NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 4 February...