volume 24, no. 19 nato air base geilenkirchen 10 october

Next NATO Skywatch:24 October

Submissions due by:16 October

NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 10 October 2008Volume 24, No. 19

By Heidi Soerensen

On 17 September another major NATO Mid-Term (NMT) milestone was celebrated as the Mission Simulator 2 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place. Distinguished guest, industry partners, colleagues and friends were gathered to celebrate this significant event in the NMT Programme.

Senior leaders from each of the NMT organizations made official presentations, and as each speaker

concluded they delivered the actual signed paperwork transferring the retrofitted mission simulator from Boeing to the U.S. Government, from the U.S. Government to NAPMA, from NAPMA to NAEW&C Force Command, and finally to the E-3A Component. The official transfer document is called a DD250 Form and authorizes the E-3A Component to use the installation as delivered by the contractor (Boeing).

The first distinguished speaker was Mr. Tim White, Director International AWACS Programs of The Boeing Company. Mr. White highlighted Mission Simulator 2 as

a world-class facility with 21st-century technology and saluted the excellent teamwork behind it. After expressing his gratitude and personal thanks he handed over the official transfer document to Col. Eric Gunzelman, Commander 551st Electronic System Group, representing the U.S. Government. Col. Gunzelman expressed his respect for the most advanced AWACS in the world as he handed over the transfer document to the NAPMA General Manager, Brig. Gen. Berndt Glowacki.

“The Force Commander, myself and the members of all NAPMO nations have been kept apprised of

the excellent progress of this project, and therefore I was not surprised by the early delivery,” said Brig. Gen. Glowacki. “The milestone that we are celebrating today will significantly contribute to the Operational Capability of the NAEW&C Force. The contractors and the government representatives gathered here today can be proud of their role in this achievement and of the way this achievement was accomplished. And as the General Manager of the agency responsible for delivering this NMT asset, I am very proud of the excellent performance of the whole team.

MISSION SIM 2 See page 3

Component celebrates Mission Simulator 2 completionRetrofit is important step towards Full Operational Capability with NMT

The combined effort ribbon cutting with (left to right) Col. Eric Gunzelman, Brig.Gen. Stephen

Schmidt, Maj.Gen. Axel Tüttelmann, Brig. Gen. Berndt Glowacki and Mr. Tim White.

Photo Andrea Hohenforst

20 Years TCA

See page 8-9

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10 October 2008 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 24, No. 19 10 October 2008

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 NAEW&F E-3A Component Public Affairs (PA), Postfach 433007, D-52511 Geilenkirchen, or base distribution Mail Stop 33. Call PA at (02451) 632480 or fax (02451) 7936 or e-mail [email protected]. For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger media at +31 (46) 452 9292, fax +31 (46) 452 9285 or [email protected] may be reproduced after permission has been obtained from the editor, provided mention is made of NATO Skywatch.

CommanderMaj. Gen. Stephen D. Schmidt

Chief, Public AffairsCapt. Richard Komurek

EditorMaureen Geraets-Head

MISSION SIM 2Continued from front page

Working together in demonstrated harmony and effectiveness has created a model for successful project realization and can form a reference for all the future activity we will be called upon to manage,” said Glowacki as he handed over the DD-250 document to the actual customer, NAEW&C Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Axel Tüttelmann.

“I would like to start by stating that this is indeed a very significant event. The availability of Mission Simulator 2 is a key aspect of our goal of providing a fully operationally capable fleet. Clearly we cannot support the ongoing needs for trained crews as well as a Software Integration Lab without having the required resources in place. The delivery of Mission Simulator 2 is another step in our NMT program that clearly provides some degree of these capabilities to us. I am delighted to see the delivery of this resource in support of our Full Operational Capability (FOC) goals, as this is truly an important milestone for the Force,” said Maj.Gen. Tüttelmann.

“I fully understand the effort

involved with this retrofit activity and know that the timeline for delivery would not have been met without the focused effort of the retrofit team. This includes, but is obviously not limited to, members of Boeing, Electronic System Center (ESC), NAPMA, Force Command and the E-3A Component. I look back to Mission Simulator 1, where there seemed to be just one delay after another. However, I see that we did use the lessons learned from this past retrofit. It is inspiring to see a diverse group, such as this, being able to focus on the task at hand and to work together to overcome all difficulties, maintain the aim, and provide an excellent product on time. My compliments!” concluded Tüttelmann as he handed over the signed transfer document to the real user, the E-3A Component Commander, Brig. Gen. Stephen Schmidt.

“Congratulations to the entire team, who all worked together and brought this second mission simulator to life. These two simulators are the most important capability we have for conducting multinational training and ultimately achieving FOC with NMT,” said Brig. Gen. Schmidt and continued “ Thanks to the entire international team – Boeing, NAPMA, Force Command, the US Air Force and the E-3A Component – for making this upgrade an success.

We are excited and anxious to start using Mission Simulator 2 to its full training capacity. We are more than ready to start controlling aircraft and managing battle space operations in this simulator,” he said as he made the final handover of the DD-250 document, to the Logistics Wing (LW) Commander, Col. Eugene Mittuch.

“On behalf of the LW and all the other Component users of the Mission Simulator 2, we are proud to accept this DD250 – and to bring the simulator into full operational status,” said Col. Eugene Mittuch. LW is the ‘owner’ of the mission simulators and is responsible for the hardware and manages the configuration.

After the official speeches and ribbon cutting ceremony took place, Mission Simulator 2 was fully open and running its first scenario with crewmembers ready to demonstrate its advanced capabilities.

The Simulator retrofit team began their comprehensive work two years ago. More than 18 project members (including the contractor) have been working full time on this task. At the E-3A Component LW, Plans and Programmes Division (PPC), Information Technology Wing (ITW), Training Wing (TW), Operations

Wing (OW), and Base Support Wing were heavily involved to support the Contractor and Acquisition Agency (NAPMA) for completion of the installation. Early participation (one of the lessons learned again) of the E-3A Component personnel, being part of the Mission Simulation 2 upgrade modification activities, contributed to the success of the delivery.

In addition to LW, the simulator has many users, including TW with its Basic Qualification students, OW with the Combat Readiness Training and Continuation Training, and ITW with software engineering. The mission simulators are the key tools enabling crewmembers to prepare for operational theaters such as NATO Reaction Force operations and large-scale exercises. The Mission Simulator Branch (TWMS) balances the priorities and requirements for the simulators “The future strategy for the use of the Component’s two simulators is to maximize the training of mission crews in Mission Simulator 1, where ASCOT is a valuable tool for improved operational training. Mission Simulator 2 will be used for LW, engineers and programmers, allowing for extended testing, development and evaluation of software and hardware,” said Major Stephen Hanson from TWMS.

By Capt. Richard Komurek

Brig. Gen. Stephen Schmidt, Component Commander, received his second star on 26 September during a promotion ceremony

officiated by General Roger Brady, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Commander of NATO Allied Air Component Command Ramstein.

In front of a large audience that gathered at the Officer’s Club, General Brady commended Brig. Gen. Schmidt for the outstanding leadership he provided to the U.S. Air Force and the NATO Alliance and thanked him for his service to his country.

General Brady then read the promotion citation, assisted Mrs. Sarah Schmidt in pinning on the Component Commander’s new rank and administered the oath of office.

Maj. Gen. Schmidt thanked General Brady for his attendance and addressed the crowd with a quote from General Maxwell

Taylor and said, “The badge or rank an officer wears on his coat is really a symbol of servitude – servitude to his people.” And he added, “I’m here to serve.”

He also thanked General Brady for the opportunity to serve the Component in his new rank.

“Thank you for giving me the privilege of serving as a Major General and to continue to command here at GK a while longer.”

In addition to recognizing the support given by his family and the sacrifices that they have made over the years, Maj. Gen. Schmidt talked at length about the outstanding support, hard work and determination of the Component community.

“Thanks to all of you here today, who continue to ensure we remain the best. To all those from the community, the Component, Force Command, NAPMA and NAMSA, thanks for your loyalty and sympathetic support over these last few years. Sarah and I appreciate your friendship and we look forward to continuing to serve alongside you in the years ahead.”

Component Commander promoted to Major General

4 NATO Skywatch 10 October 2008

By Col. Manfred Arndt

SMSgt. Manfred ‘Manni’ Cordie joined the Bundeswehr on 1 April, 1978. From day one, he distinguished himself as a mission-focused leader. He entered the military as a conscript in Army Field Artillery Battalion 51 and completed initial training as a Radio Operator in 1979, then completed courses to qualify as a Communications Specialist. His exceptional reputation made selection as a Crypto Custodian a swift and easy choice. Shortly after achieving NCO rank in 1982, the Bundeswehr transferred him to the Luftwaffe.

SMSgt. Cordie served seven years in Luftwaffe Signal/Intelligence Unit 70 and was then selected to join the E-3A Component in 1989 as a Crypto Custodian. After five years of superior performance he began training as a Communications Operator assigned to Flying Squadron One. He quickly mastered his new job as a communications expert and

was recognized with Instructor and Evaluator upgrades in 1997 and 2004.

Over the past sixteen years SMSgt. Cordie has logged over 4,700 flight hours, with his dedication and professionalism directly contributing to Component success in Operations DENY FLIGHT, JOINT GUARDIAN, DECISIVE ENDEVOUR, ALLIED FORCE and EAGLE ASSIST as well as countless exercises and High Visibility Events. His awards include three NATO medals, four operational medals, the Bundeswehr Honour Cross and the United States Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

His adept leadership resonates throughout Flying Squadron One and the German National Element with duties as Squadron Senior NCO, Deputy Senior Element NCO and Chairman of the German NCO Association since 2002. Successful graduation from both the NCO School and NCO Academy reveal his legacy of outstanding personal achievements. SMSgt. Cordie is a mentor who shares his invaluable professional insight with NCOs from 15 nations daily.

SMSgt. Cordie considers two things the keys to his success – an unstoppable drive for excellence in leadership and technical competence.

He is the model NCO – a pillar of strength for every position he has

held and continuously demonstrates a mission-focused approach with an eye to the future. It is a privilege to recognize his honourable service as an outstanding example for the E-3A Component, NATO and the nation of Germany.

Operations Wing NCO Spotlight

By Capt. Dirk Schmid

More than one year after the successful events to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the NATO E-3A Component, the event campaign was awarded for the 2008 German Public Relation Award - the major award for German speaking PR campaigns. Nominated in the category of crises communication, the Component was selected as one of the best three campaigns in 2007/08.

During the event preparation the 25th Anniversary committee and the Public Affairs Office developed proactively together with the contracted agency CP/COMPARTNER public relation packages like press statements and interview guidelines for possible occurrences during the festivities. Hereby the project team focused on possible incidents that potentially would have countered the success of the last year’s festivities, like demonstrations etc. Fortunately, these PR packages weren’t required at all during the well-remembered successful events.

For this well-done preparation, the E-3A Component was nominated for the German PR Award 2008. Therefore two Component representatives and former 25th Anniversary Project Managers Capt. Dirk Schmid (IWNCO) and Capt (ret.) Andreas Hauck (ex-PPCP) were invited to join the award ceremony on 19 September in Wiesbaden, hoping to receive the award for the Component.

As the Component representatives were waiting for the famous words “and the winner is”, the moderator of the ceremony, a German News TV anchorwoman, presented again the 25th Anniversary Campaign to the invited 600 guests throughout various CEO’s, business leadership and the German PR community.

Finally, the Component was only edged out by one major player and was awarded as second best in its category, only outperformed by a professional and much more extensive campaign. Despite this close result, being simply nominated amongst the German PR community can be considered, once again, as a big recognition to all Component members that allowed the 25th Anniversary events to happen successful in 2007.

25th Anniversary event awarded for German public relation ‘Oscar’

Photos courtesy Andreas Hauck

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Aircraft and personnel from NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme (NAEW&C) made visits to Prague and Ostrava, Czech Republic from 17 to 20 September to give top political leaders and the public an opportunity to get an up close look the E-3A AWACS aircraft and learn about the capabilities that the NATO AWACS fleet provides to the Alliance. The visit was part of ongoing negotiations between NAEW&C Programme officials and the Czech government regarding Czech membership to the NATO AWACS programme in 2010.

For the Prague visit on 17 and 18 September, two E-3A AWACS were used to provide both aircraft tours and a demonstration flight for government officials, to include Czech Defense Minister Vlasta Parkanova and Ivan Dvorak, the director of defense policy and strategy. Leaders from the NAEW&C Programme, to include Maj. Gen. Axel Tüttelmann, Brig. Gen. Stephen Schmidt and Brig. Gen. Berndt Glowacki, briefed the Czech dignitaries about the Air Battle Management mission of the E-3A AWACS and discussed benefits associated with participation in the NATO AWACS programme and membership in the multinational E-3A Component located at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen in Germany.

On 19 September, another E-3A AWACS from Geilenkirchen arrived in Ostrava, Czech Republic for participation in the NATO Day airshow on 20 September.

The NATO AWACS proved to be a huge hit with spectators, who waited in long lines and braved inclement weather for a chance to see the E-3A, with its distinctive rotodome and multiple radar consoles. Crewmembers greeted visitors onboard the aircraft and provided information about the aircraft, the NATO AWACS mission and tasks performed by various crew positions. Adults and children alike were interested to see both technical aspects of the E-3A as well as the unique multinational composition of the NATO AWACS crew. During the aircraft walkthrough, many visitors paused to take pictures of AWACS crewmembers because of the variety of

nationalities represented, as demonstrated by the different combinations of national flags and E-3A Component patches on their uniforms.

“This visit to the Czech Republic was a great opportunity for us to showcase our NATO air policing and antiterrorism mission with military and government officials, as well as with the Czech people

through the media. These key officials were able to fly and see firsthand our NATO AWACS mission and the E-3A capabilities that our aircraft and crews provide for the Alliance,” said Brig. Gen. Stephen Schmidt, E-3A Component Commander. “The multinational composition of our Component is one of our major strengths and it’s a primary reason we’ve achieved more than 25 years of operational success. We encourage the Czech Republic, and every new NATO nation, to join with us in forging an even stronger E-3A capability for the Alliance in the future.”

The AWACS visit to the Czech Republic was a unique opportunity to highlight the success of the 15 nation NATO AWACS programme and the benefits of membership in the multinational E-3A Component, the one and only multinational military flying unit in the world. The visit also showed that among Czech government officials and the general public alike, there is a very high level of interest in NATO AWACS and the NATO Alliance as a whole. From the welcoming remarks by Czech Minister of Defense in Prague to the smiling faces of parents and children in Ostrava, the visit demonstrated there is widespread understanding and appreciation that increased multinational cooperation is the key to enhancing collective security and increasing prosperity in the future for all.

NATO AWACS visit Czech Republic to display aircraft, demonstrate capabilities

Component Commander Brig. Gen. Stephen Schmidt talks with Czech Defense Minister Vlasta Parkanova about the mission and capabilitiesof the E-3A AWACS aircraft.

An E-3A AWACS at the NATO Day Airshow in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The AWACS proved to be one of the most popular aircraft displays at the airshow.

Lt. Col. Enrico Ercoli (center) describes mission activity on a radar console during an orientation flight for Czech government officials. Force Commander Maj. Gen. Axel Tüttelmann (top right) and Maj. Ignacio Lanzat Lacour (bottom right) assist in the radar demonstration for Ivan Dvorak, the director of defense policy and strategy and Col. Vladimir Ficenec (far left), both from the Czech Ministry of Defense.

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By SMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg

On Saturday, 23 August the Trainer Cargo Aircraft Squadron members celebrated the Squadron’s 20th anniversary. Initially the pool area was designated for the celebration from 1500 onwards, but due to bad weather the squadron changed their plans and moved to the Canadian National Support Unit. The event, also attended by former members of the squadron and invited guests, was of a reunion style.

“We wanted to make it a family festival,” says SMSgt. Hella Gort, Trainer Cargo Aircraft (TCA) flight engineer who, together with Flight Lieutenant Al Graham, formed the organizing committee. “But as our squadron with 22 members is the smallest squadron on base, all of us took responsibility for arranging the event. We had also a lot of support of Mrs. Carol Johns and the Canadian Support Unit.”

Tracking down former members was quite an extensive task. “Each nationality within the squadron took care to ensure that the former members were notified, and luckily we received many positive responses. Because everyone had to come here at their own expense.”

For 20 years already, the primary mission of the three TCAs has been to conduct training combined with cargo missions with the overall purpose of supporting E-3A operations, either for exercises or for real world operations. The work of the squadron is very unpredictable and its personnel have to be ready all the time for short-notice flights.

“The primary mission is to support the E-3A Component as a whole,” says TCA squadron commander Lt. Col. Arturo Perez-Cuartero, “first in training and second in taking care of all the cargo and passengers needed for any deployment. Almost behind any E-3A deployment there is the TCA

Squadron. And behind it, pushing and supporting the TCA Squadron are all the families. Thanks to our families the Squadron can fulfil its mission. Without them we are nothing!”

The first TCA landed at the NATO Air Base on 10 October 1988, exactly 20 years ago today. The second followed in April 1989, and the last one arrived later that year, in December. All three aircraft were bought from Sabena World Airlines

in Belgium. During a modification period from 1998 to 2001, two TCAs

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TCA Squadron celebrates 20 years of successful aviation

On 11 October 2005 NATO decided to put in place a strategic air bridge to Pakistan to move urgently required relief supplies from NATO and its Partner countries. After arrival the needed supplies were quickly transported to the waiting Pakistan trucks. The first TCA crew existed of (from right to left) flight engineer FLt Al Graham, loadmaster MSgt. Markus Riegler, pilot Maj. Jack Blaauw, loadmaster WO Steve Jikinosky, aircraft commander Maj. Dimitri Pasqueletti, Sabena technician Mr. Mario Lycke and Public Affairs NCO SMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg. Photo PAO archive

For the flight in 1992 to various locations in the republics of the former Soviet Union the crew had to apply visa.

10 October 2008 NATO Skywatch 9

TCA Squadron celebrates 20 years of successful aviation

were replaced and the third was upgraded.

In the last 20 years the squadron has built up quite a history, especially in performing humanitarian flights. The squadron reached a major milestone in 1992, just after the Cold War ended. On request of the U.S. government the squadron was tasked to fly to Russia to pick up U.S. assessment teams and take them to various locations in the republics of the former Soviet Union to determine the specific needs, in terms of

humanitarian assistance, as part of the U.S. airlift.

In 1996 the TCA was also the first NATO-marked aircraft that landed in Sarajevo in support of the peacekeeping efforts. On that historic mission the TCA transported humanitarian aid, which included, among other things, baby food and cuddly toys for children in need. Three years later the squadron played an invaluable role in saving lives by flying humanitarian aid to the Turkish earthquake regions.

In September 2005, the TCA was tasked to support the humanitarian relief effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the United States. As the air bridge had to continue for several weeks, the TCAs were changed to cargo configuration. Forty-five out of sixty-nine seats were removed to increase the cargo capacity. “Flying is our business,” stated aircraft commander Lt. Col. Alex von Lengriesser during that mission. “But these flights have a special meaning for us. Performing humanitarian flights to bring aid supplies to people who have lost all their goods is something that gives extra motivation.”

One month later, after the earthquake in Pakistan, TCAs transported 20 tons of humanitarian cargo to Islamabad to help the victims. It was the first time that a Component aircraft had flown so far south in Asia, and the flight required great flexibility from the TCA crew, as aircraft commander Maj. Dimitri Pasqueletti explained after the mission. “The flight was a big challenge. Normally we fly cargo and personnel in support of Component exercises, all on known and pre-planned routes. Although the route over the Atlantic Ocean is well known to us, this flight to Islamabad was brand new. Until that time, it wasn’t in the Component’s range.”

But like Lt. Col. von Lengriesser one month earlier, Maj. Pasqueletti had an extremely good feeling when he reached Islamabad. “You know you are flying critical supplies. People in Pakistan had lost all their belongings, and we had the ability to help them.”

Another highlight for the Squadron was its first ever around-the-world flight in June this year. In support of Exercise Pitch Black in Australia the aircraft flew a total of 36,277 km. It took the TCA nine days, nine destinations and a total of 49.2 flying hours to complete its journey.

In future the TCA Squadron will certainly continue to play an important role in flight deck training and in E-3A operations, as it has done in the last 20 years.

On 11 October 2005 NATO decided to put in place a strategic air bridge to Pakistan to move urgently required relief supplies from NATO and its Partner countries. After arrival the needed supplies were quickly transported to the waiting Pakistan trucks. The first TCA crew existed of (from right to left) flight engineer FLt Al Graham, loadmaster MSgt. Markus Riegler, pilot Maj. Jack Blaauw, loadmaster WO Steve Jikinosky, aircraft commander Maj. Dimitri Pasqueletti, Sabena technician Mr. Mario Lycke and Public Affairs NCO SMSgt. Johan Hijmenberg. Photo PAO archive

Flying day and night: TCA Squadron.Photos courtesy John Moons

For the flight in 1992 to various locations in the republics of the former Soviet Union the crew had to apply visa.

Vacancy announcement

Applications are invited for the following post:

Principal Technician (Fuselage), AGK LAT 1000, Advertisement Number 08024, NATO Grade B-5, assigned to the Training Section, Aircraft Systems Branch, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Logistics Wing. Subject post will become vacant on 1 November 2008.

Closing date: 23 October 2008.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.

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AWGK utilize the Foggy Fields Bazaar as their primary source for philanthropic funds to support a number of American as well as NATO-nation organizations. AWGK also uses monies raised to provide academic college scholarships to worthy students.

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...with our selected collection of solid Belgian style and oak furniture.Please come and see for yourself!

• Bedrooms

• Suites

• Dining room corner units

• Wall units

• Lamps

• Clocks

• Occasional furniture

Special Nato Discount and Tax Free Sales!A

bb. z

eigt

Son

derm

odel

le T

EAM

auto-himmels.de

Heinsberg Humboldtstr. 13 (Nähe Real) 0 24 52/90 30 30Geilenkirchen Gutenbergstr. 5 (Niederheid) 0 24 51/40 90 90Erkelenz Gewerbestr. Süd 73 (Nähe Praktiker) 0 24 31/9 77 77 0

For more information call:0 24 51/40 90 911

To place an advertisement in

contact

Skywatch is the only authorized NATO AWACS Base Newspaper.

Hub Durlinger mediaPhone +31 (0)46 4529292Mobile +31 (0)6 [email protected]

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

Sell: Marcel Gehlen – [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

AutohausLind GmbHBorsigstr. 3952525 Heinsberg

Phone: +49 (0)2452 95450Fax: +49 (0)2452 954515

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

We offer new and used cars imported from the USA. Duty and tax free sales.

Parts, maintenance and services as well as body repair and paint jobs.

Call 02451 71028 for details

Culpeck Insurance Broker GmbHsales/adm. clerkfor Insurance Offi ce in Geilenkirchen

V A C A N C Y

10% discount for NATO ID card holders valid from Monday to Sunday

GRECO PALACERESTAURANT

THE REAL GREEK CUISINE

Bundesstraße 163, 52538 Gangelt (Stahe)Phone +49 (0)2454 969569 www.greco-palace.de

Open: Monday-Saturday 1630 - 2400 hrsSunday & Holidays 1200 - 2400 hrs

Kitchen open until 2200 hrs

We hope you will feel at home with us

Friday 28 November & Wednesday 31 December

GREEK EVENINGwith live music and Greek dance groupsstarting 2000 hours • reservation recommended

Heating oillow price

top service

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

VERTRETUNG DER ESSO AG

Bischoff, Vliex & Schöngen GmbH und Co. KG

CARE BY VOLVO = CARE FOR YOU BY AUTO KALLEN GELEEN!

- New Car Sales - US and Canadian Specs - European specs - Diplomat Sales - Specials on Military Sales - Original Spare Parts - Friendly English-speaking staff - Service and Maintenance

Only Official Volvo Military Sales agent for the Netherlands!

Just 15 km from Geilenkirchen and 8 km from Brunssum!

Rijksweg Zuid 320 6161 BZ Geleen +31 (0)46 4238686 www.autokallen.nl [email protected]

LIFE IS BETTER LIVED TOGETHER

[email protected]

Café Restaurant Partyservice

52538 Gangelt • Am Freibad 10

Phone +49 (0)24 54 - 14 14Fax +49 (0)24 54 - 93 9301 www. Haus-Hamacher.de

NOW:

Original Bavarian specialties andPaulaner Oktoberfest draft beerAdditionally 29 October to 2 November:

large ‘Alps’-style buffetDaily from 1630 hours on, only b 13,- p.p., reservation recommended!!!

English spoken

For reservations please call: +49 (0)2454 1414, or fax: +49 (0)2454 939301Open: daily from 1100 hrs • Reservations highly recommended

Karin's Guesthouse

For more information or reservation call:+49 (0)2451-72015 or +49 (0)178 414 0855

All our apartments are fully equipped with modern appliances such as:Fully equipped kitchen with dish-washer, microwave, oven and fridge-freezer, washer and dryerFree English SKY Satellite TVDVD player (mult- regional) ISDN Telephone LineFree High Speed DSL InternetBaby cot & nappy changing facility BBQ and own patio with gardenFree parking available and pets arealso welcome!

Credit Card & VAT Form accepted

www.karins-guesthouse.com

O f f e r i n g a n u m b e rof apartments suitablef o r s i n g l e p e r s o n so r f a m i l i e s

Located less than 10 minutes from Base


skywatchcLassIFIEDSkywatch 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 PAO, mail Stop 33, e-mail: [email protected], before noon Thursday, 16 October.

AutosBMW 750iA, blue, 1998, many

extras, leather interior, dealer serviced, winter tires included. Asking €6000 or best offer. Guy Vandebeek, ext. 3726 or +32 475555376, [email protected]

MiscellaneousVarious items: China “Royal

Albert” with rose pattern, setting for six persons including serving

dishes, coffeepot, creamer and sugar bowl. Never used, €250. Men’s Koga Miyata touring bicycle, burgundy red, top quality, €550. Dining table 1.00x2.00 m. extends to 2.60 m, fits 10 persons, with 6 chairs, light beech wood, €400. Modern chandelier, w/ set of frosted and clear glass shades in tulip shape, halogen, €300. Please call Mike or Maureen +31 45 5255761 after 1900, or +31 64895 6250.

By Lt. Col. Michael Lückenbach

Are you not feeling well? Do you have pain? The German Medical Squadron, in close cooperation with the Services Squadron and the Occupational Health Office is offering a brand-new service for Component members.

Mrs. Irina Geliev-Sowa has just recently been transferred to the German Medical Squadron. Irina is a trained physiotherapist with more than 20 years of working experience. She not only specializes in treatment after accidents, but also is also able to work pre-emptively. “A lot of people have problems with their muscle or bone system. This is not only uncomfortable, but also really painful. This is not necessary! With the help of specialized training, they will be able to support their body and kill the pain,” says Irina.

She is currently treating German soldiers with great success and has offered her services, advice and training free of charge to all Component personnel. Mrs Irina Geliev-Sowa is working in the Medical Squadron and can be reached at ext. 4633 to schedule appointments.

Back fitnessIf you are generally interested in

improving your health situation, Irina is offering another service. Starting Tuesday, 13 October she will conduct a specialist back fitness workout once a week. “It is surprising to see how much sweat can be produced by muscles that you did not even realize you had before!” The course will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) of the New Gym on Tuesdays from 1045 to1200. This will give you a great opportunity to meet Irina and discuss your back problems.

By the way, if you are looking for a preventive and rather more relaxed way to improve your health and well-being, the qualified sports instructor and certified back trainer Mr. Fritz Stelten of our Sports Department will re-start his Back Fitness courses for beginners on Wednesday, 15 October from 1330 to 1430 in the MPR of the New Gym and on Thursday, 16 October from 1100 to 1200 in the MPR of the IYA (Bldg 95).

For more info about all classes and for registration contact Mr. Fritz Stelten at ext. 4920 or via email.

Mrs Irina Geliev-Sowa and one of her patients at post-surgery training in the Gym’s Fitness Suite. Photo Andrea Hohenforst

The power of document managementBy Theo Collijn

In the mid 1990s E-3A Component records were controlled with a database tool called “Mapper”. This profile based program enabled administrators to track information using a set of metadata. At the same time a working group on paperless office environment started exploring possibilities of introducing a full blown professional Document Management (DM) system within the organization.

The pioneering efforts of the E-3A Component working group on paperless office environment resulted in the deployment of Powerdocs (DM4) in 2001. This first milestone towards a less-paper environment introduced an innovative DM tool allowing users control of electronically produced documents and associated metadata throughout their entire lifecycle.

Powerdocs was quickly accepted by the Component user community who welcomed its many beneficial features resulting in a complete change of how the Component conducted its daily information business process. Powerdocs has proven to significantly reduce the time spent on storing, organizing and locating information. Its library rapidly expanded to an impressive half a million items but likewise the software was evidently reaching retirement age. The need to replace DM version 4 with DM version 5 became inevitable as incompatibility and instability with other software applications started to occur.

A project team from Base Support Wing’s Administration Division and the IT Wing’s User Domain Division started preparations to upgrade the system at a time when the world of electronic Information Management continues to be highly dynamic. In the early years, the focus of

controlling electronic information was entirely on DM, but the emphasis was now also being placed on complete business solutions of which collaboration processes were an integral part. This being well understood by the project team, their efforts will soon result in the roll-out of the DM5 add-on product DM Routing enabling users to create electronic workflows following a standard business process.

The release of DM5 at the E-3A Component is now well underway. The product comes with a complete introduction and support program for all. Orientation briefings at the Mass Briefing Facility are already being held, a CIMS/DM5 web page on WISE has been established with a Computer Based Training offered. Likewise the IT Wing and Base Support Wing’s Administration Division provide technical and functional ‘service desk’ type support to the user community. All these efforts should result in a seamless transition into a new era of Document Management.

When all of the tools are in place, a significant reduction in time and costs associated with the management and handling of document/information will be apparent. Equally important, they will be safeguarded on a solid server structure ensuring availability to enhance and accelerate decision-making processes at all levels.

The Component operational community on its mission all around the world will continue to rely on the knowledge library maintained by the DM community here at the Component where a few clicks of the mouse will suffice to retrieve the right information whenever and wherever needed. That is DM’s contribution to the success of the E-3A Component’s mission… that is the Power of Document Management!

International students help enrich on-base Elementary School communityBy Cindy Gehrmann

Geilenkirchen Elementary School (GKES) at the NATO base Geilenkirchen welcomed back over 190 children from summer vacation.

This year the school has been enriched with the addition of several NATO students from Germany, Spain, Denmark and Italy. The students and staff are excited in welcoming the international students and their families to the school community.

Their presence in our school

will increase our awareness and appreciation of other cultures.

All the new students agreed that they were nervous at first about being in an American environment and not being able to speak English so well. But after a short time, they were happy and confident about being at the GKES. They liked the help and support they have received from all the staff members and other students.

And like all children from every nation, they all agreed that recess was their favourite class.

Medical back training

First House in T

Exclusive single, double & triple rooms with shower/WC, minibar

Suites equipped with modern appliancessuch as kitchenette, microwave, coffeemachine, DVD player, balcony

Apartments for families fully equipped withmodern appliances, two bedrooms, living

room, kitchen, microwave, coffee machine, bathroom/WC, DVD player or video recorder

Appliances for entire hotel: Wireless LAN, color tv, ASTRA, Premiere Pay-tv, direct dial phone, washers & dryers, sauna

Theodor Heuss Ring 15 phone:

+49 (0)2451 627-0

52511 Geilenkirchen fax: +49 (0)2451

627300

e-mail: [email protected] URL: www.cityhotel-geilenkirchen.de

Superior

Our r fr

R E S TA U R A N T E P I Z Z E R I A

Italian cuisine that’s the talk of the townVaried lunchtime menus at great prices

Theodor Heuss Ring 1552511 GeilenkirchenTel. +49 (0)2451-1082Tuesday-Sunday1200-1500 & 1800-2300 hrs

TAX FREE SALE

TAX FREE SALE

Authorized Hyundai partner in Heinsberg-Dremmen

Diplomat salesNew car sales

Friendly English-speaking staffOriginal spare parts

Service and maintenance

Sales: Thorsten MevissenPhone: +49 (0)2452 96731 15 • Fax: +49 (0)2452 96731 29

mail: [email protected]

Sales: Manuel de CastroPhone: +49 (0)2452 96731 16 • Fax: +49 (0)2452 96731 29

mail: [email protected]

Authorized Citroën partner

Large selection of new cars

Spare parts for Citroën

Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai I 30 Citroën C5 NEW Citroën C-Crosser

CAR-CENTER-CONENGladbacherstraße 5 - 52525 Heinsberg-Dremmen

www.car-center-conen.de

Up to 35% discount on the basic monthly charge1

25 € credit**

No connection charge Hardware already from 0 € From € 21.01 net/month 3%

From € 42.02 net/month 5% From € 63.03 net/month 8%

(discounts on the total charge for the call minutes)

Professional Tariffs* XL M S

incl. 35% discount incl. 35% discount incl. 20% discount

Basic charge per month1 14,20 9,83 6,72

One-off connection charge 21,01 0,00 21,01 0,00 21,01 0,00

Price per call minute

Domestic2 and E-Plus to E-Plus 0,08 0,17 0,25

To other mobile phone networks 0,21 0,29 0,38

City3 or partner & family4 0,04 0,04 0,04

SMS5, per SMS 0,16 0,16 0,16

Datas6 0,08 0,08 0,08

Personal phone number7 free of charge

E-Plus Comfort mailbox free of charge

E-Plus Tarifcheck free of charge

Calls to your E-Plus Comfort Mailbox free of charge

*Prices excl. 19 % V.A.T. This offer applies while stocks last and subject to the simultaneous conclusion of a new E-Plus Service card contract with tariffs and terms as indicated in the table above. Subject to changes without notice. Errors and omissions excepted. **Only two contracts per applicant can be concluded. 1 Minimum contractual period 24 months. 2 Applies to calls in Germany to fixed line connections and from E-Plus to E-Plus excluding special numbers. 3 Calls from any-where in Germany to a selected German local code excluding special numbers. 4 Calls from anywhere in Germany to five selected German fixed-line connections exclu-ding special numbers. 5 SMS transmission to other domestic mobile phone networks and within the E-Plus network. 6 Applies to data transmission within Germany to City3 or Partner & Family4-phone numbers, WAP and internet mobile. In E-Plus Professional XL also applies to inner-German data transmission to the fixed-line network excluding special numbers and for E-Plus to E-Plus connections. Otherwise the minute prices for voice calls apply. 7 If not yet in use and technically available.

Your exclusive E-Plus bonus!

E-Plus offers NATO employees benefits well worth checking out:

The exclusive offeronly for NATO personnel

1,00 €Nokia 6500

Professional Tariff M

1,00 €Sony Ericsson K 770i

Professional Tariff M

Further information available only from:

HEKO-Telecom An Fürthenrode 51 52511 Geilenkirchen Phone: +49 (0)2451/66066 or

HEKO-Telecom Stadtpassage Konrad-Adenauer-Str.

Geilenkirchen

Phone:

+49 (0)2451/30 03How t

Hotel Jabusch

Konrad Adenauer Str.

Herzog Wilhelm Str.> Stadtp

assage<

HEKOTschibo

volume 24, no. 19 nato air base geilenkirchen 10 october

Documents