NATO AWACS - 25th Anniversary

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Last Update:
1 Apr 2008

In 2007 Geilenkirchen celebrated
AWACS 25th Anniversary

Twenty-five years of NATO operations provided security in the world. Established in January 1980 and the first aircraft arrival in 1982 the airborne early warning radar system significantly enhanced the Alliance’s air defence capability.

25th Anniversary Event On 16 and 17 June NATO Air base Geilenkirchen celebrated its 25-years anniversary. On two days more than 100,000 visitors took the unique opportunity to have a look in the multicultural community of the base. “The unique nature of the Component comes from our 15 participating nations, which contribute the personnel and resources that keep this Component flying”, said Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Schmidt, E-3A Component Commander in his welcome speech to the crowd.

Over the past 25 years, the Component has made a significant impact in promoting peace, stability, and global security. In the late eighties and early nineties the E-3A aircraft provided critical air surveillance and control capabilities for NATO. From July 1992 to December 2004, the Component performed missions in the Balkans to uphold the United Nations’ resolutions in the former Yugoslavia.

25th Anniversary Event In recent years security efforts for many selected major events including the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Greece and the Winter Olympic Games in Salt lake City, United States, and many, many other events were supported. Also the E-3A Component provided surveillance capabilities to the United States following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. Almost two years later, personnel and aircraft of the E-3A Component conducted surveillance operations during Operation Crescent Guard, initiated by a request from Turkey for NATO assistance due to the threat posed by the Iraqi War.

More than forty aircraft from seventeen nations were on static display including several AWACS aircraft. Also multicultural entertainment was offered by the participating nations. “A super celebration”, says Lt. Col. Alois Jerenko, chief organisation committee. “Thanks to all the members of the committee and the weekend volunteers we were able to organise this and provide an insight to the multicultural community of the fifteen nations.”

Press release 18 June 2007: 25th Anniversary Event

“I visited your airbase yesterday and I would like to thank you for that great show you arranged for all the people. Starting with the way to the base and entrance, the static display, the Shows, the food offered there, everything was quiet well organized. It was a pleasure for me to join this "anniversary party"! You showed us that you’re unified not only in the sky but also on the ground.”
Klaus from Herne

E-3A Component Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
	30-March-07 This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the NATO E-3A Component Main Operating Base (MOB) located at Geilenkirchen, Germany. From its earliest days, MOB Geilenkirchen has played a unique role in supporting NATO’s mission of safeguarding security and freedom.
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