Geilenkirchen community celebrates AWACS 25th Anniversary

Topics AWACS: NATO´s eyes in the sky

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.

Last weekend 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.

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.”