Component supports NATO's ISAF operation - nato awacs

Volume 27, No. 2 

By Capt. Wilko ter Horst 

and Capt. Kristen Thompson 

Photos 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 

NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 4 February 2011 

Component supports NATO’s ISAF operation 

Brig.Gen. Burkhard Pototzky addressing base 

personnel during his Commander’s Call. 

Next NATO Skywatch: 

18 February 

Submissions due by: 

10 February 

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, 

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. 

In-Out-Processing leaned 

See page 4 

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”.

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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 

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 

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. 

Volume 27, No. 2 4 February 2011 

NATO Skywatch is an authorized, unofficial 

commercial enterprise newspaper published 

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.” 

NAPMO welcomes Czech 

Republic as new member 

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. 

Commander 

Brig. Gen. Burkhard Pototzky 

Chief, Public Affairs 

Lt.Col. Antje Kalka 

Editor 

Mrs. Maureen Geraets-Head 

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 

4 February 2011 NATO Skywatch 3 

Launch of Reintegration Assistance 

Program working group 

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. 

Vacancy announcement 

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 

Applications are invited for the following post: 

JUNIOR TECHNICIAN (TOOLS & EQUIPMENT), Advertisement Number 

10060, NATO Grade B-2, assigned to the Tools, Equipment & T.O. Section, 

Maintenance Support Branch, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Logistics Wing. 

This post is due to be filled as soon as possible. Closing date: 7 February 2011. 

For further details, please visit the Component Information Portal (WISE) 

under Headquarters/A1/A1CR/Advertisements, the official E-3A Component 

website www.e3a.nato.int, or review the advertisement posted in Building 8. 

Note: Only applications of qualified personnel will be considered. 

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 pao@e3a.nato.int. 

For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger Media at +31 (0) 46 452 9292, cellphone +31 (0)6 

5472 6473 or hub@durlingermedia.nl. 

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

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 outprocessing 

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 

Lean transforms Component 

in- and out-processing 

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-/outprocessing 

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 

SSgt. Erica Spriggs capturing 

proposals from the team to improve 

the Component’s in- and outprocessing. 

Photo Leon Koolen 

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.

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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 

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 

and simulator training in Miami 

TCA timings always c 

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 

TCA at Miami Airport 

In Miami is the only remaining Boeing 707 simulator 

for pilots finalizing their conversion training. 

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 longawaited 

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 

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

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

San Diego 

hange 

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 

One of the last times that SABENA 

technician Mr. Laurent Pacolet 

refuels the TCA in Miami. 

Fueling of the TCA at 

San Diego Airbase. 

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. 

First female Company 

Commander for NSU 

By Janina Bien 

4 February 2011 NATO Skywatch 7 

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 

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-bystep 

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.


How do we maintain equipment asset 

accountability on deployment operations? 

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 (redeployment) 

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. 

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 Office 

MWA 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 rpeeters@e3a.nato.int 

Visit the Food Services System WSS 

Page Services Branch Web Page for the 

latest programme information and 

upcoming events. 

Rotodome 

Opening 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 

rpeeters@e3a.nato.int for inclusion in 

the automatic distribution list. 

E-3A Club 

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 

1100-2200 

Coffee & 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 

MWA InforMAtIon 

February 

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 Events 

11 February MWA Carnival Dance 

18 March Mongolian BBQ 

24 April Easter Brunch 

28 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 Gym 

26 Feb Volleyball Tournament 

Participation 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/evenings 

A1.1 - 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 118 

Starting 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 

Speakers 

Mon & Wed, 1130-1300, instructor: 

Meral Alkan-Oncu, Room 109 

FRENCH: 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. 

skyWAtch 

cLAssIfIED 

Skywatch 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: 

pao@e3a.nato.int, by noon Thursday, 10 February. 

Wanted 

Friendly 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 smit_ierland@me.com

Conen GmbH 

Authorized Your authorized Honda partner, HONDA, Acura ACURA and & Citroën Citroen workshop partner 

Large selection range of new of new & pre-owned and used cars 

Service & parts for Spare american parts (Honda, & european Acura spec. and HONDA, Citroën) ACURA & Citroen 

Glass Maintenance exchange and & services chip repair (for for US-spec. all car brands also) 

Body Body repair shop; and spray Paint paint shop jobs 

TAX 

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Workshop Service & spare parts: parts: Erik Thönnissen 

Bernd Schüller 

schueller@autohaus-conen.de e-mail: erik@honda.ps – Phone – Phone +49 +49 (0)2452 951018 9510 16 

Sell: Waldemar Bader – bader@autohaus-conen.de Sales: Waldemar Bader– 

Phone +49 (0)2452 9510 13 

Fax e-mail: +49 (0)2452 bader@autohaus-conen.de 9510 20 – www.autohaus-conen.de – Phone +49 (0)2452 – English 951013 spoken 

for your total car cleaning 

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your car is being hand-washed with wax shampoo for only € 13,50 

car cleaning 

Permagard protective coating 

dent removal without repainting 

spot repair 

DISCOUNT COUPON 

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valid on a 

total treatment 

of euro 125,- 

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+32(0)89 77 28 50 

for companies and groups we offer 

a large variety of facilities. 

for info and directions 

check our website. 

carting 

circuit 

sodi rx7 karts 

on 2 floors 

unique in europe 

Heufkensweg 5 • maasmecHelen (belgium) 

open: monday-friday 1800-2300 uur 

saturday 1400-2400 uur • sunday 1500-2300 uur 

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 

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• 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 r.vossen@autokallen.nl (contact Mr. Roger Vossen)

Germany 

Ramstein 

Kindsbacher Str. 47 

66877 Ramstein-Miesenbach 

Tel: 06371 61 39 90 

PENTAGON CAR SALES 

THE NEW MINI COUNTRYMAN. 

LAUNCH DAY – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 TH . 

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! 

Kaiserslautern 

Kaiserstrasse 1 

67661 Kaiserslautern 

Tel: 0631 351 90 40 

Heidelberg 

Hebelstrasse 3 

69115 Heidelberg 

Tel: 06221 144 90 

Mainz/Wiesbaden 

Ludwig-Wolker-Str. 14 

55252 Mainz-Kastel 

Tel: 06134 567 80 

Italy Spain 

Aviano 

Via Pordenone 48D 

33081 Aviano (PN) 

Tel: 0434 676 613/4/5 

Naples 

Tel: 0444 91 09 38 

Email: Naples@ 


Sigonella 

Tel: 0444 91 09 38 

Email: Sig@ 


• www.PentagonCarSales.com 

Vicenza 

Viale Della Pace 254 

36100 Vicenza (VI) 

Tel: 0444 91 09 38 

Spangdahlem 

Im Kreuzgarten 1 A 

54529 Spangdahlem 

Tel: 06565 93 69 90 

Rota 

Plaza Del Triunfo 6 

11520 Rota (Cadiz) 

Tel: 956 840 201

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