Courtesy Photo | NATO photo of the first E-3A landing at NATO's air base in Geilenkirchen, Germany,...... read more read more
By Canadian Forces Capt Paule Poulin
Canadian Forces Public Affairs
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Since the introduction of the aircraft in 1982, AWACS have significantly enhanced NATO's air defense capability through military and international cooperation.
For the past 25 years, Canadian air crews have worked alongside their North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies aboard the E-3A Airborne Early Warning Radar System (AWACS) aircraft, providing security to military operations around the world.
Since the introduction of the aircraft in 1982, AWACS have significantly enhanced NATO's air defense capability through military and international cooperation.
The NATO E-3A Component recognized this important anniversary with a large-scale celebration from June 16-17 in Geilenkirchen, Germany. For the first time in its history, the NATO air base opened its doors to the public with a display of more than 40 aircraft from 17 different countries, including a Canadian CP-140 Aurora from 14 Wing Greenwood.
The E-3As were the focal point, including an E-3A painted in blue and silver 25th anniversary colours. An estimated crowd of 100,000 international visitors and aviation enthusiasts turned out for the two-day exhibition.
"These people have heard these aircraft for years. This was an opportunity for them to see them first-hand," said Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff, who attended the celebrations on behalf of all Air Force personnel who have served aboard the AWACS.
"Our Canadians perform quite well on the aircraft and in support positions," stated Colonel Manfred Arndt, commanding officer of the Canadian Component of NATO's Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW & CF) that operates the AWACS. "It's a challenging mission and we are holding that commitment on a continuous basis," added Col Arndt.
All participating nations set up booths for the spectators to visit, featuring national food and wares. Visitors could purchase bison burgers and other items at the Canadian booth, which was one of the most visible, due to the red and white colors and Canada flags that adorned it. And of course it wouldn't have been a Canadian display without hockey—so there was a hockey net and ball hockey equipment behind the booth where "children" of all ages could try taking shots on net.
The E-3A Component was activated at Geilenkirchen in 1982, originally designed to improve allied air defence against the Warsaw Pact. The AWACS role began changing in the 1990s, and now includes airspace management, close air support, combat search and rescue, maritime support and consequence management. For more information about AWACS' role and history, visit www.e3a.nato.int.
| Date Taken: | 07.11.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2007 14:20 |
| Story ID: | 11231 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 340 |
| Downloads: | 166 |
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