| US ArmyAH-64 Apache helicopters at Eindhoven Air Base, the Netherlands. |
Until the end of April the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), called “Wings of Destiny ”, returned to the United States with 35 helicopters via the Netherlands. In addition to Blackhawk helicopters (UH-60 and HH-60), Chinook transport helicopters (CH-47) and Apache attack helicopters (AH-64) fly from Eindhoven Air Base to Rotterdam. There are also some 1,200 vehicles and containers, mainly by road, to the port city.
This is only a part of the total number of helicopters of the 101st CAB, the largest part has already been shipped in Greece.
101st CAB is part of the 101st Airborne Division, famous in the Netherlands, which became famous after the liberation of Eindhoven in September 1944. And is also known from the TV series 'Band of Brothers'.
Host Nation Support
The United States asked the Netherlands for support with the relocation. Defense deploys approximately 75 military personnel for this so-called "Host Nation Support." This mainly happens in the port of Rotterdam and around Eindhoven Air Base.
The helicopters fly in groups to Rotterdam on weekdays between 15 March and 17 March. There everything is boarded for the onward journey to Fort Campbell's home base in the state of Kentucky.
Helicopter brigade
The brigade of the 101st Airborne Division was in Eastern Europe for over 9 months. There it was part of the strengthened American presence in Europe. Among other things, training was conducted with NATO partners, especially in Eastern Europe.
Simultaneously with the departure of 101stCAB, the successor 1st CAB arrived in France to start practicing in (Eastern) Europe for another 9 months.
Dutch deployment
The transhipment site in the port of Rotterdam is a 'temporary military object'. This is guarded day and night by army soldiers and air force dog teams. Navy units ensure the safety of the transport. For example, divers check the quays for explosives. The Royal Netherlands Air Force coordinates and supervises the entry of the helicopters.
The 35 helicopters make a stopover at Eindhoven. The Air Force guards the aircraft and supplies them with fuel. American soldiers can also repair the aircraft there if necessary. Behind the scenes, the MIVD made a security analysis. The Defense Traffic and Transportation Organization takes care of the transportation of the American personnel.
Photos: Joris van Boven and Alex van Noije
This is only a part of the total number of helicopters of the 101st CAB, the largest part has already been shipped in Greece.
101st CAB is part of the 101st Airborne Division, famous in the Netherlands, which became famous after the liberation of Eindhoven in September 1944. And is also known from the TV series 'Band of Brothers'.
Host Nation Support
The United States asked the Netherlands for support with the relocation. Defense deploys approximately 75 military personnel for this so-called "Host Nation Support." This mainly happens in the port of Rotterdam and around Eindhoven Air Base.
The helicopters fly in groups to Rotterdam on weekdays between 15 March and 17 March. There everything is boarded for the onward journey to Fort Campbell's home base in the state of Kentucky.
Helicopter brigade
The brigade of the 101st Airborne Division was in Eastern Europe for over 9 months. There it was part of the strengthened American presence in Europe. Among other things, training was conducted with NATO partners, especially in Eastern Europe.
Simultaneously with the departure of 101stCAB, the successor 1st CAB arrived in France to start practicing in (Eastern) Europe for another 9 months.
Dutch deployment
The transhipment site in the port of Rotterdam is a 'temporary military object'. This is guarded day and night by army soldiers and air force dog teams. Navy units ensure the safety of the transport. For example, divers check the quays for explosives. The Royal Netherlands Air Force coordinates and supervises the entry of the helicopters.
The 35 helicopters make a stopover at Eindhoven. The Air Force guards the aircraft and supplies them with fuel. American soldiers can also repair the aircraft there if necessary. Behind the scenes, the MIVD made a security analysis. The Defense Traffic and Transportation Organization takes care of the transportation of the American personnel.
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Text: Joris van Boven and Alex van Noije
Video: Alex van Noije
Video: Alex van Noije
