Geilenkirchen anniversary festival an international hit

  • Published
  • By Capt. Erin Macri
  • HQ USAFE Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base in Germany hosted more than 100,000 people last weekend for its 25th anniversary celebration. 

The two-day event offered guests a closer look at NATO's only multinational flying unit, along with a broad variety of military and civilian aircraft, exhibits, entertainment and exotic foods. 

Air Base Geilenkirchen, located on the river Wurm near the Netherlands border, is home to the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force Command's E-3A Component (AWACS). 

"This is a great opportunity to learn how different nations work," said 1st Lt. James Capra, an E-3A Component Surveillance Controller. "My squadron commander is German and my mission commander is Norwegian, so I'm learning about different cultural and leadership styles." 

Although communication can pose problems, Capra said, NATO trains all members to stick to standards and follow checklists so operations run smoothly. 

"It's an especially important lesson to learn for those of us who are used to speaking English," he said. "You have to think about everything you're saying because you need to be clear, so no talking too fast or using a lot of slang. That's good to remember on or off base." 

More than 50 static display aircraft from 17 nations were on display, with a "silver jubilee" painted AWACS aircraft as the show centerpiece. 

Capt. Aaron Celusta, one of the A-10 Thunderbolt pilots who flew in from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, said, "There are probably more aircraft here than I've seen at any one air show. The countries really did a great job taking care of us and making us feel welcome." 

The celebration also included cuisine from the 15 member nations currently making up the component, live music and dance performances, including the USAFE rock band, on three separate stages, classic cars, fireworks and a parade. 

"Just being stationed at Geilenkirchen is a huge geography, history and cultural lesson," said Capt. Luke Stone, an E-3A Component Navigator. "I think I've gained more global views from this experience because here you can really see what a profound effect each nation has on another. But I've also realized that no matter where people are from or what language they speak, we all share the same important values."