|
NATO Tiger Meet 2009 When: 14.09.2009 – 25.09.2009 Where:
Kleine Brogel AB, Belgium One common symbol identifies the
Spirit of those NATO Squadrons: the Tiger
The Tiger is an extremely strong, clever and aggressive animal with enormous hunting skills. These qualities are also encountered in the squadrons that use a tiger mascot, when tasked for any mission. This symbol of force is proudly shown in the units’ badges. NTM 2009The host of this years’ NATO Tiger Meet was the Belgian 31 Smaldeel based at Kleine Brogel in the northern part of Belgium near the border to the Netherlands towards Eindhoven. Most of the participants of the NTM 2009 arrived on Monday 14th of September. At the end of that day the Tiger Meet was officially declared open by Maj. Jeroen Poesen during the traditional flag ceremony in which all flags of participating countries were raised. During the second week some more participants for red as well as blue forces arrived. 65 aircraft from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Norway, Swiss, Czech Republic, Spain, Italy and Hungary and 65 Aircraft and 796 Personnel (254 aircrew) of 15 squadrons from 11 nations came together at Kleine Brogel. Also this year the main objective was to train COMAO (Composite Air Operations) - tactics and - procedures, with special focus on Joint and Combined Operations in multiple forms of CAS (Close Air Support), Convoy Protection, NTISR (Non-Traditional Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), NEO (Non-combatant Evacuation Operations), CSAR (Combat Search And Rescue) and DACT (Dissimilar Air Combat Training). Until 25th of September the participating units flew up to 120 sorties in two waves a day during a 10 days flying period, overall 800 to 1000 sorties were planned. • Day operations only • Combined operations • Joint operations • 8 COMAO waves, 1 per day PM • 8 “shadow” waves, 1 per day AM • Unclassified exercise Compared to the former NTMs the flying
training phase was particularly
increased. Some additional
weekend visitors from German Air Force JaboG 32 with two Tornados and a
Portuguese Esq 301 F-16 BM arrived on Friday 18th. But also
several
traditional members were missing; the Aéronavale Super
Etendards from 11F, the
host of last years Tiger Meet with their eye-catching tiger colours,
and even
the Royal Air Force No. 230 Sqn was not presenting their helicopters
due to
international engagements. The USAF was not seen at all again this
year. It
seems that they have lost interest in the Europeans Tiger
Meet. The
most
positive fact of this years Tiger Meet was that during the
‘Detachment
Commanders' meeting on 21st of September the Hungarian Air Force 59/1
‘Puma’ squadron was voted 'Probationary Member' of
the Association. The
squadron, based at Kecskemét Air Base operates the JAS-39
C/D Gripen, of which
14 aircraft are leased from Sweden
by the Hungarian Air Force for a 10 year period.
The French Escadron de Chasse 01.012 from Cambrai won the 2009 Silver tiger trophy in a close competition with the German AG 51, who earned an equal amount off points. The French Mirage pilots who scored better in the flying discipline where awarded the by all desired trophy. The host
unit
and the Kleine Brogel Tiger Team made a perfect job during the two
weeks and
organised a VIP and Spotters Day on Friday 18th of September for the
public. The
31 Squadron and the advisors of the NATO Tiger Association welcomed
many
distinguished guests, Generals, Ambassadors, former Base Commanders and
also
many ‘old’ Tiger friends. About 1000 visitors
enjoyed an exiting day within the
Tiger VIP village at Kleine Brogel. The base also opened doors to no
less than
6000 aviation spotters that got the opportunity to see and take photos
of the
Tiger aircraft during take-off and landing. As a special contribution
nearly
all Tiger aircraft were taxiing in a Tiger parade in front of the
people. Highlight
of the show was probably the ‘Tiger Tail’ flying
formation, including all
special painted aircraft that attended this years NTM. With the sunny
weather
conditions several thousands of perfect photos were made during that
day. We would
like to thank Peter Dewael, Adjudant-chef OR-9 Comopsair IPR for
supporting us
and providing further information. by
Jens Schymura and Holger Stüben |
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
| 46 Images | Impressum | Made with JAlbum & Chameleon | Help |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |