Brigadier general Ron Smits transferred command
of 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade (11 Air Mobile Brigade - 11LMB) to brigadier
general Cas Schreurs at Deelen air base on June 2, 2021. General Smit
assumed command of 11AMB in front of the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek
on July 13, 2017. Then, as the brigade celebrated its 25th anniversary
as well as the 75th anniversary of the red beret (the international
beret worn by airborne soldiers), the ceremony was held in public. This
time the change of command ceremony was held for distinguished visitors
and member of 11AMB.
11AMB closely cooperates with Royal Netherlands Air Force squadrons. 336
squadron proving its Hercules for cargo delivery system drops, para
drops and air landing operations. Defence Helicopter Command 298
(Chinook), 300 (Cougar) and 301 (Apache) provide helicopter transport,
airlift and close air support. Battalions of 11AMB and the RNLAF
squadrons are ready to deploy together transforming the units into Air
Manoeuvre Brigade. During the change of command ceremony, a capability
demonstration was held. Pathfinders were the first to arrive at Deelen
after their military freefall jump. As a small team they set out landing
zones for the large(r) force to arrive by parachute or flown in by
transport helicopters. The latter were using low flying area Arnhemse
heide (heath) as staging ground for their operations. At the heath
special forces assigned to 11AMB were picked up by a Cougar to be fast
roped at Deelen. The two Chinooks first picked up two platoons and then
returned to pick up sling loads. In the meantime, two Apaches had
secured the airspace at Deelen and both flew with the Chinooks to the
Arnhemse heide.
Compared to other air bases in The Netherlands, Deelen is the most
difficult for photography. Most of the other bases have spotter's zones
where public can view flight activities. However, Deelen is for the most
part adjacent to national park De Hoge Veluwe and at the road from
Schaarsbergen to Hoenderloo it is forbidden to stop and park. Therefore,
Arnhemse heide was visited. Here a parking location is available and
providing you stay on the trails and don't interfere with exercises
there is plenty of opportunity to take photographs. All photographers
present received a safety briefing by the landing zone officer so the
units could train without interferences and photographers could practice
their work / hobby.
Brigadier general Smits has been promoted to the rank of Major General
and will assume command of Netherlands Special Operations Command (NLD
SOCOM) and will advise the Commander of the Armed Forces in the field of
Special Operations.
The photo gallery below is presented in order of the action taking
place.
Tags: Netherlands,
Airbus Helicopters,
H215M (AS532
Cougar),
Boeing
Defense,
H-47 Chinook,
H-64 Apache (Guardian) |
