Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Andrew Mueller, E-3A Component commander, gives a speech during Forward...... read more read more
By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Möller
ØRLAND, Norway - The NATO E-3A Component and the Royal Norwegian Air Force celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Forward Operating Location Ørland Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, 2013, at Ørland, Norway.
On Nov. 1, 1983, NATO and the Norwegian Government agreed to use the Ørland Main Air Station as forward operating location for NATO E-3A AWACS. Since this historic date, the men and women of FOL Ørland, along with the RNAF, along have been supporting the E-3A Component during deployments and exercises.
The FOL is a base of national and strategic high importance due to its location at the mouth of the Trondheimsfjord in the municipality of Brekstad, in the center of Norway.
In celebration of the anniversary, the commander of FOL Ørland Lt. Col. Per Bent Mathisen hosted a dinner on Nov. 1, 2013.
“I'm feeling glad to be here amongst special people tonight, members of the FOL representing to our component,” Maj. Gen. Andrew Mueller, E-3A Component commander, said. “The FOL is a valued partner and it's a privilege to share 30 years of heritage. I'm looking forward with excitement for the next 30 years.”
Gen. Mueller handed a picture collage to the FOL commander that explains the many important areas, which the FOL provides support to the Component.
“This present is dedicated to the men and women of the FOL and their honorable support to the NATO E-3A Component” the general said.
Also, during the dinner, Capt. Arnfinn Mollan, a member of the FOL was recognized for his duties and received a Certificate of Appreciation for 25 years of faithful service to the Component.
The celebration continued and on Nov. 2, 2013, the anniversary was highlighted with a Hangar Party, where all members of Ørland Main Air Station, their families and friends were invited.
Ørland Main Air Station was built by the occupation forces in 1941 during the German occupation. Today’s main runway was built in 1944 as a result of an expansion to the airfield.
Soon, with the moving of Air Station Bodø and the incorporation of the new F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, Ørland Main Air Station will become the principal airbase of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 11.04.2013 11:13 |
| Story ID: | 116241 |
| Location: | ØRLAND, AKERSHUS, NO |
| Web Views: | 158 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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