Soesterberg
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Soesterberg () is a town in the Dutch province of Utrecht. It is a part of the municipality of Soest, and lies about 5 km northeast of Zeist, on the road between Amersfoort and Utrecht.
In 2001, the town of Soesterberg had 5,798 inhabitants. The built-up area of the town was 1.31 km², and contained 2503 residences.[1]
[edit] Soesterberg Air Base
In 1910, the heathland north of the village was used as an airfield. From 1954 to 1994 it became a NATO base for the United States Air Force 32nd FS (originally 512th FDS later it became 32nd FD,32nd FIS and 32nd TFS), and the village of Soesterberg housed a number of American families. The 32nd is the only US military unit to ever have been under direct operational control of a foreign nation (operational control fell to the Dutch military).
The Dutch Airforce (then called LuchtVliegafdeling or LVa, literally airflying department) was established here in 1913.
Soesterberg Airbase is now home to the Dutch army helicopter force, it is slated for closure as the Dutch military establishment is being reduced.
Nearby Kamp Zeist is the home of the Dutch Airforce museum as well as the site of the Lockerbie trials of Libyian agents who blew up a Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988.
[edit] References
- ^ Statistics Netherlands (CBS), Bevolkingskernen in Nederland 2001 [1]. Statistics are for the continuous built-up area.
The 32nd is the only US military unit to ever have been under direct operational control of a foreign nation (operational control fell to the Dutch military). Not true statement.
Should be written> The 32nd TFS is the only US Military unit ever to bear the crest of a foreign country. The 32nd TFS unit insignia bears a 'Slobbering Wolfhound' surrounded by a wreath of oranges, signifying Dutch Royalty. (William of Orange). The Wolfhound was a caricature designed by Walt Disney studio, that also signified the squadron's history during the 2nd World War for hunting to German U Boats (or Wolfpacks)
[edit] See also
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