NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen | Netherland America Institute Limburg (NAIL)

NATO E-3A AIRBORNE

EARLY WARNING
AND

CONTROL FORCE

The E-3A Component is one of the two operational units of the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&C Force). It holds a unique place in military history because it was the first multinational flying unit established by the Alliance. Its mission is to perform all surveillance and battle management tasks ordered by the NAEW&C Force Commander on behalf of the SACEUR.

The post of E-3A Component Commander in the rank of brigadier general is held alternately by the US Air Force and the German Air Force. The Deputy Commander is always a colonel of the Netherlands Air Force. The structure of the E-3A Component comprises three wings: Operations, Logistics and Base Support, as well as the Forward Operating Bases and one Forward Operating Location. Each wing is headed by a colonel from a specific nation participating in the NAEW&C Force program.

Around twenty multinational crews from 19 of the 30 NATO member nations are assigned to the E-3A Component's two operational squadrons. The E-3A Component has a multinational workforce of around 1400 military and civilian personnel.

NAEW&Force Commander Top 4 priorities

1. Ensure Mission Effectiveness, Ensure a high-readiness NAEW&C Force

capable of supporting Alliance objectives and ensure safe and professional

mission execution.

2. Develop efficient, effective processes to meet future Force requirements

Take Care of our Personnel and their Families.

3. Be Good Stewards of the Resources Entrusted to Us.

4. Foster a Climate of Professionalism & Mutual Respect.

COMMAND:

Major General Kunkel is the Commander of the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force in Geilenkirchen, Germany.

He leads an international military and civilian staff, representing 17 NATO nations which provide an airborne early warning, command and control and battle management capability in support of NATO commanders. Prior to this assignment, Maj. Gen. Kunkel was the Deputy Director for Operations, Operations Team Five, National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center.