With the arrival in Vlissingen harbor of the cargo ship Endurance full of American helicopters, a major test started that will last until December 22. The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, a helicopter brigade of the US Army, sent via Vlissingen to Eastern Europe. Permanent US army units have been present here since 2014 as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. This operation was set up after Russian interventions in Ukraine. During his presence, the US military exercises with other NATO countries.

major surgery

The transport from Texas (USA) brought forty helicopters to Vlissingen, which was also the setting for a spectacular helicopter exercise in October. It concerns military aircraft of the Apache, Chinook and Black Hawk types. In Vlissingen, technicians prepare the helicopters to fly. After a refueling stop at Woensdrecht Air Base, the aircraft will continue to Germany and Poland. The rest of the equipment goes through the road to the east toe. In addition to equipment, more than 900 vehicles and other flying equipment also entered our country. The four hundred American soldiers are involved.

Dutch support

As a host country, the Netherlands facilitates the American army with the graphics. For example, the Verbrugge transshipment site in Vlissingen is temporarily military site. Defense is present in almost all its facets. The Royal Netherlands Army secures the site with armed soldiers. The Royal Netherlands Air Force provides air traffic control for flight operations and the fire service. Finally, the fairway will be protected by the Royal Netherlands Navy.

New transport helicopters in 2022

The transport Endurance, hired by the US military, does not leave empty. After nine months of presence, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade returns to the United States. The sixty helicopters of this brigade are now temporarily stationed at Gilze-Rijen Air Base, but will fly to Vlissingen in the weeks before Christmas. In the spring of 2022, the port of Vlissingen will be used again for military transport. Then the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the US Army returns to the States.