Naval Aviation Service
31 KIVI members visited the Naval Aviation Service complex at De Kooy maritime airbase.
In a whirlwind/awesome introduction by Mr W.F.C Muilwijk (KTZ b.d.), the visitors were introduced to the origins and development of the past 100 years of the Naval Air Service. The right of existence, the differences between Air Force and Navy as well as which specific "tools" this part of the armed forces has used and is currently using were explained. Due to changes of tasks within Defence and NATO, a multi-purpose helicopter was needed, which was found in the Euro helicopter NH 90 maritime. A cooperation project of 4 countries (Leonardo Italy 32% , Airbus Germany 31,5%, Airbus France 31,5% and the Netherlands 5,5% Fokker) equipped with 2 Rolls Royce gas turbine engines.
What tasks are performed with these NH 90 maritime, of which the MLD now owns 20, can be found at the link: https: //www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/materieel/vliegtuigen-en-helikopters/nh90
The NH90 fleet will soon be expanded to 24 aircraft.
A tour of the hangar where the NH 90s are maintained gave participants a good idea of how the development of helicopters has progressed in recent years; in addition to all the (secret ) radar equipment for detecting submarines, the two gas turbines were impressively compact.
A demonstration by the MLD-airport fire brigade to get any large airport fire under control within two minutes convinced all participants that at De Kooy little is left to chance. A concluding visit to the "tradition room" (museum) gave everyone the opportunity to learn more about historical aspects of the Military Aviation Service according to their own interests.
For those interested, the souvenir shop offered the opportunity to buy various models or commemorative objects as well as the jubilee book: ONE YEAR MARINE AIR NAVIGATION SERVICE 1917-2017 (also available at info@traditiekamermld.nl)
Description
On 18 August 1917, the Naval Air Service (MLD) was formally established. Even at that time, the idea was that a separate flying service for the Royal Navy was more effective if the flying crews also had fleet experience. The same year, the MLD moved from Texel to Veere and then to De Kooy airfield near Den Helder. The MLD began operating with interned seaplanes from the warring powers, supplemented by American and Swedish aircraft. Later, the MLD was mainly supplied with Dutch aircraft from Van Berkel, Fokker, Koolhoven and Spyker. From 1926, foreign types also made their appearance. These included the well-known Dornier Wal, which was mainly used in the Dutch East Indies.
On 04 July 2008, the MLD underwent a transformation. The helicopters were integrated with those of the Royal Netherlands Air Force into the new Defence Helicopter Command (DHC) and brought under the command of the Air Force Command. About a quarter of the personnel are still from the navy. The naval personnel within the DHC, led by a group elder, form the Naval Aviation Service.
During this excursion, the history and present of the MLD will be explained followed by a tour of the Tradition Room and a visit to the NH-90 Hangar.
Location
Organiser
Region North-Holland
Name and contact details for information
Theo Fikke