EDA - ITALIAN BLADE EXERCISE VITERBO       

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The Dutch 'Piloot en Vliegtuig' magazine published with the focus on EDA:

6-  Some general impressions and interviews before we go to the real action...I
The in between period...
A 'field-cantina' took care of the thursty and hungry persons. A very detailed menu with adorable prices !  ;-) 
Col. Andrea di Stasio surprised us with a very comprehensive explanation during his interview, flanked by Carla our hostess....
.... and by the way, Carla not only hosts, she also flies, the Dornier on the left. 
As the morning rises, acticities increase. Italian Chinook helicopter.
It is our time to use the occasion to have interviews. The Colonel has a lot to tell...
.... as well as our guide for the moment Major Philipp Graf from the German 'Bundeswehr'.
The German guys in the Slovenian Cougar seem to have solved the 'sniper-problem' accurate.
Every moment in a day must be used, here an interview with Italian Pilot 'Gian Luca'
The Austrian representative Col. Mittermair was helpful for us, as Lt. Col. Roel Cuppes was. He will be working soon at EDA Brussels.
Philipp (Germany) explains that the NH-90 functions very well, after some delays in deliveries
Germany was very well represented with special forces at Italian Blade Viterbo. Some of them go for a flight....
...a German team just returns. It's a coming and going, the trainingdays know busy schedules... 
Major Graf was always prepared to answer some questions.....
.... and guide us to the right persons.
.... here a neccessary evacuation of two Forward Air Controllers is trained, for if no transporthelicopter might be available on the spot.
People from different countries had to learn to 'learn' how to interprete direct comments and critics, but the atmosphere was superfine
An impression of the many 'international offices' in the large hangar, including presentation and debriefing 'room'
The Germans prepare a helicopter for the coming action...
....those who have the occasion still use a refreshment....
...next to this there is a seperate camp for intelligence and communication, which of course is vital...
...the Germans are doing flights to explore the environment for possible remarkable things regarding terrorists that must be found and captured...
.
At first sight a normal house and situation, but the crew is trained to see remarkable situations
As photographer strapped on next to an open door I must admit that flying an NH-90 is a privilige for what you see and also experience !
If there is another life on earth hereafter, I think I'm going to be a helicopter pilot ! .....   ;-))
Back to real: This could be apossible hide-out for terrorists, still our task now is to patrol and have a central task for other helicopters flying now.
Very soon there will be an 'action' against very dangerous terrorists that must (!) be captured at all cost by international cooperation....
....several troops, units, crews, you name it prepare for the coming 'It's a go !' As few press-representatives we board as well.   
Join us to the last details, and next stop: 'The Action Pages' ......
( The complete written article is to be found at page 7 )

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