Andy thank you for your report on the former Soesterberg Military Air Base. I was born and raised in Amersfoort South and “Soesterberg” was a household name for me. Around the age of five, 1965/1966, the Phantoms, Starfighters with their typical howling noise, Orions and Aloutte III helicopters and other fighter jets attracted my attention. In the 1970s, mainly the F15s and F16s came to Soesterberg. And if you sometimes saw a passenger plane, it was Queen Juliana (from May 1980, Princess Juliana after her abdication) or other members of the Royal Family returning from their trip abroad. Their residence was Paleis Soestdijk located between Soest and Baarn. When I was in my twenties, I often went to visit the Military Air Base in the 1980s when there was a lot of flying activity. In the late 1970s, the Gemini, Mercury and Apollo neighbourhoods in Soesterberg were built especially for the American military. And in 1987, the first McDrive in the Netherlands was opened on the Amersfoortseweg in Huis ter Heide due to the presence of American troops. Although Soesterberg Air Base is closed, the area around Soesterberg Du Moulinkazerne, Amersfoort Bernardkazerne / De Vlasakkers and Leusderheide is still a military area. In 2022, a Thank you and Memorial monument was unveiled: S.A.M (Soesterberg Air force Memorial). Attention to freedom thanks to the Americans who were present in Soesterberg in the period 1954 - 1994. The monument is located on the Amersfoortsestraat / Oude Tempellaan viaduct where the Aloutte III helicopter is also located.
@vapsa563 ай бұрын
I was stationed there 85 to 88. 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, USAFE. We were the Wolfgounds. The slobbering dogs.... I loved it there.
@markbucher76093 ай бұрын
I was stationed at Soesterberg AB from 1989 - 1993. Best assignment of my Air Force career.
@lucretia85103 ай бұрын
I'm currently watching this from Soesterberg, which is where I grew up. I gotta say, you did an amazing job on this video! I'm an avid model builder and aviation enthusiast (definitely sparked by growing up near the airbase ;) )and thus I regularly visit the museum to gather reference material and chat with the staff. It's good to see it get some international attention. Thank you.
@dirkarum97033 ай бұрын
My late father served there as a fighterpilot trainee, a motorcycle accident brought it to an end, He got then a deskjob as a liasionofficer to the American part of the base. Al in the early '60
@RobSchofield17 күн бұрын
We lived in Kattenbroek on the North side of Amersfoort in the early '90s, so this brings back a lot of memories. Soesterberg was where several Gemini and Apollo astronauts lived and worked before their roles in NASA's endeavours (hence the naming of streets and districts in the base housing area). When the USAF left the base was converted for use by Chinooks as part of a rapid response force: I can still instantly recognise the heavy chopper beat of their blades at a distance as a result (where I live now near Poole we regularly have Chinooks, Merlins and Wildcats flying over from Poole harbour). Amersfoort itself was a home base to the NL tank regiment (I forget which one), located to take advantage of the large railway junction in the town for rapid trans-shipment of AFVs around NL: an absolutely amazing place of air-conditioned storage hangers for Lpd IIs. Thanks for bringing back memories of our time there: I still miss the place.
@simonh63713 ай бұрын
Re. a British perspective on the Cold War, we tend to forget that apart from the UK and USA/Canada, NATO member states all had national service until the end of the Cold War and beyond. In the Netherlands it's technically still there but ''suspended''. All Dutch citizens (men and women) receive a letter from the Ministerie van Defensie (no need to translate that!) when they are 17 informing them that they are registered for military service. Nobody has actually been called up since 1997.
@lillekenatnek1953 ай бұрын
I live in the south of The Netherlands so not that close to Soesterberg. But you convinced me it's absolutely worth visiting the museum, so I probably will soon :)
@jackharrison67713 ай бұрын
Hi Andy and all your supporters. I don't mind admitting that I found your fantastic resource of videos and information when I found 'Operation Foot', which I well recommend. This is one place I would love to visit, if my mobility allows; though I haven't been over the Channel since Dec-1993. Born in Sept-1957, I have always been interested in the Cold War, Space Race and other events of the time. It was happening all around us on TV etc. It's been very interesting seeing all the comments from ex-forces, or those with links to each video- From former 'Wolfhounds, to residents. Thankyou all. .I intend to see all of your videos, and I have to admit to clicking 'Like' before even watching. Long may you continue producing these excellent videos.
@mikkoveijalainen74303 ай бұрын
Really good overview of the museum. Certainly looks like a place to visit for a military history buff like me.
@kevkeary4700Ай бұрын
Thanks for the great video 🙂 I really enjoyed it. I look forward to more of your creations in time , especially the cold war and military ones.
@01cthompson3 ай бұрын
Excellent video. Maybe someday I'll get there.
@basvanderree68863 ай бұрын
Impecable timing to cover Soesterberg 1 day before dutch war memorial day. I never considered the Soviets basically had a short list of targets for nuclear strikes but it does make sense and i am sure the US and the UK had their own lists. I love your deepdives into topics. The forst zina story really stuck with me
@pjotrtje0NL3 ай бұрын
FYI, at 2:55 : the 32nd received F-15s already in 1978… Starting with F-15As and Bs, getting F-15C/Ds soon after, and later on the F-15A/B MSIP - the latter seemed older, but it was a major step in radar and avionics.
@dennisb96383 ай бұрын
I absolutely love your Cold War video’s, Andy. This video about our National Military Museum was a real treat! Big thumbs up!
@timp39312 ай бұрын
A very complete and detailed video. I think when you say "scrapped", that means the piece of equipment was actually dismantled and melted down, rather than preserved in a museum. The airplanes in a museum are actually "saved" not scrapped.
@user-jy3io4iz2p3 ай бұрын
Hi Andy, if you're still in the country I can highly recommend Overloon (plz check if open). Been to Overloon, Normandy,Verdun and West Flanders (Ieper Flanders Fields as, Passchendaele Museum in Zonnebeke). Cheers from a Dutchy.
@AndyMcloone3 ай бұрын
I’ll be doing more Dutch history content later in the year.
@ColdWarFilms19473 ай бұрын
I was looking forward to seeing this video, and you did not disappoint! Thank you Andy, for another outstanding presentation.
@AndyMcloone3 ай бұрын
Thanks again!
@itsnotagsr3 ай бұрын
Great video. I echo this is a world class museum with lots of interesting displays!
@lordgandalf223 ай бұрын
Been multiple times there when it still was a airport and after. It's unique military base and the museum looks amazing.
@scoobydoostu3130Ай бұрын
I can’t find the Project E link, as always love these incredibly well presented and researched videos of fascinating periods of our recent history. Many thanks Andy and keep on producing these fantastic videos
@AndyMclooneАй бұрын
Still working on the final cut.. It’ll be uploaded soon .. check out the news in my Community Tab.
@pietvanvliet19873 ай бұрын
When visiting, it's perhaps interesting to know that a small piece on the other side of Soesterberg was brought under Scottish law for the duration of the Lockerbie trial.
@AndyMcloone3 ай бұрын
How did I miss that when I was researching this video , that should have been in the history section. 🤔
@dukeford889329 күн бұрын
The Scots used the old DoD school on the U.S. side of the base near the main gate.
@jamieblatantsparky3 ай бұрын
Fantastic again , I am guessing the project e video is comming?
@Hansaman583 ай бұрын
Outstanding video! I’m familiar with the former base via my USAF job in West Germany in the 1980’s.
@fortworthron3 ай бұрын
I was in the Netherlands back around 2005, and visited this museum, and was very impressed... But since then, they've added the new main building, etc and now I'd really like to go back! 🙂 Thank you for your nice tour of the new layout. I'm pretty sure I've watched all of your Cold War videos! 👍
@paulthiel51453 ай бұрын
The old museum (Militair Luchtvaart Museum or MLM) was Air Force only and on the other side of the highway as well.
@NickyDekker893 ай бұрын
I live right next to Soesterberg now and used to go there many times when I was a child :D
@edobeuze773 ай бұрын
Dear Andy, excellent video about NMM, for sure it is worth a visit! Thanks! 🙏🏻 Greets from NL!
@GustaafJanHeinhuis3 ай бұрын
Thank you for the great video. It indeed is a very interesting museum. One remark thou, the wooden observation platform didn't survive all that time. It was rebuild a view years back.
@seansmith81903 ай бұрын
Another great video Andy can't wait for the next one
@tdb79923 ай бұрын
You always have the most interesting videos Andy. I actually visited a decommission AF base in the Netherlands last year, near Enschede. Great place for bird watching these days. G'day from Australia.
@3142993 ай бұрын
Excellent video as always! Thanks for the overview, this looks like a super interesting place.
@svenhoogland90343 ай бұрын
I'm a Dutch guy, and never been there bcz its a 3 hour drive there from where I live, but damn, what a great video man!
@Teesbrough3 ай бұрын
Thank you for a great review. You’ve just added a new destination to my bucket list!
@fubar0snafu3 ай бұрын
great video, thanks for reviewing it and pointing out things i missed on my last visit.
@TheVeenmeister3 ай бұрын
That was a very nice video Andy! Next time when you are in The Netherlands, see if you can visit former NATO headquarters Cannerberg. One weekend in every month you can have a guided tour in it. And it costs only €7,50.
@AndyMcloone3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the tip!
@SimonWallwork3 ай бұрын
I was there for an airshow in 1981. It was a great trip. Highlight was I guess the F-15 display pilot crashing his brand new Eagle and writing it off- also I had a look inside Sally-B. 80-0007 was the F-15, from Bitburg.
@user-rv4pc5lp5x3 ай бұрын
Welcome back and thanks for this! Top drawer again! I think I suggested it some time last year, but have you considered doing a tour and/or hostory of any/all of the former RAF "clutch airfields" Laarbruch, Bruggen, Wildenrath and Gutersloh? Just two corrections to your vid: 1) the F-15s arrived at SB in 79 not 89, and (2) the aircraft you seem to identify in the museum as a Tornado is in fact an F-15. Other than that, thanks again and we're looking forward to your next Cold War vid! Cheers from Cape Town, SA!
@AndyMcloone3 ай бұрын
I thought I’d mixed the aircraft up, but once uploaded I’m stuck with the error. Trying to get out the Germany again soon.
@dukeford889329 күн бұрын
Actually, as part of the transition process, the first F-15's from Langley arrived in the summer of 1978.
@Mesofs93 ай бұрын
Thank you for this great video sir! Kind regards from the Netherlands
@harryfaber3 ай бұрын
I had a day's visit to 32nd TFS in 1977, very impressive.
@jasonmaccoul3 ай бұрын
Great content and video, Andy.
@Tom-Lahaye3 ай бұрын
Despite living in NL I yet have to visit this museum. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to see the F-15 in action during the only 5 years of operation at Soesterberg. Form the N238 right at the end of the East-West situated runway the F-15 would roar right over your head and pull up to an almost vertical flight. I think I had the luck to witness a scramble training, and a pair of F-15s with afterburners roaring and pointing right at you is something you don't forget. The funny thing is that there are quite some luxury forest villas right around this spot, I imagine it could get pretty loud in these places and roof tiles may have had the need of replacement after some of these take offs. Certain assets we now only have in the museum are dire needed in the current political landscape.
@illbeback2YT3 ай бұрын
Excellent report
@Backwardlooking3 ай бұрын
As always a very interesting and informative video. Thank you.👍🏻🏴
@davidcampbell35120 күн бұрын
Well Done
@Retirement_Life3 ай бұрын
Excellent video, Andy. I really enjoy these! 👏👏👏
@SnorreSelmer3 ай бұрын
Excellent video, now I know where to visit next time I'm in The Netherlands. But at 16:45 I spotted a mistake. You don't pan from a F-16 to a Tornado. The Tornado is a two-seat with a single tail-fin, what you're looking at there is an F-15 (single-seat, twin tail-fins).
@ashleyupshall76413 ай бұрын
Interesting vid Andy.
@rudolphguarnacci1973 ай бұрын
Fantastic! Wow! Speechless!
@Marc-vc1wo2 ай бұрын
Andy, Re: the Falcon panning around to a Tornado - I had to double check myself, but isn't that an F-15? The Panavia plane has a single tail fin. Edit: disregard, I see this has already been addressed. Great video.
@bobdinwiddy3 ай бұрын
nice one Andy :) #goedbezig !
@shaunkeenan92953 ай бұрын
Well done!
@stevenhill76143 ай бұрын
Hi .. Fantastic video. Do you think the airbase could be used again if needed ?
@paulthiel51453 ай бұрын
No
@DannyGloudemans3 ай бұрын
Did you know that from this airbase a QRA F-15 was scrambled to intercept the MIG without a pilot that had flown from Poland and crashed in Belgium?
@hilr013 ай бұрын
You where near my hometown!
@hansthannhauser15913 ай бұрын
Correction: S.A.M . is located on the Veldmaarschalk Montgomeryweg / Amersfoortsestraat viaduct.
@tjeknlgroen82523 ай бұрын
Next one in the Netherlands, the navy museum in the port of den helder. It has a collection of old decommissioned navy ships and I can give you a tour of you like 😂
@Chilly_Billy3 ай бұрын
Good video, Andy. One error though. At 16:43 you misidentified the F-15 Eagle as a Tornado.
@AndyMcloone3 ай бұрын
I always incorporate one error to make sure people are paying attention. 😇
@Chilly_Billy3 ай бұрын
@@AndyMcloone Very good! 👍
@TheYizumanАй бұрын
The runway still in use? It looks freshly paved.
@alexcane64583 ай бұрын
23:10 Thanks to the Norden Bombsight... ;) Yet another place to go on the visit list. Keep up the good work!
@bubobubo412 ай бұрын
4:04 Deutschland83 ran a storyline in which an undercover HVA (foreign branch of the Stasi) officer posed as an undercover uni professor in West Germany and headed up a peace movement as part of a subversion op. How realistic do you think that storyline was?
@blackhawkorg3 ай бұрын
The Dayton Air Museum is free... aircraft of all kinds and more. Two days isn't enough to see it all.
@scottyg72843 ай бұрын
Have you made a video about Weeze? Apologies if you have and I haven’t noticed it, I remember being able to explore the full place in the very late 90’s and again in the early 2000’s, I have the pics on photobucket but no videos unfortunately.
@SebastiaanKr3 ай бұрын
The planes doing a dogfight and the watch building is a replica
@iancorney40773 ай бұрын
Hi, I cannot find your Project E film on your channel.
@AndyMcloone3 ай бұрын
Sorry , its delayed while I deal with copyright issues surrounding some archival footage.. dont worry.. coming soon. Check out my Community Tab for updates
@niekbeentjes88493 ай бұрын
16:43 Its a F15 from the 32th not a Tornado.
@mikecakma54253 ай бұрын
Could you do Star City ?
@davenz0003 ай бұрын
It's interesting if you use the proper Google Earth and look at jistoric imagery, the airbase and buildings / bunkers nearby but not in the airfield are censored and blurred up to about 2007.
@paulthiel51453 ай бұрын
Like every other Dutch military and sensitive area around that time.
@caaloppi3 ай бұрын
Thanks for another great documentary. Have you considered doing the F9 Säve cold war air base near Gothenburg Sweden?
@viper74313 ай бұрын
The tornado is a f15
@dukeford889329 күн бұрын
I spent 18 months at Soesterberg in the mid-1970's. Holland was nice, it was an ok assignment (thankfully short), but the base itself was very primitive and the working and living conditions were not that great.
@olav1998oe2 ай бұрын
16:43 thats an F15 of one of the American squadrons stationed at Soesterberg, its not a tornado, great video otherwise!
@keesvanwesterop29543 ай бұрын
I recomed going to kamp amersfoort, it was build by the dutch to house troops manning the grebbenlinie. Later the nazi's occupied it and usid it as a prisonercamp. And small correction: that is a F-15 not a tornado
@oscarolie57433 ай бұрын
It's a public secret that we do have nuclear weapons at Gilze-Rijen airforce base...
@paulthiel51453 ай бұрын
No, that's actually Volkel Air base, but yeah it does house B61 bombs guarded by a small American contingent on base.
@findstabilisedohshit46692 ай бұрын
To bring a family there for an entire day?😢 That sounds awesome though unlikely