Airbase to close, sees helicopters leave for new location

SOESTERBERG - The move away from Airbase Soesterberg, also a long time base for U.S. Air Force personnel, has reached the point of no return now that the squadron Alouette III-helikopters has left for its new location at Gilze-Rijen. The departure of the Alouettes marks the beginning of the move, which will eventually see the airbase turned over for civilian use. The Alouettes are nearing the end of their lifespan but should be operational till at least 2012. The machines have been in service for forty years already.