It was a visit proving not only cooperation between different military units but also mutual relations of people from two cities – Szczecin and Rostock. Ground staff of the air base located near Rostock arrived in Szczecin on 20 April 2009 to see the city and visit the Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast (HQ MNC NE).
A group of 27 visitors constituted both military and civilian ground personnel of Fighter Wing 73 "Steinhoff", the German Air Force Base from Laage near Rostock, the only training centre for pilots flying new Eurofighters. It is interesting to notice that Colonel Peter Hauser, the current Chief of the Air Operations Coordination Centre (AOCC), an air unit collocated with HQ MNC NE, also served in that unit.
As the organisers of the trip Ms Gudrun Schuchma and 1st Lieutenant Lars Ritzrau explained, the aim of their visit was to provide political education combined with some military aspects. Such programme is usually conducted once a year. This time their trip included a two-day visit to Szczecin in Poland and one day in Schwedt, on the German side of the border.
About MNC NE
For the majority of visitors, it was the first stay in Szczecin, and consequently, in the Headquarters. Therefore, they learned a lot of new things about Multinational Corps Northeast during a briefing delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Detlef Schachel, Chief of Visitors and Observers Bureau. Among other things, the Corps’ structure, tasks and missions were presented as well as what it is like to live in Szczecin. Afterwards, all guests could ask questions to find out more about things they got interested most.
Intercity partnership
Guests from Rostock visited not only the Headquarters, but also went sightseeing to see Szczecin on their own. The main points in the itinerary included, for example, the Castle of Pomeranian Dukes, Wały Chrobrego as one of Szczecin’s beauty spots, a traditional distillery located in the city or an anti-aircraft and anti-atomic shelter.
Due to the fact that Szczecin and Rostock are linked by partnership dating back to 1957, the guests had a special invitation to the City Hall. Two representatives of the office talked about the development of Szczecin, planned projects and the cooperation between Germany and Poland.
All in all, the guests were satisfied with the visit. As one of the participants said, "it was great and interesting". As soon as they left the city, they headed for Schwedt to accomplish their tour of education.
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