JOHAN VISSCHEDIJK PHOTO No. 7333. Sud Aviation SE 3130 Alouette (Lark) II (76+09 c/n 1563/C282) German Army
Photographed near Schöppingen, Germany, September 1983
01/31/2008. The Dutch Army exercise "Atlantic Lion" took place in the
Netherlands and Western Germany between September 17 and October 1,
1983, incorporating 24,000 men. Forces from the USA (11,000), Germany
(5,000) and the UK (600) participated. The US troops, from the Army
1st Cavalry Division, were brought to Europe as part of the US
exercise "Reforger 83" (Return Forces to Europe), it was the first
time an US Army division was placed under Dutch command.
"Reforger" was an exercise held annually since 1964 to test the
procedures for a speedy reinforcement of troops in Europe, in 1983 it
were 17,000 men and part of their equipment. NATO air forces
participated as part of their exercise "Cold Fire".
The pictured helicopter was used by the exercise referees (hence the
partly visible white cross just in front of the tail boom) and
belonged to the Heeresfliegerstaffel 3 in Rotenburg/Wümme. Produced in
1957, it is presently preserved at the Helicoptermuseum at Bückeburg,
Germany.