F-15 Wolfhounds 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Soesterberg

Old home footage from Camp New Amsterdam, Soesterberg, Holland of the F-15 Wolfhounds, 32nd TFS. Circa 1985-1988.

[@SAC5665]

We lived in Amersfoort 72 to 75. Dad was in the SP's. Absolutely loved Holland. Best times ever!

[@32ndWolfhounds]

Awesome video!! I still miss the F-15's @ Soesterberg...

[@panchovilla6144]

As a kid I always went to the airbase for spotting, later in 1989 I joined the Dutch Airforce and was stationed at EHSB till 1999. In the summer in the morning when we where drinking coffee at the flightline it was always nice to see when the F15's took off with the afterburners :-) Great memories

[@mikejehn6665]

I was stationed at Camp New Amsterdam, Soesterberg Air Base, the Netherlands from December 1979 to December 1983. I worked in the Corrosion Control Shop, which is still standing after the base has been deactivated and all the ongoing demolition of the bunkers and old shops. In all my assignments I can say that being a member of the 33rd TFS was the finest assignment I had in 22 years in the USAF and living in Amersfoort, NL was a pleasure. I miss the small shops and the open market.

[@strategicapplicationsoluti3452]

I was at soesterberg for a couple years, 1991-late 1993, and decided to stop back for a visit this week...nothing at all is recognizable. I loved my time here and the people are still great as ever.

[@sammy-janevanmanen6047]

hii, my mother is looking for someone, from this time at soesterberg if you know specific names inside the base please let me know!

[@malvolio01]

We were there from 84-89. My gf and I visited in 2010. The state of Apollo was just sad. I stopped into the Esso station to buy a lighter and talked to the owner for a bit. When I told him my dad was stationed there when I was kid in the 80s, he sighed and said, ahh yes, the good ol days.

[@malvolio01]

@@sammy-janevanmanen6047 Who is it? I think my parents knew just about everyone. At least, it felt like it.

[@frontdesk9627]

I was born there, my father was a fighter pilot for the slobbering wolfhounds.

[@jeffrussell1394]

Jet Mech at CNA 1985-87. What a great time I had. Lived both on and off base (Zeist).$2 pitchers of Heineken at the rec center. Lambik was a favorite hangout. Jimmy from Jerusalem's had awesome schwarma's. The Spitfire's steak and round pommes frites and don't forget the fritssaus. The Dutch people were fantastic. I'm grateful I got to experience it.

[@jankoevoet4042]

I lived very close to that shoarma joint, and was in there often. We might have met without knowing :-)

[@jheroenb]

We lived in Soestduinen, which is only a short distance from the base as the crow flies. When the F15s took off or did tests, the screens were rattling against the windows at home, great time!

[@wolfhounds1]

I had the privilege to be stationed with the 32nd TFS Security Police 1982-1987. Hands down the best experience of my life. I met great people and loved Holland. I cherished every second of every day I was there both on and off work. Just a great bunch of people. Lets not forget having the guilder hit 4 to 1 on the American dollar helping :) What a blessing!

[@malvolio01]

Hell yes. I used to love touring the Quad as a kid. So many nice cars. Remember the gold 928 with the checkered seats by any chance? Or the red 911 convertible? (Driven by a young pilot. Can't remember his name. My parents would've known). I also remember going with my parents to the Mercedes dealership to pick up the European-spec 300 E wagon they'd custom ordered. LOL. Not even 15k. It was insane. Can't imagine a better time to be there.

[@greglange7111]

How did you get a hold of this video? My dad made this for his last flight in the F-15 in 1989 with his Sony BetaMax. Most of this was filmed by my dad and some of the last flight by my mom. You can see him tip his wings to my mom, sister, and I. This brings back so many memories of Holland. I remember standing on the hill with my sister and gomer while my mom filmed my dad's final flight. I was 8 and thought that all of this was the norm until I was rudely awaken when we returned to the states. It looks like it was edited a little to remove family members. Not sure if he made a different version for the base. Were you stationed at Soesterberg, or grow up there?

[@alexandervandehaar8359]

Thank your dad for a his service and his indirect positive impact on a lot of dutch youth! I miss pilots and the F15s eveyday.

[@bja2024]

Tell Heater Snapper says hello.

[@malvolio01]

We were there until 89. Spent a lot of time trekking back and forth between the youth center and flight line and had a couple friendly run-ins with Gomer. This video really brings back memories. Glad it exists.

[@malvolio01]

@@bja2024 Did you know Mike Engelmeyer by any chance?

[@bja2024]

@@malvolio01 Yeah, sure.

[@florus77]

i lived in hoevelaken,and enjoyed all the planes flying over,thx for the memories

[@BryanGold]

I can't thank you enough for sharing. Really took me back.

[@vapsa56]

I was 21 years old, single and had the time of my life stationed there in Soesterberg. Amazing base, and the Dutch people are the best. So warm and inviting. I miss the closeness of the people on the base as well. I miss walking from WS camp to Main CNA campus in the cool mornings. Taking Motaxi to the train station in Den Dolder. 85 to 88 but a Wolfhound forever! Sgt. Vic Perez, Soesterberg's first Base Small Computer Tech! Det 2003 Comm Sq.

[@sammy-janevanmanen6047]

hii, my mother is looking for someone, from this time at soesterberg if you know specific names inside the base please let me know!

[@verret63]

Thank you for the video. I was with the 32nd in a back shop, F15 Manual Avionics. Great bird and the 32nd was and remains a great unit.

[@Wiggy74]

Awesome video!!! My family was stationed there from 1985 to 1989. My father worked Command Post (NCOIC).

[@sammy-janevanmanen6047]

hii, my mother is looking for someone, from this time at soesterberg if you know specific names inside the base please let me know!

[@SomaliAirlinesVirtual]

Thanks for the vid ! It reminds me of the good years i lived near the base in the 90s today it's nothing the place is dead. I visited Soesterberg last week it's dead the 32nd TFS left it's spirit there you can still feel it with F-100 Sabre and few others 32nd TFS aircraft still there.

[@malvolio01]

I noticed that when I visited in 2010. It was sad to see. Apollo also felt very run down. Definitely not the same place.

[@ShellMartijn]

Awesome video! I miss that days... Many years I was sitting with an American flag in a tree watching the F15's. After the squadron left the base I bought a house at the Gemini in Soesterberg where pilots and crew lived during the years. Last week I went back to the base, it's now open for public and walked over the airstrip, visit some hangars, it was awesome to be there!! I miss you guys...

[@malvolio01]

They also lived in Apollo, not just Gemini.

[@ShellMartijn]

@@malvolio01 I know, also Mercury. I still miss those days :)

[@alexandervandehaar8359]

Thanks dor the upload. DAMN I really miss those days..and two big engines blowing out windows on take off... semper fi Wolfounds

[@stevenwagner8217]

Stationed there in 1962. Flying f102s

[@royrudd559]

I was stationed there for several years as a jet mech in the shop. I got to be a part of taking our birds to incerlik during the gulf war where we served the base well. The welcome home reception was awesome when we returned. Loved the years there.

[@sk8nsanta]

That dog's name was 'Gomer' you can see him in the video at 7:35

[@wolfhounds1]

Farewell to a wonderful place and time. I was stationed there from 82-87. I miss evrything about the base and the beautiful country of Holland. Great memories!

[@haroldhumerickhouse7904]

I was stationed at CNA 1974-1976 SPS. This brought back so many good memories. Now an old man I can say this experience has been pivotal in choices and decisions in my life. Good times, good friends, good experiences. Harold Humerickhouse,.

[@SAC5665]

My dad was in the SPs , 72 to 75. Tsgt Jim Cleaveland.

[@Pincer88]

Such a shame 32nd TFS had to move and disband. Miss you guys! The thunder in the sky of your might Eagles made many a young Dutch guy look up in utter admiration. Literally 'the only Royal squadron in US service since it had its squadron emblem adorned with the Dutch heraldic crown of H.M the Queen. Remember fondly looking up at the skies where Soesterberg Eagles slugged it out against Leeuwarden AFB F-16s from 322nd (Polly Grey) and 323rd RNLAF at a time nobody ever complained about jet noise. Heck, it was the sound of freedom! Seen F-15's strafing at the Cornfield Range (Vlieland, secretly watching from the dunes with binocs) in a time when the mighty F-111s from Lakenheath (UK), A-10s (I believe from Bittburg, Germany,) Tornados, Jaguars, Mirage Vs, F-16's came to hone their low level attack skills and strafing. Those were the days! For those of you who served with 32nd: thank you all for serving alongside us (I was a mere infantry soldier in the RNL Army). As a reminder of your much welcomed stay the Dutch National Military Museum show an F-100 Super Sabre and F-15A (original) both in 32nd livery and in pristine condition. Should you ever visit the Netherlands again, you might want to take a peek. www.nmm.nl/nl/stories/mcdonnell-douglas-f-15a/ This week (15 oct 2022) some of the old days have returned, with currently 4 AK/FF tailcode F-22s training with F-35As, operating from Leeuwarden AFB. It's been too long since we've seen twin enigine/twin tails tearing up our skies again. Here's a small taste of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ25ood9rpyJm6c&ab_channel=322_Smokey-Aviation Gives the term "homesick angel" a new dimension, doesn't it? Best of luck to all of you and your loved ones. Cheers!

[@malvolio01]

It was an amazing experience as a kid. Magical, actually. We lived in a house in Soest with a thatched roof, parents took us all over the NL and a good portion of Northern Europe. I biked everywhere. How many American kids got to visit places like Madurodam, the Anne Frank House, Delft, Scheveningen, Gouda and Flavoland on field trips?? When I explain it to other people, I don't think the uniqueness of it sinks in, which is fine. It was my experience, not theirs. We were there from 84-89 and my parents were there in the 70s as well for 4 yrs. Still have Dutch family friends I keep in touch with all these years. And yes, you're correct. It was the only US military squadron that flew the host country's royal crest. In fact, my father had to go once to the palace at Soestdijk to brief the queen's staff. Also, a little fun fact, that symbol (the wolfhound and crest) was designed by Disney. My father who was in the AF for 28 yrs and stationed a lot of places always said, there was no base anywhere else where there was such a strong relationship between base and community. For most people who were there, it was agreed that it was their best assignment. And that's in large part because of the Dutch and your hospitality. So, thank you.

[@Pincer88]

@@malvolio01 Thank you so much for the kind words and fun fact about the squadron's Wolf comic. The feeling was/is mutual I'm sure. I sincerely miss the days we stood shoulder to shoulder, your dad and his colleagues and my fellow conscript grunts of the Royal NL Army at the time. Either way, if your father is still alive, please thank him on behalf of me for his service and please tell him, that the older (and retired) RNLAF Viper jocks missed kicking Eagle-butt a lot, if only for bragging rights. In DACT within visual range the Viper was a handful for the guys in their "flying tennis courts," but they all knew that beyond visual range the F-16 would be minced meat in no time. A very good friend of mine, the late col. Willem Hageman (at the time major in 323 sqn at Leeuwarden AFB), told me lots about his encounters with your father's colleagues in the air. One thing he took away from that (and his conversion training in the US) was that : "Just when you think you nailed a Yankee, he buckled up and came back at you with astounding vigor and aggressiveness. Many of our junior pilots thus learned to respect them in DACT the hard way. And as for me personally, I miss the thunder of Eagles tearing the skies above my hometown apart. That was the sound of freedom. Cheers!

[@jasper007s5]

I was stationed the from 73 thru 76. F4-E days, electric shop. Great time to be there, except for the 4 lane bowling alley. Went back in 88 for a visit, it had changed dramatically. ( no more 4 lane bowling alley either )

[@Anacinc]

Thanks so much for this impressive upload! With the departure of these fine young American airmen from Soesterberg a huge gap is left... what a loss! Not much left of it today... in fact they closed Soesterberg in 2008 along with that throwing away the most impressive airbase, the cradle of the RNLAF.

[@jonkheerfm]

Wow...why did I missed this clip? I lived in Soesterberg and you guys really teached me to BBQ during Queensday! Thanks!

[@juliusbull]

They took away the BEST the USAF had in Europe 32TF squadron you will always have your crown ontop of your creast. Thanks for all the little airshows on the way back to the Base. Utrecht (under the flight path home.)

[@jsnpilgrim]

Easily the best post in all the USAF. Everyone was so envious when I told them I was stationed there. Goede tijeden!

[@vapsa56]

Same. 85 to 88. Loved it. Lived on the economy in the town of Soest. Loved my deployment there.

[@alexandervandehaar8359]

Thank you both for your service

[@provocase]

What made it so different from other posts? What were you're colleagues so envious about?

[@vapsa56]

The term "tub" was in no way in any shape or form a disrepect of the aircraft. I am well aware or the titles and awards of all the aircraft and the 32TFS that Soesterberg won. The pilot that took me up in her, during the surges of 21 May 87, refered to all F-15D two seater models as tubs. As the canopy of the two seater reminded him of the shape of a claw foot tub. On that day, the best day of my AF career I flew Bravo in AF 81-0065 and our wing man was AF 79-0028 A single seat F-15C model.

[@mikeferraro9707]

I was stationed there from Jun 83 to May 87..Dedicated Crew Chief on 79--0042...loved my career in the USAF...great memories and friends.

[@danieltarro2676]

The best assignment ever. 80-84 f-15 Crew Chief proud to serve in a country who remembers what the Americans did in WWII. Married a pretty Dutch girl and still go back on a regular basis. Was there to pick up the pieces when 007 crashed only 25 hours on her. Name then was Dan Pester,

[@pkoster5874]

Walked on the base just yesterday. It's closed now and part of it are public now. Brings back memories!

[@Rayiaea1]

P Koster I was in PMEL stationed there from 1981 to 1985. I calibrated the test equipment for the F15 Eagle. I miss those days but mostly the people I worked with.Ray Iaea (Massengale)

[@Codec64]

It's soo sad,it's all history:((...i spend thousands of hours over there,just to watch the beautyfull Eagles....but they are still fresh in my memory and will stay there all my life!!thx 4 the nice vid,it makes me a little emotional!

[@kuipersp]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I organized a tour on Soesterberg last weekend. Shame to see it will be destined for other purpose.

[@joostdeman]

Nice footage!

[@Rayiaea1]

I was in PMEL stationed there from 1981 to 1985. I calibrated the test equipment for the F15 Eagle. I miss those days but mostly the people I worked with. Ray Iaea (Massengale)

[@woodienoel823]

Wow our family was there from 1970 ~ 1973...........

[@rickvanschijndel3560]

thanks for bringing us MCdonalds drive in in huis ter heide and al the great memories

[@kellypetritz6259]

Yep Was there did that. As a Jet Mech from 1977 to 1980. Boy that first year of the F-15s was rough. A lot of us had to go TDY to Bitburg to fix their P&W F100 engines cause they had so many planes on the ground with two big holes where the engines were supposed to go. Had a great time there (not).and at CNA Thanks

[@sapphireblue5363]

Why did the Dutch have such a fascination with the CNA air base and the 32nd TFS? I did, but don't really know why. Maybe the Dutch, more so maybe than other nationalities, embrace those that are "other" and different from themselves, stemming from their seafaring history, exploring the world and connecting so easily with other people? I always loved the sound of the jets over my home town of Zeist, and sure enjoyed getting to know our American neighbors, and through them I got to know another couple, who introduced me to my current husband. It was love at first sight on a blind date :) Still together after 39-1/2 years! I'm his live Dutch souvenir, and he's my live souvenir of CNA :)

[@jankoevoet4042]

Maybe we, as a small country, knew darn well that we didn't stand a chance against the soviets without our American allies to keep them at bay. Ah, those were the days, shoarma at grillroom Jerusalem, drinking and dancing at Pinokkio and other places. I still have a 32nd badge, I keep it as a treasure, and it always travels with me :-)

[@malvolio01]

I think it had a lot to do with the fact that the Dutch, at least in the 70s and 80s, still remembered the war, and more so than other countries, remembered what we did for them during the war. I think that accounted for a lot of the relationship between the Dutch and Americans. In fact, we had a thing called Host Nations day at school. Older people would often come and talk to us about the war, what it was like living through the occupation and... again... how the Americans liberated them, and even kept them alive by constantly air-dropping food and supplies in. How much of the latter was true, I don't know. But they seemed to think it was. We moved from a small airbase in Northern Italy to Soesterberg in 84. I was old enough to remember the last couple yrs there. That sort of thing didn't exist at that airbase in Italy. And I know for a fact it didn't exist in Germany, where the bases there were typically much bigger, more removed from the towns, and the relations weren't great over all. I don't think it was a thing in the UK, really. Didn't exist in Japan. I don't remember any other place where my parents had so many friends from that country... even friends they'd kept since the early 70s when they were there the first time. In fact, my father was going to get out before we came to Holland. He told them the only way he would stay in is if we could go to CNA. Otherwise, he was retiring and taking a great job with Boeing in Seattle. True story. And yes, I always found it interesting and kind of amusing that the Dutch would park their cars at the edge of the runway outside the gate, often have lunch or whatever, and watch the planes take off. I've never seen that anywhere before or since.

[@F15Aeagle]

nice video

[@cookiemonster81]

Once upon a time !

[@breedtbruijn12]

Sure know!!!! The very best!!!!! Greetings Martin/NL

[@wolfhounds1]

@Farmerpilot13 I do remember the name. I think he was the commander towards the end of my tour.

[@spins321]

Those old A models must have been a beast!! Did you ever get to work C's?

[@Robin6512]

Does the SQN still exists? I did my ATC OJT at SSB in '87 and visit the SQN several times.

[@MaistoHelix]

I still miss the Eagles over Dutch lands... What a legacy..

[@Change6609]

Thanks to all US personnel that helped defend our country in the days of the Cold War! Btw: your F-15's and Phantoms were the best!

[@sk8nsanta]

Moody Blues - In Your Wildest Dreams

[@vapsa56]

@lougarou65 I remember Balls65, she was a tub. ( F-15D two-seater) LOL! I was stationed at Soesterberg AB myself at that time from 85 to 88. I was in the Det 2003 Com Sq. Got my instentive ride in her. Wow those were good days.

[@Robin6512]

Visit them when I had my week with ATC before I went to Dutchmil. Great bunch and an even more crazier wolfhound dog ;o) Goodby AK's

[@alexandervandehaar8359]

Btw why they were called AK? Or Alpha Kilo, motivation?

[@GusL1015]

Hey Mike, how are you doing? It's been a long time! Hope you are well. Gus (CNA - Dec. '78 - Dec. '82)

[@SirTjames]

great vid, was there 86-90 and serviced zulu many of times (weapons load crew) got an incentive flight in balls 5 in italy ('89) with the comander. great times!!!!correction 065 tail number, just looked back on some photos at EOR that were taken.i20.photobucket.com/albums/b215/tjames66/flight4.jpg i20.photobucket.com/albums/b215/tjames66/flight3.jpg

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Greg "Dutch" Masters and Scott "Muddy" Watrous

[@mikedamian2]

I would love to have a cap from that time, a green cap with 32 in orange........anybody?

[@Goldway88]

The greatest AF base ever!!

[@Farmerpilot13]

@wolfhounds1 Did you know col. Richard T Giblin?

[@dukeford]

I was there 77-78. Wasn't exactly wild about the place. Expensive housing (if you could find any), the weather sucked, and the base facilities were pretty marginal. Fortunately, USAFE shipped me to Zaragoza after 18 months because my section was overmanned. ZAB turned out to be one of my best assigments!

[@robertcurcio8480]

was there 82-84 Loved it ! Will never forget it .

[@sapphireblue5363]

My husband got stationed at CNA in June 1978. We met in October, got married ten month's later, and left Holland together in February 1982. We are still together after 39-1/2 years. No doubt it was my husband's best assignment as a single dude, but being stationed in Bavaria at Memmingerberg AB, was our most favorite assignment as a family with young kids (one was born there).

[@SAC5665]

You're the first person I've ever heard talk negatively about CNA. I love everything about the people and the place.

[@davidmarshall1975]

Sapphire Blue what was your maiden name? Did you know any of the 7 Van Werven girls or Den Han or Vos miesjes

[@davidmarshall1975]

We used to always go to Pinnochio, Fust or La Toi discos

[@Change6609]

@michaelpilot1000 Well, there wouldn't be much fun in attacking a windmill now would it? :-) Since a year or 3 we have some unidentifying Russian Bears flying over again, to and from the North Sea / UK / Atlantic. (classic cold war routes) They're always intercepted by Dutch F-16's. (If it ain't Dutch it aint much', apart from an american then :-)) Were you stationed at Soesterberg? Greetz from the other side of the ocean!

[@henkvanede]

Soesterberg is open again: go to Facebook and find: Vliegbasis Soesterberg

[@gopatornado79]

Minute 2:30...DECIMOMANNU AIR BASE!🤙

[@hugiebessie4513]

Great airplane, great time. Video spoiled by the music though.

[@kapottespatiebalk]

Why at the end the song "God bless the USA"? Wasn`t Holland good enough??

[@malvolio01]

Holland was fantastic. But it was an American base populated by American military, who are largely very patriotic.

[@prismstudios001]

Love the video...but...WHY the freaking,awful Top Gun soundtrack for the beginning?........Top Gun is NAVY!....Moody Blues kind of redeemed it for me though...

[@MuzzinMo]

3:30 typical durch landscape