Carl Schurz Kaserne, Bremerhaven

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  1. ursula says:
    February 3, 2012 at 4:38 am

    Thousands of US troops leaving Bavaria
    Published: 3 Feb 12 09:17 CET
    The American military will close two military bases in the German state of Bavaria by 2015 as part of a planned drawdown of forces stationed in Europe.
    The cities affected – Bamberg and Schweinfurt – will lose approximately 7,500 soldiers, according to mayors who met with the leader of the US Army in Europe, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling Wednesday.

    Mayor Andreas Starke of Bamberg said there will be a gradual reduction of troop numbers over the next few years before the bases officially shutter.

    Starke said although the closures would have “far-reaching consequences,” hurting craftsmen and other businesses who have made millions of euros from the Americans, he said it will also have benefits.

    “In a crisis, there’s also a chance,” Starke said, pointing to the city’s long-running need for new student housing to support the University of Bamberg.

    Schweinfurt Mayor Sebastian Remelé too tried to take something positive from the announcement, saying new residential housing was needed and that he could also envision new businesses moving onto space left by the decommissioned base. However, he said, 600 local civilian jobs were threatened by the closure.

    Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich said the federal government would be offering special assistance to the affected cities.

    “The federal government will surely help wherever it has leeway,” Friedrich told the Münchner Merkur newspaper.

    In January, the US government announced it was pulling between 10,000 and 15,000 military personnel out of Europe as part of redeployment to focus on the Middle East and Asia.

    The Local/DAPD/mdm

    Reply
  2. Ursula says:
    January 22, 2012 at 6:27 am

    Hi,

    Here are the latest news across the pond.Guess what, B’haven made it on CNN:
    http://www.CNN.com – Video – Europe
    “German town gains new life”

    your fishtown port reporter

    Reply
  3. Don Crout says:
    January 21, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    Ursula: Holy Mackerel!! I posted a comment a short time ago, regarding the 1953-1957 era in Bremerhaven. Now, upon readng further posts on this site, many from you, I find that you have a connection with Baltimore. I assume that is Baltimore, Maryland. I was born and raised in that city and my family was intimately involved in many local endeavors. The list includes various city schools, music (including Peabody Conservatory), engineering design, construction, etc., etc…
    Would love to share some history with you.

    Reply
  4. Don Crout says:
    January 21, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    WOW! Ursula, you’re a walking, talking encyclopedia! Since I don’t know your age, this may not be fair, but – what info do you have on American military in Bremerhaven, 1954-1957? I was there (41st/6913th Radio Squadron Mobile, USAF). I was housed, at different times, in both the Marine Barracks (Marineschule) and the Staging Area (later Karl Schurz). In my off-duty time, I played in a dixieland jazz band, including both Army and Air Force guys and a couple of Germans, mostly in 1956, at the Rote Muhle in Bremerhaven. Do you know anything about this era?

    Reply
    • Ursula says:
      January 22, 2012 at 11:39 am

      Hi Don,
      glad you enjoyed the info. regarding the old hunting grounds.
      “Rote Muehle” hmm? You know the bar belonged to the red light district and no “good” native girl would frequent this place.
      http://www.6913th.org/PH/BARS-Rote%20Muhle.htm -
      The daughter of Mr. Hoheisel now owns the tug boat in (Hotel Metropol)
      http://www.metropol-bremerhaven.de/

      But back in 1954-1957 the German economy left a lot to desire. For the Americans stationed in Germany, they all seemed to have had a good time. I do remember B’haven from the 50ies and how the Grosse Kirche (big church) and the city looked after the bombing of 1945.
      Be glad to provide further info. if needed. Let me know your e-mail address.

      Sincerely

  5. Wendy says:
    January 14, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    Just got word that we may be getting stationed in B’haven and as always a little scared and excited. Just wanting some info please if anyone can give it. Trying to do research on-line but falling short of my answers. We have 4 kids 2 in elementary and 1 in high school and one that will start college. Not sure how to start. Wanting info for schools, housing, colleges. Also medical care. If anyone could be of assistance that would be great.

    Reply
    • Ursula says:
      January 15, 2012 at 5:09 am

      Hi Wendy,

      maybe this link will be of help,it’s the “official” newspaper of the 590th Trans.
      PDF]
      “Warrior Logistics – In Motion” – 21st Theater Sustainment Command …
      http://www.21tsc.army.mil/…/TT3rdISSUE2011NOV...

      Take care

    • Ursula says:
      January 15, 2012 at 8:27 am

      Hi Wendy,

      browsing the net:
      The Germany Information Website – Great information for moving to …
      http://www.germanyinfosite.com/
      If you would like further information regarding life in B’Haven let me know your e mail adress

      Good luck

    • Larry Lance says:
      January 18, 2012 at 11:18 pm

      Hi Wendy. Maybe I can help you with answers to your questions. I lived in worked in the Bremerhaven area for approximately 14 years. Assigned as military for 6 (1978-1984) years and the rest as Civil Service.(1985-1988) (1990-1993). I left Bremerhaven in October 2011 after a year long stay.
      The only American Military unit assigned at Bremerhaven is the 950th Transportation Company. This company consists of 1 Commander, 3 enlisted and 1 GS 9 Civil Servant. The rest are German employees.
      There is no American School Facilities at Bremerhaven, no American Medical Facilities, and only a very very small PX facility. Medical treatment is handle by contracted German Physicians. To be quite frank, I believe that the DODDS schools are located at Wiesbaden or school located at Bonn. There are some blocked American housing for the personnel assigned to the 950th.
      There’s no exceptional family member program in that area for Soldiers or GS civilians. Bremerhaven is a nice city and has a lot to offer. Located close to the North Sea. Approximately, 2-3 hour drive to Denmark or Baltic Sea. A beautiful to live and work in.
      Let me suggest that you get in contact with either the Commander or the Installation coordinator for specific unit information. I have their telephone numbers available if you wish to have them. Best of Luck.

  6. Ursula says:
    January 13, 2012 at 11:54 am

    Hi,
    Thought you might be interested. Found this article in the Washington Post today.
    Ursula

    2 Army brigades to leave Europe in cost-cutting move
    By Greg Jaffe, Friday, January 13, 2:55 AM
    FORT BLISS, Tex. — The Obama administration has decided to remove two of the four U.S. Army brigades remaining in Europe as part of a broader effort to cut $487 billion from the Pentagon’s budget over the next decade, said senior U.S. officials.
    The reductions in Army forces, which have not been formally announced, are likely to concern European officials, who worry that the smaller American presence reflects a waning of interest in the decades-long U.S.-NATO partnership in Europe.
    Top Pentagon officials have sought to allay the concerns by telling their NATO allies in private meetings that the United States will continue to rotate Army units through Europe on training missions to augment the presence of the remaining two brigades.
    “In the briefing we’ve been giving the Europeans, we have made clear that there is going to be this rotational presence there that will be conducting exercises,” Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in an interview.
    “As a matter of fact, they will probably see more of the Americans under the new strategy because the brigades that were there were actually fighting in Afghanistan and weren’t even there. . . . What you are going to have is two [brigades] plus this large rotational presence that is going to be there.”
    The reductions are part of a Pentagon plan to shrink the Army from its current 560,000 soldiers to about 490,000, defense officials said. The cuts are being driven by a new defense strategy that calls for smaller, faster and more agile forces and a shift in focus toward the Asia-Pacific region, where China has been investing in submarines, fighter jets and precision-guided missiles.
    Senior Obama administration officials have targeted Europe for cuts because they recognize that reductions in U.S. forces abroad will generate less congressional outcry than cuts in the United States, where the soldiers pump money into local economies.
    The U.S. military maintains about 80,000 troops in Europe from all of the services. Cutting two Army brigades and the noncombat units that support them will result in a reduction of about 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers.
    Panetta’s idea of augmenting American presence around the world by rotating combat brigades or smaller Army units through areas on training exercises is a relatively new concept for the regular Army, which has historically maintained a more static, garrison-based force in Europe.
    During the past decade, the Army’s combat brigades have rotated with little rest to Iraq and Afghanistan on 12- to 15-month tours.
    “If we can develop these innovative rotational presences elsewhere, we will be in a position to basically cover not only the areas where we are keeping a key focus — the Pacific and the Middle East — but we will be covering the world,” Panetta said.
    He said the Pentagon envisions sending Army units to areas such as Latin America and Africa on training exercises as the Obama administration continues to cut the size of the U.S. force in Afghanistan. Such missions have typically been conducted by Army Special Forces units and the Marine Corps.

    Reply
  7. Ursula says:
    January 11, 2012 at 7:27 am

    Hi guys,

    I was reading the local paper (www.nordseezeitung.de) today. Sad news, the 105 year old lady, the three mast barkentine “Alexander von Humboldt” left her home port of B’haven forever after being sold to a private investigator. She is better known as the green sail ship from the Beck’s beer commercials. In the following days she’ll cross the Atlantic to take up her duty shipping the tourists around in the region of the Bahamas.
    A new book appeared on the market with some nice pics of the old homestead “Bremerhaven – Seestadt an der Weser” . The text is written in German, French and English. It is published by the Wartberg Verlag (www.wartberg-verlag.de), 72 pages, Price 15,90€ plus

    your
    fishtown port reporter

    Reply
  8. Larry Lance says:
    January 7, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    I lived and worked in the Bremerhaven area for many years. I served a six(6) year military assignment ( October 1978 – August1984 ) as the First Sergeant of the USAMEDDAC/2nd Field Hospital. It was my last assignment before retirement. I worked from October 1985 _ July 1988 ) as the Chief, Central Furnishings Management Office (CFMO), Housing Division, Directorate of Engineers and Housing (*DEH). Chief, Supply, Support Activity (SSA), Supply Division, Directorate of Logistics from September 1990 – April 1993 ). Located on Carl Schurz Kaserne except the Hospital. I have many of good friends in Bremerhaven and Langen. The majority of personnel Located on Carl Schurz I come in contact with in all the years. DEH, CPO, AAFEES, My wife worked many years at the PX Facility. I worked for Mr. Siegried Noetzel, LTC Alexander, Roger Reyna, LTC Halstead, Eiko Holzinger, worked with Dale Guyer. Hospital for COL. Sowell, COL Davis, LTC Alba, LTC Hinton and there are so many orhers. I lived at 11-4 Eckleinjarten, GrosserBlink, Entenmoorweg – Leherheide, Heideweg -Langen, Kiebitzweg – Langen. A great place to work and live.

    Reply
  9. Ursula says:
    January 5, 2012 at 4:44 am

    Hi Guys,

    the new year is here, B’haven is bracing itself for a stormy week with lot’s of rain (as usual) but temp. up in the fifties.
    Here is an interesting bit of info, regarding the do’s and dont’s of the German language.
    In Germany, the Oxymoron of Mr. Du Published : January 03, 2012 in Knowledge@Wharton.www.knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/
    If you’re interested in seeing some old pics of the discos in B’haven try this link
    http://www.discorevival.de/

    your fishtown port reporter

    Reply
    • Paul S. says:
      January 6, 2012 at 4:31 pm

      Ursula,
      Thanks for taking me back in time with the disco pictures. I was at CSK in 75/76. In addition to the discos we also went to the Atlantic Bar. Next door there was a little restaurant that had the best burgers and pommes frittes. After going there for awhile someone informed me that the burgers were made with horse meat! Didn’t bother me, I kept going back…………

    • Ursula says:
      January 7, 2012 at 3:47 am

      Hi Paul,

      that “Imbiss”" was called Niko’s. horsemeat? that’s a lot of BS. Although Germans do eat horsemeat , it has become more expensive than beef meat.Back in the 70ies the economy had picked up, so no more horsemeat. Do you remember the public toilets across the street, shortly before the Geeste Bruecke (green bridge ?).
      You had to go downstairs to get to the toilets, on the first floor an old man was selling the best Frikadelles (German Hamburger). In the wee hours of the morning after having danced the nights away, this was a welcome stop on the way home. What a mixture of smells !

      Those were the days, the building of Niko’s Imbiss and the little house across the street are still there. If you would like further info. feel free to ask.

      your fishtown port reporter
      Ursula

    • Ursula says:
      January 12, 2012 at 10:30 am

      Hi Paul S.

      thank you for sharing memories.
      Did you realize, the 69th trans. was deactivated in May 2010?
      Kaiserslautern American – News | 69th Trans. Co. inactivates after …
      http://www.kaiserslauternamerican.com/article.php?i...

      Take care
      Ursula

  10. Ursula says:
    January 1, 2012 at 4:55 am

    The Lowdown
    Elizabeth Norgard (news@thelocal.de)

    Celebrating Silvester in Germany
    No your friend isn’t planning to ring in the New Year with someone named Sylvester instead of you. Silvester is the German name for New Year’s Eve – owing to the fourth century Pope Sylvester I. Eventually made a saint by the Catholic Church, his feast day is observed on December 31.

    St. Sylvester’s day became associated with New Year’s Eve with the reform of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, when the last day of the year was fixed at December 31. But despite the holiday’s Christian name, many German New Year’s traditions can be traced back to the pagan Rauhnächte practices of heathen Germanic tribes, which took place at the end of December and beginning of January.

    Instead of recognizing a single day as the winter solstice, the Germanic tribes observed twelve Rauhnächte – hairy nights, so called due to the furry forms of the deep winter demons – or Rauchnächte – smoky nights, due to the practice of smoking the spirits out of one’s house on January 5. Bringing very little sun to the northern regions, the twelve Rauhnächte were considered days outside of time, when the solar and lunar years were allowed to re-synchronise. Silvester took place right in the middle of the twelve Rauhnächte and was the night of the god Wotan’s wild hunt, a time of particular commotion and celebration.

    As in many other countries, the Germans celebrate Silvester with fireworks, champagne, and boisterous social gatherings. Making noise is key: the ruckus of fireworks, firecrackers, drums, whip-cracking and banging kitchen utensils has been driving away evil winter spirits since the days of the Germanic Teutons. One of the most famous German firework displays takes place at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Private celebrations with Böllern (firecrackers) are also common.

    Besides being a fun spectacle, the light of pyrotechnic displays also provides a surrogate sun during the dark Silvester night. Suffering the winter bleakness in their northern regions more than anyone, the Teutons feared that the sun, which they thought of as a wheel that rolled around the earth, was slowing to a stop during the darkest days of winter. Perhaps as a sign of protest, they lit wooden wheels on fire and sent them rolling down mountains and clubbed trees with flaming cudgels. These practices are likely forerunners to the Silvester firework tradition.

    The belief that the sun was slowing to a stop also led to the German tradition of doing no work on New Year’s Eve: everything should stand just as still on earth. Above all no one should do any laundry, because the god Wotan made his rounds with his army of devils for a wild hunt during Silvester and would be terribly angry if he got caught in any clotheslines.

    Because the twelve Rauhnächte – now associated with the twelve days of Christmas made famous by the partridge in a pear tree – were days outside of time, all manner of supernatural events were possible. Spirits of all sorts charged through the night, either embodying the horror of winter or chasing it away. These figures still emerge in the Perchtenläufen of the Alpine areas of Germany, when troll-like forms cavort about with bells to drive away winter. Perchtenläufen take place in different Alpine cities between Advent and January 5, the last of the Rauhnächte.

    The Rauhnächte were also a time when the future for the New Year could be divined. Silvester in Germany still calls for oracle traditions, which often take the form of party games. Bleigießen (lead pouring) is the most popular Silvester fortune-telling tradition. Party-goers melt small lead forms with a candle in an old spoon and pour them into cold water. The lead hardens into a shape that supposedly bears a certain meaning for the New Year. An eagle, for example, indicates career success, while a flower foretells that new friendships will develop.

    Other oracle traditions on Silvester include swinging a pendulous object, such as a necklace or watch, and asking it a yes-or-no question. If the pendulum swings in a circle, the answer is “yes,” if it swings vertically, the answer is “no,” and if it swings horizontally, the answer is uncertain. Bibelstechen involves opening the Bible to a random page, closing one’s eyes and pointing to a random verse. The verse should provide some information or advice for the coming year.

    Those who stay home on Silvester in Germany are likely to be watching the 1963 TV recording of the British comedy sketch “Dinner for one”. The programme is an indispensable German New Year’s tradition since 1972 and holds the Guinness record for being the most frequently repeated TV show in history.

    Anyone in front of the telly will probably be wolfing down jelly doughnuts too. But watch out! At some point some Teutonic jokester thought it would be funny to put mustard in one or two of the Pfannkuchen as a funny surprise for his New Year’s party guests.

    For those who go out on Silvester, good luck charms and New Year’s greetings are often exchanged. Acquaintances may give good luck charms to each other in the form of ladybugs, four-leaf clovers, horseshoes and pigs. The phrase Guten Rutsch! is another common Silvester greeting. While many Germans now use it to wish someone a good “slide” into the new year, the word Rutsch more likely comes from the Yiddish word Rosch – which means beginning or head.

    So to have a Guten Rutsch! is simply to have a good start to the New Year!

    Reply
  11. Dieter Albers says:
    December 26, 2011 at 10:40 am

    Randy Beckham, US-Airforce “Carl Schurz Kaserne” Bremerhaven-Weddewarden-Wanna 1984-1986,
    wohnt jetzt in INDIANA – South Bend , Vater unserer 4 Enkel ( Ulrike Albers )

    Reply
  12. Gloria Najera (nee Lefevre) says:
    December 25, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    I remember the two lovely Christmases spent in Bremerhaven with close German friends and their families, I was stationed there from 1977 to 1979.

    I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have experienced Christmas in Germany with some very warm and kind people.

    Frohe Weihnachten…

    SCBPO Gloria Lefevre

    Reply
  13. Ursula says:
    December 23, 2011 at 4:18 am

    Hi guys,

    Christmas greetings from B’haven –

    May the good times and treasures of the present
    Become the golden memories of tomorrow
    In this loveliest of seasons
    may you find many reasons for happiness.
    To a joyful present
    and a well remembered past
    Best wishes for Happy Holidays
    and a magnificent New Year.

    Reply
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