Brunssum, The Netherlands – Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) welcomed the Dutch Chief of Defence (CHOD), General Onno Eichelsheim, on 25 March, 2025.
The visit was a continuation of goodwill engagements between General Eichelsheim and senior leaders from JFC Brunssum, which has been ongoing since 2021.
After a warm welcome by General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, JFCBS Commander, the CHOD received a series of in-depth briefings, providing clear insight on recent and future exercises and activities within the JFCBS Vigilance Area as well as on the current situation at NATO’s Northern and Eastern Flank.
General Eichelsheim’s visit is a great opportunity to continue building that relationship and to discuss current and future developments in times that are rapidly changing.
"We have indeed a special relationship with the Netherlands, our host nation, which has been extremely supportive of JFC Brunssum ever since we were established here nearly 60 years ago," said General Miglietta. "General Eichelsheim’s visit is a great opportunity to continue building that relationship and to discuss current and future developments in times that are rapidly changing."
The Netherlands serves as a troop contributor and transition nation for military logistical movements within NATO.
"The Netherlands serves as a troop contributor and transition nation for military logistical movements within NATO, said General Onno Eichelsheim. Besides, we are proud to be a host nation for one of three NATO’s operational commands. We will do our utmost in these challenging times.”
Following the briefings, Mrs Wilma van der Rijt, Mayor of Brunssum, joined the visit to talk about the relationship between JFCBS and the local area. Topics of discussion included host nation support and the future of Camp Hendrik, the installation where JFCBS is located. The city of Brunssum has been a host for JFCBS since 1967.