From troop accommodation and barracks to a conversion project
(Text: Ludwig Strauss)
The XNUMXs defined the second phase of a modern development of appropriate logistics for the Bundeswehr's air forces. At this time, nuclear retaliation strikes were still being planned and protected facilities were being sought. These were also found in the old gypsum tunnels under Hornberg Castle and made them the most modern Underground facility (UTA) for the Air Force .
1968: Groundbreaking ceremony in Neckarelz
Likewise, new concepts for material preservation and storage of military material required new structures for repair and storage. In addition to expanding the UTA, it became necessary to build a new troop accommodation facility (TUK) with barracks. After a long search for a suitable area near the UTA, an agreement was reached with the independent municipality of Neckarelz on a site near the Hardhof.
On May 5, 1968, the then mayor of Neckarelz, Wilhelm Weißbrod, broke ground for the construction of the troop accommodation in the presence of numerous guests.
30 million marks investments
Nine accommodation buildings, a medical and teaching hall building, the technical area for the vehicle fleet, and a farm building with a kitchen, dining rooms, canteen and a bowling alley were built on the approximately 27 hectare site for around 30 million marks. A sports field with a cinder track, a sports hall, large parking spaces for company vehicles and private cars were also created. This required a heating plant and helipad, as well as outbuildings such as a gas station, main station and other military facilities.
As part of a celebratory roll call, the military district administration V Stuttgart handed over the new barracks to the LVR 1 on February 1972, 4. The Mosbach State Building Construction Office was responsible for on-site construction management. Colonel Werner Panse, commander of the Luftwaffe Supply Regiment 4 (LVR 4), received the key to the main gate to the barracks. Many guests of honor from the region and the Luftwaffe Music Corps from Karlsruhe framed this historic moment.
Largest employer in the Neckar-Odenwald district
From this point on, the federal service flag flew in the new barracks. Around 800 soldiers from Trier on the Moselle, Mannheim and Erding moved into their new accommodation. The regiment took up its mission at the new location and set up offices, workshops and accommodation. For the jobs in the underground facility, the soldiers and civilian employees were transported by shuttle bus from the troop accommodation (TUK) to the UTA.
The subordinate units fulfilled important central supply tasks in the Air Force's logistical system. The LVR 4 had the task of ensuring the material supply of all air force units and flying units of the army and navy with air force-specific material. This is primarily operationally important material for all flying weapon systems. This order covers the three classic areas of supply management, namely supplies, repairs and transport.
In order to fulfill these extensive tasks, the LVR 4 grew to include around 2000 civilian and military posts. The regiment thus became the largest employer in the country at the time Neckar-Odenwald district (NOK). This also included subordinate units in Germersheim and Rheinböllen.
Integration in and with the region
Members of LVR 4 also contacted the Allied forces in Siegelsbach, the population and clubs in Mosbach, the Klinge children's village, and helped with relief operations in the NOK. Large barracks festivals, open days, public get-togethers and much more attracted thousands of visitors from the surrounding area every year to meet the members of the regiment and gain an insight into the work and tasks of the Bundeswehr.
Round annual anniversaries, changes in commanders, or changes in subordinate units of the regiment were often celebrated with solemn roll calls in the barracks or on the market square in Mosbach with the population. High-ranking guests from home and abroad, from the military and politics, often visited the regiment and were informed about its mission, facilities and performance on site.
40 years of the Neckartal barracks
On May 27, 1997, the regiment celebrated its 40th anniversary, 25 of which were at the Mosbach-Neckarzimmern location. In a ceremony in the Old Mälzerei in Mosbach, the LwVersRgt 4 was awarded the flag ribbon of Prime Minister Erwin Teufel. This is a federal state's highest award for a military unit. The “Great Tattoo” took place on the market square in Mosbach with a large proportion of the population.
In a third act for the anniversary year, a serenade was held at Hornberg Castle. This was linked to the ceremony for the naming of the Neckartal barracks. Numerous guests of honor attended the unveiling of the name plaque, which was immediately installed at the entrance to the main guard station at the barracks. After 25 years, people were able to get used to the simple name “barracks” or “troop accommodation” to the new name “Neckartal Kaserne”.
The general recognition and characterized harmonious integration of the Air Force Supply Regiment 4 and the garrison in the Neckar-Odenwald district shaped all these years.
2011: Farewell to the Bundeswehr
As part of a major transformation process and reduction of the Bundeswehr, the Air Force Supply Regiment 4 was disbanded on December 31, 2003. For this purpose, the guard battalion from Berlin held the “Great Tattoo” to call for dissolution on the sports field in the NTK. Numerous guests attended this solemn ceremony. Parts of subordinate units from LVR 4 were integrated into a different structure. Units from the Air Force NCO School were also temporarily housed in the barracks from 2002 to 2008. In 1989, 4 emigrants from the USSR were temporarily taken in and looked after at LVR 2.840 for several weeks.
The barracks complex was often used in a variety of ways throughout its military history. In spring 2011 the barracks area was abandoned by the Bundeswehr and the Federal Agency for Real Estate Tasks (BIMA) to hand over.
Conversion and new beginnings: INAST and TCRH Training Center Rescue and Help
Afterwards it took place through the City of Mosbach and the Community of Neckarzimmern extensive public participation took place regarding the further conversion of the Neckartal barracks. After two years of decision-making about the further use of the barracks area, the Mosbach city council made a decision in spring 2014 to change the land use and development. In autumn 2014, the company emerged as the only bidder for the entire Neckartal Kaserne site INAST. In addition to commercial use, mixed use was also possible.
Parts of the former barracks, especially in the accommodation area, were given over Training Center Rescue and Help (TCRH), sublet. Among other things, the TCRH provides infrastructure for: Central Training Center (ZTZ) of the Baden-Württemberg Police University ready.