Why PA75NAVO
35 years ago the Cold War came to an end. On the weekend of 12–13 December 2026 we would like to mark this event by, among other things, opening the Emergency Seat of the Provincial Water Authority in Middelburg to the public.
After 35 years, an end to the Cold War
35 years ago, the Cold War came to an end. It was a historic turning point that changed the world forever. With the fall of the Iron Curtain, the opening of borders, and the gradual dismantling of old enemy stereotypes, a new era dawned. East and West sought rapprochement, collaborations emerged, and millions of people gained new freedoms and opportunities.
On the weekend of December 12–13, 2026, we would like to seize this opportunity to once again open a large number of Cold War sites in the Netherlands to the public, just as in October 2022 (60 years after the Cuban Missile Crisis) and April 2024 (75 years of NATO). This is a unique opportunity to visit these sites, which are not open to the public very often.
During the Cold War, communication was an important part, which is why we want to try again this year to place an amateur radio station at as many locations as possible.
Opening of Emergency Headquarters
On the weekend of December 12–13, 2026, the former Rijkswaterstaat Emergency Headquarters in Middelburg will be open to visitors, a unique opportunity to take a look inside. Additionally, amateur radio operators will put station PA35EKO on the air and make connections with other amateurs.
Photo: PA3HFJ, entrance (now emergency exit) of the RWS Emergency Headquarters. There existed a small entry-building on top of the entrance.
In the 1970s, the Central Government wanted a bunker for its officials in every provincial capital. Because the Central Government had no means to build a bunker within the Veste in Middelburg, and knew that the Province of Zeeland intended to build a new office at Groene Woud, the Central Government turned to the province. It was therefore not an initiative of the province, but of the Central Government.
The bunker, which is situated in front of the actual building beneath the parking lot, was built according to the ‘Anthill’ model for 100 people, with room for 20 Rijkswaterstaat personnel. The primary function of the State Bunker was to keep the Western Scheldt navigable in the event of a nuclear threat.
More information
Naturally, much more information about the Cold War and its end can be found on the internet. A good starting point is Wikipedia.
Photo: The fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989.
SOURCE PHOTO: LEAR 21, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
