WIESBADEN, Germany -- U.S. Army Europe personnel helped the Bundeswehr, or German Armed Forces, conduct its annual open house day, "Tag der Bundeswehr," June 10.

At 16 locations throughout the country, kasernes were opened for the public to inform about the military, career opportunities in the Bundeswehr as well as about current missions and engagements.

More than 270,000 guests visited the installations and were impressed by the displayed capabilities, equipment and infrastructure.

In the vicinity of Cologne, at the Bundessprachenamt, or federal speaking office, in Huerth, the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade participated with an AH 64 Apache helicopter. During the day's festivities, the Apache landed nearby shortly before 1 p.m.

After an impressive landing maneuver, pilots Chief Warrant Officer 3 Adam Lietz and First Lt. Ryan Eckerson, were warmly welcomed by overwhelming applause by more than 2,000 spectators.

The Apache's crew then answered hundreds of questions from visitors for the rest of the day. The most often asked question was why the U.S. Army participates in the Bundeswehr's open houses.

"As we are fighting together shoulder by shoulder in exercises and missions throughout the world, it is obvious that (U.S. Army Europe) is also interested in displaying its close relation in public events such as the tag der Bundeswehr," Lietz said.