Soesterberg Air Base has a rich and dynamic history that reflects significant periods in military and geopolitical changes over the 20th century. In 1913, the airfield at Soesterberg became the cradle of military aviation in the Netherlands. During World War I, the Netherlands was a neutral country, and border control flights were carried out from Soesterberg. Foreign aircraft that landed in the Netherlands during the conflict were confiscated. Operational ones were used for testing and pilot training.

During World War II, the airfield was occupied by the German Luftwaffe after the Netherlands was overrun in 1940. The Germans expanded the base significantly and used it for bombing missions over England and defensive actions against Allied forces.

Post-war, the airfield played a role during the Cold War era. In 1954, the United States Air Force established a presence at Soesterberg, designating it as a base for the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron. The Americans called the base "Camp New Amsterdam". This American presence was intended as a deterrent to Soviet threats during the Cold War. This phase lasted until the end of the Cold War, after which American operations ceased in 1994. Following the withdrawal of American forces, the Dutch continued to use it for various military purposes until its final closure in 2008. The area was transformed into a nature reserve, and it hosts the National Military Museum, which opened in 2014.

Large parts of the former airbase are freely accessible today. The site contains many remnants from its rich past.

See also: Fliegerhorst