Lieutenant Colonel Ted Dempsey, USAF, founded the Orcas International Swim Team in August 1987. Today, our team roster includes an average of 70 or more swimmers who compete in Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, France and England.
 
As stated in the Constitution, the purpose of our club is to plan, organize, and provide a competitive swim team while promoting personal and team pride that models good sportsmanship within a cooperative spirit. A further purpose is to conduct recreational and social activities to enhance contact and build relationships with other military and civilian swim clubs in the surrounding area.

The Orcas are part of the European Forces Swim League (EFSL). There are two seasons: the Fall Competitive Season (mid-August to end-Febuary) and the Spring Season that focuses on swim technique training (mid-March to mid-June).

All children age 6-19 of Government Civilian, Contractor Military personnel supporting the NATO mission at Geilenkirchen, JFC Brunssum, USAG BENELUX Brunssum, or students at AFNORTH International School are eligible. By EFSL rules, the Orcas may also contain a limited percentage of host country (German) children and/or Dutch children, who are not otherwise eligible. Please call or email an Executive Board member if you have questions about eligibility.