While America has a substantial number of military bases on the homefront, there are also many bases abroad that help ensure the defense and combat readiness of the nation.
In particular, the wide array of allied nations in Europe and locations across the Atlantic help to enforce military dominance across the globe.
Allied nations such as Germany and NATO nations all help to support and house American troops throughout Europe.
Many American troops are stationed on international bases for allied forces, but we want to focus on the main bases that America has a larger stake in.
To maintain the international dominance that America has, it needs the help of some allied nations to let us borrow their land to help both parties thrive.
Here are the US military bases in Europe that are currently active.
US Army Bases in Europe
US Army Garrison Ansbach
Location: Ansbach, Germany
Founded: 1991
Overall Mission: USAG Ansbach is one of the primary US bases in Europe that is stationed for combat readiness when it is necessary.
Part of the larger set of bases in Germany, Ansbach supports any troops located in Europe and makes sure they are ready for combat.
The base supports the needs of service members and their families to help provide a high standard of living for military units in Germany.
Units Stationed:
- 12th Combat Aviation Brigade
- 405th Army Field Support Brigade LRC Ansbach
- 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment
- 7th Army Training Command
- 7th Engineer Brigade
- Ansbach Health Clinic and Dental Clinic
Official Website: https://home.army.mil/ansbach/
Related Article – US Military Bases In Germany
US Army Garrison Bavaria
Location: Bavaria, Germany
Founded: 2013
Overall Mission: USAG Bavaria was designed to help support combat readiness and to ensure community security for forces in Europe.
A part of Installation Command, USAG Bavaria plays a vital role in supporting the military community in Germany as well as the rest of continental Europe.
This base also supports a wide array of training functions as it helps to keep units fresh among a network of other installations in the Bavaria region of Germany.
Major Units Stationed:
- 102nd Signal Battalion
- 131st Military Working Dog Detachment
- 15th Engineer Battalion
- 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
- 18th Military Police Brigade
- 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment
- 1st Squadron, 91st Calvary Regiment
- 260th Movement Control Team
- 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron
- 2nd Calvary Regiment
- 39th Transportation Battalion
- 41st Field Artillery Brigade
- 493rd POL Company
- 4th Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment
- 4th Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment
- 527th MP Company
- 534th Engineer Detachment
- 615th Military Police Battalion
- 66th Military Intelligence Brigade
- 702nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company
- 7th Army Training Command
Official Website: https://home.army.mil/bavaria/index.php
US Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz
Location: Kaiserslautern, Germany
Founded: 2013
Overall Mission: Considered to be the premier strategic readiness installation in Europe, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz helps to provide mobilization and unit readiness support to the active community.
With a wide array of diverse military communities, this garrison is able to offer troops and their families all the support and comfort they need when in Germany.
The garrison utilizes the resources from each of its smaller units in order to form a powerful collective that gives army troops and their community the training, protection, and support they could need at any given moment.
Major Units Stationed:
- 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command
- 16th Sustainment Brigade
- 181st Signal Company, 102nd Signal Battalion
- 21st Theater Sustainment Command
- 240th Quartermaster Support Company
- 30th Medical Brigade
- 317th Supply Maintenance Company
- 405th Army Field Support Brigade
- 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion
- 7th Mission Support Command
- 92nd Military Police Company
- American Forces Network Europe
- Army Support Activity Black Sea
- Defense Logistics Agency Europe and Africa
- Department of Defense Education Activity Europe
- Joint Multinational Training Support Center (7th ATC)
- Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
- Training Support Center Baumholder
- U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus
- U.S. Army NATO Brigade
Official Website: https://home.army.mil/rheinland-pfalz/index.php
US Army Garrison Stuttgart
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Founded: 1990
Overall Mission: Similar to many of its German installations, USAG Stuttgart is home to a wide array of military and civilian personnel.
This is a joint-service military community that is comprised of a number of smaller bases where over 20,000 troops and civilians work together.
The base acts as a preeminent command and control platform for any potential operations that would need the full support of local troops.
Units Stationed:
- 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
- 21st Theater Sustainment Command
- DISA Europe
- Marine Forces Europe and Africa
- United States Africa Command
- United States European Command
Official Website: https://home.army.mil/stuttgart/index.php
US Army Garrison Wiesbaden
Location: Wiesbaden, Germany
Founded: 1998
Overall Mission: USAG Wiesbaden helps lay the foundation for service members stationed in Europe to help them stay ready and capable if the time comes for action.
One of the premier garrisons in Europe, this network of installations works to support all of those currently serving and those who they call family.
This garrison is also home to a diverse array of units that all work and train together to ensure the nation is ready for whatever threats may arise in the future.
Units Stationed:
- 102nd Signal Battalion
- 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment
- 209th Digital Liaison Detachment
- 24th Military Intelligence Battalion
- 2nd Theater Signal Brigade
- 405th Army Field Support Battalion, Logistics Readiness Center
- 485th Intelligence Squadron
- 4th Air Support Operations Group
- 522nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 207th MI Brigade
- 529th Military Police Company
- 66th Military Intelligence Brigade
- 7th Weather Squadron
- Branch Movement Control Team-Wiesbaden, 39th Transportation Battalion
- Company C, 457th Civil Affairs Company
- Sub-unit 1, Company G (USMC)
- Training Support Center Wiesbaden, Training Support Activity Europe, 7th Army Training Command
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District
- U.S. Army Counterintelligence (ACI) Europe, Wiesbaden Field Office
- Wiesbaden Military Working Dog Detachment
Official Website: https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/index.php
US Army Garrison Benelux
Location: Caserne Daumerie, Belgium
Founded: 2005
Overall Mission: USAG Benelux is a joint operations garrison that is headquartered in Belgium with various operations being seen through across Europe.
As a multi-national garrison, this base is able to consolidate what was once a wide array of organizations into one centralized command for greater efficiency.
USAG Benelux helps to provide an Army presence across Europe and allows NATO allies to get the help they need when they need it most.
Units Stationed:
- 266th Finance Management Support Center
- 39th Strategic Signal Battalion
- 405th Army Field Support Brigade
- 424th Air Base Squadron
- Armed Forces Network Benelux
- Allied Forces North Battalion
- Chièvres Veterinary Treatment Facility
- Headquarters and Headquarters Company
- Training Support Center Benelux
Official Website: https://home.army.mil/benelux/index.php
US Army Garrison Italy
Location: Vicenza, Italy
Founded: 2015
Overall Mission: USAG Italy helps to ensure troops and civilian operatives are able to stay safe and move through the region without any issues.
Being one of the major USAG support bases, this garrison helps to facilitate a safe and supportive environment for Army units deployed in Italy.
The units of this garrison consist of two army bases with an additional ammunition supply point that ensures troops in the region have access to whatever they need to be ready for deployment.
Units Stationed:
- 14th Transportation Battalion
- 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team
- 509th Signal Battalion
- 529th Military Police Company
- Detachment E, 106th Finance Management Company
- U.S. Army Health Clinic/Dental Clinic – Vicenza
- U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Headquarters
- United States Army Africa
Official Website: https://home.army.mil/italy/index.php
Air Force Bases in Europe
Ramstein Air Base
Location: Ramstein, Germany
Founded: 1953
Overall Mission: This somewhat infamous air base is the home to a dedicated air wing and houses many aircraft that are designed for airlift and expeditionary force situations.
The base is also home to many facilities that are similar to neighboring German bases that emphasize community and working with civilian partners.
Very recently, Ramstein has been chosen as the future home for the NATO Space Center, which will increase its importance dramatically.
Units Stationed:
- 3rd Air Force
- 435th Air Ground Operations Wing
- 496th Air Base Squadron
- 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing
- 86th Airlift Wing
- U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE)
Official Website: https://www.ramstein.af.mil/
Spangdahlem Air Base
Location: Spangdahlem, Germany
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Founded: 1952
Overall Mission: This NATO air base is the primary home of the 52nd Fighter Wing and its support group.
The 52nd Fighter Wing’s primary mission is to deploy F-16CM Fighting Falcons in support of NATO and U.S. initiatives.
Alternatively, the 726th Air Mobility Squadron provides logistics, and aerial transport capabilities to Air Mobility Command. The base primarily handles C-17 and C-5 aircraft that carry fully equipped, combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice.
Units Stationed:
- 52nd Fighter Wing
- 52nd Operations Group
- 52d Mission Support Group
- 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group
- 701st Munitions Support Squadron
- 702nd Munitions Support Squadron
- 703rd Munitions Support Squadron
- 704th Munitions Support Squadron
- 726th Air Mobility Squadron
- 470th Air Base Squadron, Geilenkirchen, Germany
- 480th Fighter Generation Squadron
- 480th Fighter Squadron
- 852nd Medical Squadron – Geilenkirchen NATO AB
- Air Force Medical Service – Spangdahlem
- Detachment 17, 372nd Training Squadron
- Detachment 518, Air Force Office of Special Investigations
- NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen – 470th Air Base Squadron
Official Website: https://www.spangdahlem.af.mil/
Aviano Air Base
Location: Aviano, Italy
Founded: 1954
Overall Mission: At this joint operations base that helps the USAF and NATO allies operate in Italy, this base is home to the 31st fighter wing.
The base has the facilities and resources necessary to operate and maintain its fleet of aircraft that are always training to be combat-ready.
In addition to USAF fighter jets and pilots, the base is a location where many combat operations abroad are able to be launched from Italian airspace.
Units Stationed:
- 31st Fighter Wing
- 31st Operations Group
- 31st Operations Support Squadron
- 606th Air Control Squadron
- 56th Rescue Squadron
- 57th Rescue Squadron
- 555th Fighter Squadron
- 510th Fighter Squadron
- 555th Fighter Generation Squadron
- 510th Fighter Generation Squadron
- 56th Rescue Generation Squadron
- 31st Maintenance Group
- 31st Munitions Squadron
- 31st Maintenance Squadron
- 731st Munitions Squadron
Official Website: https://www.aviano.af.mil/
Royal Air Force Lakenheath
Location: Lakenheath, UK
Founded: 1962
Overall Mission: This Air Force Base located in England is the only current point of deployment for US F-15 fighter aircraft and allows them to operate strategically across the world.
In particular, this base has been a primary center for deploying F-15 combat squadrons to Middle East locations, where they are used for strategic combat missions.
This Air Force Base is also one of the primary areas where the European command for the United States is located and helps to deliver strategic capabilities to the other side of the world.
Units Stationed:
- 48th Operations Group
- 48th Maintenance Group
- 48th Mission Support Group
- 48th Medical Group
Official Website: https://www.lakenheath.af.mil/
Royal Air Force Mildenhall
Location: Mildenhall, UK
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Founded: 1950
Overall Mission: This AFB was historically designed for large aircraft purposes and is still able to provide the space and facilities to assist essential support aircraft in the region.
A diverse array of units are active at this base and include the 100th Air Refueling Wing, which helps to keep other aircraft in the air for longer durations during operations.
This base allows for a strategic advantage for Air Force and allied nations as the refueling capabilities this base provides are vital for continuous air superiority in combat theatres.
Units Stationed:
- 100th Air Refueling Wing
- 100th Operations Support Squadron
- 351st Air Refueling Squadron
- 100th Maintenance Group
- 100th Communications Squadron
- 100th Civil Engineer Squadron
- 100th Force Support Squadron
- 352nd Special Operations Wing
- 752nd Special Operations Group
- 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron
- 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Group
- 7th Special Operations Squadron
- 67th Special Operations Squadron
- 321st Special Tactics Squadron
Official Website: https://www.mildenhall.af.mil/
Royal Air Force Croughton / Welford / Fairford
Location: Northamptonshire, England
Founded: 1950
Overall Mission: RAF Croughton served as a UK air base during the Second World War. Currently, it is the base of operations for the U.S. Air Force as a communications hub.
It also serves as the headquarters of several small American units stationed on former RAF installations scattered throughout the country.
These include RAF Welford and RAF Fairford
Units Stationed:
- 421st Air Base Squadron
- 422d Air Base Group
- 421st Air Base Squadron
- 426th Air Base Squadron
- 420th Air Base Squadron
- 420th Munitions Squadron
- 422nd Air Base Squadron
- 422nd Civil Engineer Squadron
- 422nd Communications Squadron
- 422nd Medical Squadron
- 422nd Security Forces Squadron
- 501st Combat Support Wing
- 501st CSW Wing Staff Agency
Official Website: https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/About-Us/Newcomers/RAF-Croughton-RAF-Welford-RAF-Fairford/
Royal Air Force Alconbury / Molesworth
Location: Huntingdon, England
Founded: 1950
Overall Mission: RAFs Alconbury and Molesworth are active USAF installations in the UK. While the land containing the old airfield has been sold, both units work together to support the new JIOCEUR Analytic Center.
They both also support elements of the 423rd Air Base Group and 501st Combat Support Wings.
Both installations were considered salable during a cost-reductions review performed in 2015. However, it turned out to be more cost effective to keep the two installations active to support current and future intelligence operations.
Units Stationed:
- Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe (JIOCEUR) Analytic Center
- 423rd Air Base Group
- 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron
- 423rd Communications Squadron
- 423rd Force Support Squadron
- 423rd Medical Squadron
- 423rd Security Forces Squadron
- 501st Combat Support Wing
Official Website: https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/About-Us/Newcomers/RAF-Alconbury-RAF-Molesworth/
Lajes Air Base, Azores
Location: Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal
Founded: 1934
Overall Mission: Designated by Portugal as Air Base No. 4, Lajes Air Base also includes a small contingent of USAF service members and a regional airport.
Lajes Air Base has made it to many an airman’s wish list for its mild climate with temperatures that range between 55°F and 72°F throughout the year.
The primary mission of the remaining personnel is to provide support to U.S. and allied air and sea traffic.
Its secondary mission is to support communications in the form of High-Frequency Global Communications Systems (HFGCS), ground radio, ground radar, SatCom, and cryptography to the base.
Units Stationed:
- 65th Air Base Group
- 65th Communication Squadron
Official Site: https://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000552780/mediaid/10485/
Morón Air Base
Location: Morón de la Frontera, Spain
Founded: 1941
Overall Mission: Located on the Andalusian Peninsula, the 496th Air Base Squadron at Morón Air Base is part of the 65th Air Base Group at Lajes Field in the Azores.
Administratively, both fall under the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein AB, but their wide geographic separation makes them worth listing separately.
Morón Air Base is currently also operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force 11th Wing, flying the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Units Stationed:
- 496th Air Base Squadron
Official Site: https://www.ramstein.af.mil/Units/496-ABS-Moron/
Navy Bases in Europe
Naval Station Rota
Location: Rota, Italy
Founded: 1953
Overall Mission: With an agreement between the American Navy and Spain, this naval station was founded to help support naval operations in the waters of Europe.
NS Rota allows for American and NATO-affiliated ships to safely come into port and get the necessary maintenance they need for operational readiness.
Three active piers and a diverse array of facilities allow this location to keep any fleet ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
Units Stationed:
- Destroyer Squadron 60 (COMDESRON 60)
- USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)
- USS Roosevelt (DDG-80)
- USS Bulkeley (DDG-84)
- USS Paul Ignatius (DDG-117)
- United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eight
- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Nine (HSM-79)
Official Website: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/rota/index.htm
Naval Air Station Sigonella
Location: Catania, Sicily
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Founded: 1959
Overall Mission: NAS Sigonella was established to take the pressure off the British Royal Navy Air Station in nearby Hal Far, Malta.
Currently, the base supports 36 tenant commands that include units from the Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, and NATO.
Sigonella’s mission is to “serve fleet, fighter, and family seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
Units Stationed:
- Armed Forces Network
- Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment
- Naval Hospital
- Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station
- Air Terminal
- Task Force 67
- NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella
Departments - 7th Reconnaissance Squadron
- 324th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron
Official Website: https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAS-Sigonella/
Related Article – US Military Bases In Italy
Naval Support Activity Naples
Location: Capodichino, Naples, Campania
Founded: 1951
Overall Mission: Although the facilities are owned and operated by the Italian military, NSA Naples is home to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
Leadership at NSA Naples is to support U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. SIXTH Fleet, NATO, and Combatant Commander’s strategic priorities.
The base aims to provide customer-focused air and port operations, force protection, emergency services, logistical and administrative support, and quality-of-life products and services to the fleet, joint, and allied forces.
Units Stationed:
- Armed Forces Network
- U.S. Sixth Fleet
- Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS)
- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
- U.S. Naval Hospital, Naples
Official Website: https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NSA-Naples/
Naval Support Activity Souda Bay
Location: Souda Bay, Greece
Founded: 1951
Overall Mission: Based alongside a Greek airfield on the island of Crete, this small yet important facility helps to support naval activities in the waters surrounding Greece.
The base is equipped with the necessary facilities and resources to help support Naval forces from the American and allied fleets when they enter the region.
The units stationed here are trained to help maintain the combat readiness of a diverse array of equipment and vehicles that are all vital to superiority in the surrounding waters and skies.
Units Stationed:
- American Forces Network, Souda Bay
- Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic, Detachment Souda Bay
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Resident Unit Souda Bay
- Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe, Africa, Central Public Works Department Souda Bay
- Naval Hospital Sigonella Branch Medical Clinic, Souda Bay
- Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella, Detachment Souda Bay
- Region Legal Service Office Europe, Africa, Central Detachment Souda Bay
- U.S. Air Force, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, Detachment 1
- USS Bataan (LHD 5)
- USS Hershel “Woody” Williams
Official Website: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/SoudaBay/index.htm
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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