Army closing longtime bases in Germany - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Army closing longtime bases in Germany

Darmstadt Army Garrison, Germany, a prominent component of U.S. Army Europe for more than 60 years, was inactivated Wednesday as part of the ongoing realignment of overseas forces.

Another major element of USAREUR’s Cold War force, Hanau Army Garrison, will inactivate Thursday.

The Darmstadt inactivation ceremony was held at Cambrai-Fritsch Kaserne, and included U.S. soldiers from the garrison’s headquarters and headquarters detachment and a contingent of German soldiers from the German Army’s Supply and Maintenance Center.

In addition to Cambrai-Fritsch Kaserne, other facilities associated with Darmstadt Garrison include Ernst Ludwig Kaserne, Griesheim Airfield, Jefferson Village Family Housing, Kelley Barracks, Langen Terrace Family Housing Area, Lincoln Village Family Housing Area, Messel Small Arms Range and St. Barbara Village family Housing Area.

Recent units have included the 165th Military Intelligence Battalion, 39th Finance Battalion and the 578th Signal Company.

Until the base realignment process began three years ago, Darmstadt Garrison provided a home for 25 military units, 12 community service providers and more than 8,000 soldiers, Army civilians and family members.

In comments during the inactivation ceremony, Darmstadt Lord Mayor Walter Hoffman said, “63 years ago, soldiers of the U.S. Army brought peace, freedom and democracy to our city.

“In the past 60 years, we have enjoyed your protection, and by your presence you have ensured the independence of West Germany, preserved our freedom and given Europe the longest period of peace ever.”