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U.S. base in Iceland packing it in quickly
Naval Air Station Keflavik will be shuttered by OctoberEFL NAVAL AIR STATION KEFLAVIK, Iceland Many people at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, knew the base could be closed down. Rumors that the U.S. would one day pull out of the remote Cold War post had circulated for years, locals said, and talks between the two nations governments this winter hinted that movements were afoot. But few ever thought that when word did come about Keflaviks future, it would be so sudden or call for the base to be shuttered on such an aggressive timeline. There was a pervading feeling that, Theyll eventually draw down, but not during my time, said Tech. Sgt. Dave Oddo, of the 932nd Air Control Squadron. On March 15, however, the U.S. government announced it would close the base by this October, ending a 65-year American military presence in the country in just over six months. That was a jaw-dropper, said Staff Sgt. Rhodello Nuval from the 85th Group Civil Engineering Squadron. A mix of about 1,200 U.S. Navy and Air Force personnel man the base and the Keflavik airport, home to the 56th Rescue Squadron, known for saving scores of lives in the country in the past three decades. With the March announcement, airmen and sailors who signed up to live and work in Iceland for coming years suddenly faced immediate reassignments and household moves to different countries, plus an unexpected turn in their careers that some said alters their plans for their military future. We were really heartbroken we couldnt go over to Europe, Oddo said. Something like this, it really does change your mindset. More at link. Posted by: ryuge 2006-05-22 |
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