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WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 1997 – Six U.S. military installations in Germany will return to German control, according to a statement from the Pentagon Feb. 19. The return is part of troop and base realignment moves at U.S. installations in Europe.
Besides the six areas identified, five other German-based installations -- named earlier as partial returns -- will now return to German control. All closings will occur before the end of 1998 and will affect nearly 4,500 Army and Air Force members in Europe. Of the six new areas slated to close, four are in Augsburg, west of Munich. These include Sheridan Kaserne, Gablingen Kaserne, the Fryar Circle Family Housing Area and the Sullivan Heights Family Housing Area. Two other Augsburg housing areas -- Centerville and Cramerton -- will also close, as will the Deuringen and Lechfeld training areas. These four areas were partial returns and Defense officials said these moves will close all U.S. Army facilities in the Augsburg area. In addition to the Augsburg sites, DoD will return the Ruppertsweiler Warehouse in Pirmasens, Ayers Kaserne in Kirchgoens and the military storage area in Najbollenbach to the German government. Defense officials said the Giessen General Depot, named earlier as a partial return, will now remain a U.S. installation. U.S. Army Europe spokeswoman Connie Gillette said some of the 1st Armored Division units leaving Kirchgoens will move to Giessen, while other units will transfer to Ray Barracks in Friedberg. Earlier in February, DoD officials said Pirinclik Air Base would return to Turkish control.
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