Spangdahlem Air Base

Spangdahlem Air Base, located near Spangdahlem, Germany, approximately 30 kilometers north-northeast of Trier, is a NATO air base with the United States Air Force as a tenant. Construction of the base occurred between 1951 and 1953, with the initial USAF military presence beginning on September 1, 1952. The base is owned by the German Federal Government and operated by the US Air Force, controlled by US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. It is currently operational.

Throughout its history, Spangdahlem Air Base has hosted various units and aircraft. The 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was stationed there from 1953 to 1959, operating aircraft such as the RB-26C, RB-57A, RF-80A/F, RF-84F, and RB-66 Destroyer. From 1959 to 1968, the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing operated F-100C/D Super Sabres, F-105D/F Thunderchiefs, and F-4D Phantom IIs. Following this, the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing assumed operational control from 1969, with squadrons like the 23d Tactical Fighter Squadron (F-4D) and the 39th Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (EB-66E/C).

On December 31, 1971, the 52d Tactical Fighter Wing was transferred to Spangdahlem and assumed control of the existing squadrons. The 39th TEWS was later replaced by the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying EF-4C and later F-4G Phantom IIs. The 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron was activated in 1976, and the wing transitioned to F-16C/D Fighting Falcons in 1987. On October 1, 1991, the 52d Tactical Fighter Wing was redesignated the 52d Fighter Wing. The base's units have undergone several reorganizations, including the inactivation of the 53rd Fighter Squadron in 1999 and the consolidation of F-16 squadrons into the 480th Fighter Squadron in 2010. The main units currently stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base include the 52nd Fighter Wing, the 480th Fighter Squadron (F-16CM/DM Fighting Falcon), and the 726th Air Mobility Squadron.

The base supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems, providing expeditionary air power and supporting contingencies. Air Mobility Command also facilitates cargo and passenger traffic. The airfield features one asphalt runway, designated 05/23, with a length of 3,055 meters.