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Force reduction in Iceland reflects focus on new global threats |
The U.S. government has announced plans to remove its forces from Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, this fall, but reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to the island nation's security.
U.S. Ambassador Carol van Voorst and U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns notified Icelandic Prime Minister Halldor Asgrimsson and Foreign Minister Geir H. Haarde of the decision according to Terry Davidson, a State Department spokesman. |
The United States established the force in 1951 at NATO's request to defend Iceland and the North Atlantic during the Cold War. The air station served as a base for U.S. fighter and patrol aircraft.
"The decision is expected to take effect within the next few months, with no significant military presence in Iceland after September," said LCDR Joe Carpenter, a Pentagon spokesman. "Affected service members will receive new assignments that reflect current requirements."
About 1,200 U.S. service members, 100 DOD civilians and about 600 Icelandic civilians are based in Iceland in support of the Iceland Defense Force. The United States spends about $260 million each year to maintain its military presence in Iceland.
According to Carpenter, "The United States remains fully committed to the U.S.-Iceland defense relationship, the 1951 defense agreement and the North Atlantic Treaty. We look forward to discussing with the Icelandic government how best to ensure continued close cooperation on defense and security.
Story by Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service, Alexandria, Va.
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