65th Air Base Group

• Strategic Location: The 65th Air Base Group is stationed at Lajes Field in the Azores, a group of Portuguese islands in the mid-Atlantic. This location has been vital for transatlantic air operations since World War II. • World War II Origins: The airfield at Lajes, now operated by the 65th Air Base Group, was first constructed by the British in 1943 to support anti-submarine warfare and aircraft ferrying during WWII. • Cold War Significance: During the Cold War, Lajes Field served as a crucial refueling and logistics stop for U.S. and NATO aircraft, bridging the gap between North America and Europe. • Multiple Redesignations: The unit has undergone several redesignations, reflecting its evolving roles, and was officially designated the 65th Air Base Group in 2015. • Humanitarian Missions: The Group has supported numerous humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including Operation Allies Refuge in 2021, aiding the evacuation of Afghan refugees. • Space Shuttle Support: Lajes Field, under the 65th Air Base Group, was a designated emergency landing site for NASA Space Shuttle missions. • Partnership with Portugal: The Group operates in close partnership with the Portuguese Air Force, highlighting a long-standing bilateral defense relationship. • Key Logistics Hub: Lajes Field is known as the "Crossroads of the Atlantic," enabling air mobility, aeromedical evacuation, and rapid global response for the U.S. and NATO allies. • Historic Aircraft Movements: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, more than 7,000 aircraft transited through Lajes Field, showcasing its operational tempo and importance. • Community Engagement: The 65th Air Base Group actively engages with the local Azorean community, supporting cultural exchange, environmental programs, and disaster preparedness exercises.