HQ USAFE (Wiesbaden)

Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) at Wiesbaden Air Base, Germany, played a pivotal role during the early Cold War period. Established in 1945, HQ USAFE oversaw U.S. Air Force operations across Europe, coordinating air defense, tactical, and strategic missions in support of NATO and U.S. interests. From its Wiesbaden location, the headquarters directed critical operations such as the Berlin Airlift (1948-1949) and maintained readiness during periods of heightened tension with the Soviet Union. In 1973, HQ USAFE relocated from Wiesbaden to Ramstein Air Base, continuing its mission as the principal U.S. Air Force command in Europe.