NAF Lajes

NAF Lajes, or Naval Air Facility Lajes, is a United States military facility located at Lajes Field on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. Established during World War II, the base played a critical role as a transatlantic staging post for aircraft, logistics, and anti-submarine operations. Throughout the Cold War, NAF Lajes remained strategically important for NATO and U.S. operations, serving as a key refueling and support hub for military missions between North America, Europe, and Africa. Its significance continued into the 21st century, supporting operations related to the Middle East and humanitarian missions.