VetFriends Members: 3,064,780

 
JOIN NOW

History of Marine Barracks Iceland

Marine Barracks Iceland was a United States Marine Corps installation established near Keflavík, Iceland, during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in 1941 following the occupation of Iceland by Allied forces, the unit’s primary mission was to defend the strategically vital Keflavík Airport and the surrounding area from potential Axis attacks. Throughout the Cold War, Marines stationed at the barracks played a key role in NATO’s North Atlantic defense, serving as a rapid response and security force for American and allied assets. The barracks remained active until the mid-1990s, when changing geopolitical priorities led to the drawdown and eventual closure of U.S. military facilities in Iceland.

Members

Load More

Gallery

More Unit Photos

ABOUT Marine Barracks Iceland

  • Strategic Cold War Outpost: Marine Barracks Iceland was established in 1941 as part of the U.S. effort to secure the North Atlantic against Nazi Germany during World War II, making it one of the earliest American outposts in Europe in WWII.
  • Operation Indigo I: The first U.S. Marines arrived in Iceland as part of “Operation Indigo I,” relieving British forces who had occupied the island to prevent a German invasion.
  • Geopolitical Significance: The base at Keflavík was key to controlling the GIUK (Greenland-Iceland-UK) gap, a strategic naval chokepoint for tracking Soviet submarines during the Cold War.
  • Joint Operations: Marines stationed in Iceland worked closely with the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and NATO allies, making the barracks a rare example of continuous joint and combined operations.
  • Arctic Training: The harsh Icelandic environment provided unique opportunities for cold weather and arctic warfare training for U.S. Marines, shaping cold-weather doctrine.
  • Smallest Overseas Garrison: At times, Marine Barracks Iceland was among the smallest overseas Marine detachments, sometimes numbering only about 200 personnel.
  • Cultural Impact: Marines in Iceland developed strong ties with local Icelanders, participating in community events and even learning to speak some Icelandic.
  • “Liberty Hound” Nickname: Marines stationed there were sometimes jokingly called “Liberty Hounds” due to their unique liberty privileges compared to other overseas posts.
  • Deactivation and Return: The Marine Barracks was officially deactivated in 2006, as part of a broader U.S. military realignment, but Marines have periodically returned for exercises and security missions.
  • Historical Legacy: The Marine Barracks Iceland is often cited as a symbol of U.S. commitment to NATO and Arctic security, and its legacy is remembered by both American veterans and Icelandic citizens.

Marine Corps Best Sellers

Go To Store