The 65th Air Base Wing is the American unit stationed at Lajes Field, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal. The wing provides base and en route support for Department of Defense, allied nations and other authorized aircraft in transit.

Where is Lajes Field in Portugal?

Lajes Field is located on the Azores Islands, a group of islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean about 2,200 miles east of New York City and approximately 900 miles west of Lisbon, Portugal. Lajes Field is located on the northeast tip of Terceira.

What military bases are in the Azores?

United States Forces Azores (USAFORAZ) is based at Lajes Field, Portugal near Lajes on Terceira Island in the Azores. In 1953, the U.S. Forces Azores Command was organized as subordinate Unified Command under the Command-in-Chief Atlantic.

How long are you stationed at a base in the Air Force?

The average time on station for enlisted members is four and a half to seven years. While not likely under normal circumstances, first term Airmen are eligible to PCS after 12 months’ time on station and career Airmen after 24 months’ TOS.

Is a tour the same as a deployment?

A military tour of duty is not the same as deployment. Deployment usually happens when military personnel is posted to a different state but within the same country. A military tour requires personnel to go for military duties in a foreign land.

Contact Information. Lajes Field – also referred to as Air Base #4 – is a Portuguese military installation run by the Portuguese Air Force. It is a multi use facility that hosts a few units from other countries as well. It is located almost 1000 km from the Portugal capital Lisbon.

What kind of military base is Lajes Field?

United States Air Force. Lajes Field is the home of the 65th Air Base Group, which in turn is subordinate to the United States Air Forces in Europe. The group provides base and en route support for the U.S. Department of Defense, NATO, and other authorized aircraft transiting the installation.

Who is in charge of the Portuguese Air Force in Azores?

Lajes Field remains Portuguese Air Base 4 under the direction of Headquarters Azores Air Zone commanded by Portuguese Air Force brigadeiro (equal to a U.S. two-star general).

Can civilian operators use Terceira Airport/Lajes Air Base?

Civilian operators may use Terceira Airport/Lajes Air Base after requesting a landing permit according to the rules inscribed in the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) for Portugal, issued by the Portuguese Directorate of Civilian Aviation (INAC).