The Department of Defense announced today that the United States would cease operations at four U.S. Army, Europe, locations in Babenhausen and Aschaffenburg, Germany.

Due to U.S. European Command force structure realignment and transformation, and the attendant reduction in installation and personnel support requirements that have occurred during the past several years, U.S. Army, Europe, has identified Aschaffenburg Family Housing, Aschaffenburg Training Area, Babenhausen Kaserne and Babenhausen Family Housing as excess to the Army's needs.

Closure of these facilities will affect 21 U.S. service members, 44 U.S. DoD civilian employees and 20 host nation employees. U.S. Army units stationed in the area with nearly 1,000 soldiers were previously announced for departure or inactivation. This latest action is expected to save more than $9 million annually.

Facilities affected by this decision will begin the process of return to the host nation.

As with all stationing actions, the United States has coordinated with host nation officials before this announcement.

For additional information regarding this announcement, please contact USAREUR Media Relations at + (49)-6221-57-8694.