The Department of Defense announced today that the United States will cease operations at several U.S. Army Europe communications, training, support, and housing sites in Germany and return them to the host nation in fiscal 2007.

In light of today's security environment and the U.S. European Command's force structure realignment and transformation, it was determined that the capabilities provided by these installations are no longer required. Facilities affected by this decision are:

- Digital European Backbone sites: Melibokus, Koenigstuhl, Stocksberg, Bonstetten, Friolzheim, Hohenstadt, Heidenheim

- Brandhof Radio Relay Site and Reinwarzhofen Radio Relay Facility, Ansback area

- Hohe Warte Local Training Area, Giessen area

- Amberg Family Housing and Pond Barracks, Vilseck area

- Blink Family Housing, Bremerhaven area

- Darby Kaserne, Nuernberg

- Edingen Radio Receiver, Heidelberg area

- Gruenstadt Communications Station, Mannheim area

- Osterfelderstrasse Housing Area (partial return of the Unaccompanied Officer Quarters), Garmisch

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

For additional information regarding this announcement, please contact U.S. Army Europe public affairs at +(49)-6221-578934.