Rhein-Main's alive and kicking - Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany remains active, despite plans to close it in 2005 - Brief Article

Airman, March, 2001 by Louts A. Arano-Barradas

RHEIN-MAIN AIR BASE, Germany -- OK, so this base isn't what it used to be. it's not the "gateway to Europe" of past years, or the hectic air hub of the Bosnia crisis and Allied Force.

But it's still a strategic base. And though it's due to close in 2005, it's still alive and kicking.

Until then, the base will stay ready to support any major event that comes its way. And that could happen any time, said Col. Stephen Nelson, 469th Air Base Group commander,

"We're a living, breathing base ready to provide rapid spin-up to support any contingency," he said. And it provides the day-to-day support base people need to maintain their quality of life.

At one time, the base had 10,000 people. Now it has some 1,500 airmen and civilian workers, and about 1,100 family members. Most live in base housing. They still have a hospital, exchange. commissary, theater and gym. And they have an active morale, welfare and recreation program.

"There's much to do. And we still have a lot to offer," Nelson said.

Rhein-Main, which is in Frankfurt, has 30 units. And it processes all mail bound for U.S. military units In Europe. Plus, all soldiers bound for posts in Germany process through there.

The busiest unit is the 16th Expeditionary Support Squadron. It processes airmen bound for, and returning from, Bosnia and other bases supporting Operations joint Forge and Joint Guardian.

"We stay busy," Nelson said. "It's too bad some people think we've closed."

Carlo Laurla knows that's not true. He owns the Zum Romer restaurant and pizzeria in nearby Schwanheim. Base troops and their families have gone there to eat for 20 years.

"Many of them are my Mends," he said. "And it will be a sad day when they all leave."