US Navy takes control of Deveselu military base

US naval forces assumed control on October 10 of the military base in Deveselu, southern Romania, which hosts the NATO land-ballistic missile defense system.

Marking the event, Rear Adm. John Scorby, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, said: “Today’s ceremony is an important milestone as we improve our ballistic missile defense capability in Europe. […] Our continued close work with our Romanian partners exemplifies how crucial our European allies are to building up NATO’s overall ballistic missile defense system.”

Construction of the base started in October 2013, with the support facility set to become fully operational in late 2015. US-based engineering group KBR will build the supporting facilities of the Deveselu air base. Last summer, the company was awarded the USD 134 million contract by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District.

Romania will also spend USD 1.2 million through to 2015 on enhancing the utilities network and revamping barracks for Romanian personnel within the base.

Capt. Bill Garren assumed duties as the first commanding officer of the Deveselu base.

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“It’s an honor to be here and have the opportunity to work with this international team of dedicated professional who are building the future of ballistic missile defense in Europe,” said Garren. “We have a lot of work ahead of us but our future success rests on the shoulders of this outstanding United States/Romania team. So, we have all we need to excel.”

The ballistic system at the Romanian base will be almost identical to that used on Navy Aegis-capable guided-missile destroyers and cruisers. The system is designed to destroy ballistic missiles in flight.

The base spans about 430 acres and consists of a fire-control radar deckhouse with an associated Aegis command, control and communications suite. It will also house several launch modules for missiles and be staffed by about 200 US military personnel, government civilians and support contractors.

A second missile defense shield is set to become operational in Poland in 2018.

Romania has signed a partnership for the 21st century with the US, designed to enhance political, economical and military relationships between the two countries.