Hohenfels AAF

• Origins in World War II: Hohenfels Army Airfield (AAF) was originally established by the German military in the late 1930s and served as a training ground for tank and infantry units during World War II. • Allied Capture: The area, including the airfield, was captured by U.S. forces in April 1945 as American troops advanced into Bavaria. • POW Camp: After the war, Hohenfels was used as a Prisoner of War (POW) camp, housing thousands of captured Axis soldiers. • Displaced Persons Camp: The site was later converted into a displaced persons camp, providing shelter for refugees and Holocaust survivors before they resettled elsewhere. • Cold War Role: During the Cold War, Hohenfels became a major U.S. Army training area, hosting multinational exercises to prepare NATO forces for potential conflict with Warsaw Pact countries. • Grafenwöhr Connection: Hohenfels is closely linked with Grafenwöhr Training Area, together forming one of the largest combined training complexes in Europe. • Major Training Center: The Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) at Hohenfels AAF is the U.S. Army’s only overseas combat training center, providing realistic training for U.S. and allied forces. • Aviation Hub: The airfield supports a variety of military helicopter operations, including Black Hawks and Chinooks, for troop transport, medevac, and logistical missions. • International Exercises: Hohenfels regularly hosts large-scale multinational exercises, such as Saber Junction, involving soldiers from dozens of NATO and partner nations. • Environmental Stewardship: The training area is home to diverse wildlife and protected species, and the U.S. Army manages conservation efforts to balance military use with environmental protection.