Location
The Federal Republic of Germany is located in the heart of Europe. Germany is in the center of nine neighboring states: Denmark to the north, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and France to the west, Switzerland and Austria to the south, and the Czech Republic and Poland to the east. The country boasts a great cultural diversity, charming towns and attractive landscapes. Spangdahlem Air Base is located in the federal state of Rheinland-Pfalz, about 20 miles northeast of the city of Trier in the southwest section of Germany along the borders of Belgium, Luxembourg and France. The Bitburg Annex, which adds to base space and facilities, is located about 10 miles from Spangdahlem in the city of Bitburg. This region is known as the EIFEL. The base operator’s phone number is 011-49-6565-61-1110, or DSN 314-452-1110.
History
The 52d Fighter Wing, All Weather, was established on May 10, 1948, and activated on June 9, 1948. During this time, the 52d flew F-82 Twin Mustangs and F-94 Starfires. The wing was redesigned as the 52d Fighter-All Weather Wing on January 20, 1950, and then became the 52d Fighter-Interceptor Wing on May 1, 1951. The wing was inactivated for a short time on February 6, 1952. However, on April 11, 1963, the wing was re-designated and activated as the 52d Fighter Wing (Air Defense). Please visit the Spangdahlem homepage for more detailed information on our history.
Mission
Airmen, defending American & alliance interests…anywhere, anytime. Europe’s sentry & avenger! Provide combat power to the current fight. Surety always! Forge Air Force leaders. World-class support to our Airmen, families & communities.
Population Served
Military: 4,800
Local Nationals: 840
US Civilians APF: 200
Dependents: 7,600
Total Population: 14,000
Base Transportation
There is no shuttle service from Spangdahlem to Bitburg. Personnel can take taxis or use the base’s Share-A-Ride program. The services shuttle service from Spangdahlem to Ramstein, Frankfurt and other airports is available. You can find up-to-date shuttle-bus schedules at the base Lodging office, Airman and Family Readiness Center, COMBAT INTRO, or with your sponsor. If you choose to take taxis, they can pick you up on base, and cost will vary based on the distance.
Sponsorship
You should be assigned a sponsor upon your assignment notification. However, if you are within 60 days of leaving your installation and have not heard from your sponsor or have not received a sponsorship package, please contact your Airman and Family Readiness Center and have them contact the Relocation Assistance Program at Spangdahlem expressing your need for sponsorship assistance. Be sure to give them your name, social security number, gaining unit, and Report Not Later Than Date (RNLTD). You may also contact the Spangdahlem Airman and Family Readiness Center for more information or assistance at DSN 314-452-6422, 011-49-6565-61-6422. Please ensure that transportation is arranged prior to your arrival.
If you fly via a military contract carrier, you will arrive at the Ramstein AB terminal. If you fly commercial, you will arrive at Frankfurt International Airport. The Frankfurt Airport is about a 2.5 hour drive from Spangdahlem. Your sponsor may make arrangements to pick you up at the airport. However, if that is not possible, keep in mind that the 52d Services Squadron runs a Shuttle from the airport to the base. You or your sponsor can make the reservation 3 to 90 days prior to your travel day. Cancellations must be done 48 before the requested date, otherwise you will be charged for the service (please ask about costs when reserving space).
In order for military member to open a PO Box, the military member must provide a copy of their orders to their sponsor. The sponsor can then use those orders to help set up a PO Box. Until the member receives a copy of their orders, they can send their mail to General Delivery: Name of member PSC 9 Box 10000 APO AE 09123.
Temporary Quarters
You should make your lodging reservations prior to arrival by calling 011-49-6565-95-6500 or DSN 314-452-0500. If you are PCSing with a pet, you should also make reservations at the Pet SPA (Kennel). Lodging only has a small number of rooms that are pet friendly. If lodging is not available on base, you will be given a non-availability statement to stay in an off-base hotel. Please bring your lodging receipts to the Housing Office so that TLA may be processed.
Relocation Assistance
The Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) has a loan locker program to assist you as you get ready to move into your house (dishes, pots & pans, silverware, iron/ironing board, etc.). Spangdahlem AB does not have a Linen Exchange Program so ensure you mail blankets, sheets, pillows to the General delivery address (General Delivery, PSC 9 Box 1000, APO AE 09123) or send them with your unaccompanied baggage. You can contact the A&FRC at 011-49-6565-61-6422 or DSN 314-452-6422.
Once you arrive, your unit will schedule you for the 1 day Newcomer’s Orientation at the A&FRC. Newcomer’s Orientation will cover some of the mandatory briefings and appointments required for all inbound personnel (Safety, TRICARE, Medical, etc.). Also during Newcomer’s, you will receive briefings on the following topics. Finances in Germany, Customs, EO, Cultural Orientation, and an Information Fair. Newcomers also host a Train Trip to Trier twice a month on Thursdays. Newcomer’s have priority and and we can take approx. 50 individuals.
Critical Installation Information
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
Calling from CONUS to Germany:
Calling DSN – 314-452-XXXX
Calling Hospital from Commercial Phone – 011-49-6565-61-XXXX
Calling other organizations from Commercial Phone – 011-49-6565-61-XXXX
Keep in mind the time difference between Germany and the location you are calling from. Spangdahlem is 6-hours ahead of the Eastern Time zone in the United States. For example, when it is 0600 in New York it is 1200 or noon in Germany.
To call the base within Germany after your arrival:
Any Organization – 06565-61-XXXX
Bitburg Hospital – 06565-61-XXXX
Base Operator – 06565-61-1110
Helpful Information:
The mission of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is to protect the lives and interests of American citizens abroad and to strengthen the security of United States borders through the vigilant adjudication of visas and passports. The Bureau issues the travel documents that allow Americans to travel the globe and lawful immigrants and visitors to travel to America and provides essential cycle of life services to American citizens overseas. To visit this website, click here.
Questions or concerns with passports, visas or birth abroad paperwork? Click here for more information.
Moving abroad! Learn how to obtain your Official Passport. Click here to view a Hand-out concerning Passports for DoDDs and DoD civilians. Click here to view a Hand-out concerning Passports for Tourists and No Fee Passports.
Spangdahlem AB
Triererstrasse
Spangdahlem AB
Bldg 307
Spangdahlem, Germany 54529
Phone 011-49- 6565-616422 / 011-49-6565-616894
Phone (DSN) 314-452-6422
Fax 011-49-6565-617015
Fax (DSN) 314-452-7015