USAG Wiesbaden

MISSION

USAG Wiesbaden integrates, synchronizes, delivers services, and provides infrastructure to enable Readiness, Theater-wide Mission Command, and support to Contingency Operations.

VISION 

The Army’s premier garrison in Europe committed to excellence in delivering exceptional services and state-of-the-art facilities to enable uninterrupted Theater-wide Mission Command across the spectrum of Operations.

VALUES 

• Loyalty:  Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and Soldiers
• Duty: Fulfill obligations.
• Respect: Rely upon the golden rule.
• Selfless Service: Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and subordinates before our own.
• Honor: Live up to all the Army values.
• Integrity: Do what is right, legally and morally.
• Personal Courage: The ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral courage.

HISTORY

The area that is presently Lucius D. Clay Kaserne has a long history dating all the way back to the Roman period, as recent archeological excavations revealed. In 1184, a national festival was held on the grounds and the German emperor Friedrich I knighted his sons there.

In later years a racetrack, which was well known throughout Europe for its excellent horse racing competition, was built on the site. On May 11, 1913 Prince Heinrich of Prussia landed in a field near the racetrack, thus completing the first recorded landing by an aircraft on what is now the airfield at Clay Kaserne. Around 1917, due to a decline in racetrack attendance, sponsors included aerial demonstrations as a regular part of the program. During these flying programs some of the most famous German stunt pilots made their appearance at Wiesbaden. Wiesbaden was not used as a military aerodrome during the First World War.

In 1926 a retired German Flying Corps officer, Joseph Aumann, conceived the idea of turning the racetrack into an airfield. Although Aumann's idea did not win public approval he managed to convince city officials that the airfield would attract more visitors to the Spas of Wiesbaden and stimulate business in Wiesbaden and Mainz.

In the spring of 1929 the Wiesbaden-Mainz airport was opened. Private and sport flying grew in popularity in Wiesbaden through 1933 when the Third Reich came into power. Flight training was organized for future Luftwaffe pilots at Wiesbaden during this time.

In 1936, Luftwaffe Headquarters in Berlin designated Wiesbaden Airfield as a fliegerhorst or air base. Construction of the military kaserne, the runway and hangar complex was completed in 1938 and the first German military unit, the famous "Ace of Spades" fighter wing, occupied Fliegerhorst Wiesbaden. Wiesbaden was used by the Luftwaffe throughout the second World War as a fighter and bomber base. At the peak of its use as many as 40 bombers took off every 3 hours on assigned bombing missions. Naturally, Wiesbaden was the target of numerous allied bombing missions and at one time as many as 76 bomb craters were counted on the runway. To this day unexploded ordnance from those bombing raids is occasionally found during construction projects close to the airfield.

In late March 1945, Fliegerhorst Wiesbaden was abandoned by the Luftwaffe and occupied by advancing American soldiers. U.S. troops remained on Fliegerhorst Wiesbaden after the war, and in September 1947, the U.S. Army Air Corps became a separate service — the U.S. Air Force. At that time in 1948, Fliegerhorst Wiesbaden was designated Wiesbaden Air Base and was the home of Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Europe.

During the Berlin Airlift 1948-1949, airmen from Wiesbaden distinguished themselves in support of "Operation Vittles". C54's and C84 "Flying Boxcars" of the 60th Troop Carrier Group flew missions daily from Wiesbaden to Tempelhof Airport in the beleaguered city of Berlin. During one day's operations more than 80 tons of food and supplies were airlifted from Wiesbaden Air Base. The streets on Wiesbaden Army Airfield are named after servicemen that gave their lives during the Berlin Airlift.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited Wiesbaden Air Base.

In 1976, USAFE and all USAF flying units moved to Ramstein and were replaced at Wiesbaden Air Base by a U.S. Army Mechanized Infantry Brigade. During this period flying activities at Wiesbaden were greatly reduced. In 1984 the unit was deactivated and the decision made to use the Air Base for its primary purpose — that of an aviation facility. Although it retained the name Wiesbaden Air Base, at that time Wiesbaden AAF became the primary airfield of the U.S. Army V Corps.

In 1998 the Air Base was officially renamed Wiesbaden Army Airfield. Prior to the Army's global rebasing and restructuring, the airfield served as the home for 3rd Corps Support Command, V Corps Headquarters, First Armored Division Headquarters and related support elements. As the Headquarters of U.S. Army Europe started moving to Wiesbaden from Heidelberg, Wiesbaden Army Airfield was renamed Gen. Lucius D. Clay Kaserne in 2012.

In 2020, the US Army Europe consolidated to become the US Army Europe & Africa under a four-star commander. In 2021, the 2nd Multi Domain Task Force (MDTF) activated. USAG Wiesbaden became host to contingency operations after Russia invaded Ukraine, and the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine element was established in 2022. 

Wiesbaden's 2023 population is now estimated at 290,978. In 2011, the population of Wiesbaden was 269,121. Wiesbaden has grown by 0.65% annually. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Wiesbaden, which typically includes Wiesbaden's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas. .

U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden is headquartered at Lucius D. Clay Kaserne in the city of Wiesbaden. 

 It also includes the Dagger Complex in Darmstadt, Germany.

The McCully Support Center in Wackernheim located in the neighboring federal state of Rheinland Pfalz, which hosts several of our logistics units.

It is located 20 minutes away from Frankfurt International Airport.

USAG Wiesbaden hosts a number of military units and service organizations, including USAREUR-AF Headquarters, 2nd Signal Command, the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, American Forces Network-Wiesbaden and several U.S. Air Force units.

The European headquarters of the U.S.Army have been relocated from Heidelberg to Wiesbaden since 2012.

The Wiesbaden/Mainz Community is located in the German States of Hessen and Rheinland Pfalz, in the central portion of Germany.

The city of  Wiesbaden is about 25 minute car ride from the Frankfurt International Airport and sits right next to the historical city of Mainz.

The region is rich in history and cultural facilities.   

Geographic location
50.05 North, 8.15 East

Area
20.390 hectares of which
5.598 hectares are woodland

Circumference
78.8 km

North-south-extension
17.6 km

East-west-extension
19.7 km

Highest point
at Rheinhöhenweg 608 m

Lowest point
Entrance to Schierstein Harbor 83 m

Height above sea level of the city center
Schloßplatz (City Hall) 115 m

Highest building
Marktkirche 92 m (church at market square)

To get the latest information on USAG Wiesbaden for newcomers, please go our official web page:

• https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/index.php/my-fort/newcomers
• Both communities are serviced by a shuttle bus during the work week.

Driving Directions to Clay Kaserne from Frankfurt:

• Take A3 to A66 (exit 47) in the direction of Wiesbaden.
• Take exit for B455 Mainz-Kastel (exit 6).
• Follow the signs to Clay Kaserne.

Directions to Mc Cully Barracks, Wackernheim from Clay Kaserne:

• Take B455 in the direction of Wiesbaden.
• A66 in the direction of Rudesheim.
• A643 in the direction of Mainz.
• A60 in the direction of Kaiserslautern.
• Take the Mainz-Finthen exit and remain on the priority road.
• After entering the town of Wackernheim make a left turn at the PODUS sign (left side).
• Follow the road to the gate of McCully Barracks

USAG Wiesbaden Taxi Procedures for Wiesbaden Installations. 

There is one authorized taxi company currently servicing U.S. installations in Wiesbaden, which is authorized to go to specific posts/Kaserne.

If you want a taxi TO PICK YOU UP from: Clay Kaserne or Hainerberg Housing, call Taxi Wiesbaden: 0611-444444.

Procedures for Requesting a Taxi:

1. Call the taxi company 
2. Tell the taxi dispatcher you need a taxi driver “WITH A U.S. INSTALLATION PASS” (Make this clear several times; this is critical. This is the “keyword”; if the driver does not have a pass, he will not be allowed on post.)
3. Specify your Pick-up Point (Just saying Airfield is not enough - clearly indicate Clay Kaserne or Hainerberg Housing, Mainz-Kastel Kaserne, etc, AND give a building number)
4. Give your name - Give your phone number (Cell phone preferred) - Specify the time of pick-up (Preferably in advance) - Specify number of passengers (see note) - Specify Destination 

NOTE: If you are traveling to the airport, report how much luggage you will take, or if you have a child stroller - this will determine size of vehicle sent to you. Taxi Wiesbaden has seats that raise for young age children to meet the standards - smaller children ride in the back with parent. However, if you have infants, you will need to bring your own child’s car “carrier” safety seat.

Administrative notes - All taxis (100%) will be searched upon arrival at the installation Access Control Point, even with US ID cardholders as passengers. - Taxi drivers without installation passes CANNOT be signed in to any USAG Wiesbaden installation.

GPS addresses:

• Wiesbaden Army Lodge - Mississippi Strasse,  65189 Wiesbaden Germany
• Wiesbaden's Clay Kaserne -  Erbenheim Flugplaz, 65205 Wiesbaden Germany
• Mainz-Kastel -  Ludwig-Wolker-Strasse,  55252 Mainz-Kastel Germany

GETTING AROUND

Please click the following link for useful information.

https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/index.php/my-fort/getting-around

Car Rental at the Main Exchange in Hainerberg Housing.

Hainerberg Mall, Texasstraße 1/Building no 7850, 65189 Wiesbaden

Shuttle Bus service is available for Service Members, Family members and DOD ID cardholders.

The bus schedule is updated via the Transportation Office. Unless specifically announced, buses operate on all American and German holidays
POC at TMP under DSN 548-7808/7809/7840/1800 or commercial  (0611-143 548-7808/7809/7840/1800

The route plan is established to provide essential service to Soldiers traveling within the community to his/her place of duty.  

Shuttle Bus service is available for soldiers, family members and ID cardholders in McCully, Mainz-Kastel, Wiesbaden and points in between.

Please call the Transportation office at: 049-611-143-546-6002 or  DSN: 546-2000

Hours of operation:

• Monday through Friday: 7:30 to noon & 1 to 4 p.m., Closed on U.S. Holidays and German Holidays.
• Unless specifically announced, buses operate on all American and German holidays POC at TMP under DSN 548-7808/7809/7840/1800
• or commercial (0611-143 548-7808/ or 7809 or 7840 or 1800)

Please click the following link for transportation options.

https://home.army.mil/wiesbaden/index.php/my-fort/getting-around

For additional information on the City of Wiesbaden and its public transportation, please visit the following websites.

Wiesbaden City Website

• City Buses -   www. Eswe-Verkehr.de (can be converted to English)
• www. rmv.de/en/

German Bundesbahn (Trains)

www.bahn.de (can be converted to English)

AAFES Taxis Stand

Phone: Civ (0611) 444-444

There is one authorized taxi company currently servicing U.S. Army installations in Wiesbaden, which is authorized to go to specific posts/Kaserne.

If you want a taxi TO PICK YOU UP from: Clay Kaserne or Hainerberg Housing, call Taxi Wiesbaden at Civ (0611) 444-444. RATES AND LOCATIONS

Procedures for requesting a taxi

1. Call the Taxi company. Tell the Taxi dispatcher you need a taxi driver, “WITH A U.S. INSTALLATION PASS please” (Make this clear several times; this is critical. This is the “key word”; if the driver does not have a pass, he will not be allowed on post.)
2. Specify your pick-up point. Just saying Wiesbaden is not enough - clearly indicate Clay Kaserne or Hainerberg Housing, Mainz-Kastel Kaserne, etc., AND give a building number.
3. Give them your full name.
4.  Cell phone preferred
   • Specify the time of pick-up. 
   • Specify destination. (Preferably in advance, especially if you need to go or come from the airport.)
5. Specify number of passengers. If you are traveling to the airport, report the total number of suitcases. American luggage sizes are larger than European sizes. Also report how many passengers will be going. This will determine the vehicle or if they have to come with two cars. These companies do not have many vans. If you have small infants, you will need to bring your own child's vehicle safety seat. It is not a requirement for taxi's to provide that.
6. Be prepared to pay in full with euros (€).

Be prepared to pay all taxi driver's in euros. Some taxis do not accept U.S. dollars or any form of credit.

*RESERVATION NOTE:

The best thing to do is call in advance and coordinate an appointment in order to get the larger vehicles. All taxis will be searched upon arrival at the installation access control point at any installation, even with U.S. ID cardholders as passengers. Taxi drivers without installation passes CAN NOT be signed in to any U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden installation.

To dial a German commercial telephone number from within the United States: Dial 011 49 and drop
the first 0 of the commercial number.

To dial a German commercial telephone number from within Europe, but outside of Germany: Dial
0049 and drop the first 0 of the commercial number.

To dial a Defense Switched Network number from outside of Europe: Dial 314 plus the seven digit
DSN.