View source for RoAF 57th Air Base

{{Short description|Air base in Romania}}
{{Infobox military installation
|name=RoAF 57th Air Base
|native_name={{lang|ro|Baza 57 Aeriană "Căpitan Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino"}}
|ensign=
|ensign_size=
|pushpin_map= Romania#Europe
|partof=
|location= [[Mihail Kogălniceanu, Constanța|Mihail Kogălniceanu]]
|nearest_town= [[Constanța]]
|country= [[Romania]]
|image= MK Air Base during Ramstein Legacy 2024.jpg
|image_size= 
|caption= British and Finnish fighter jets prepare to scramble during exercise Ramstein Legacy 2024
|image2= Baza 57 aeriana - 2023.svg
|image2_size= 200px
|caption2= Coat of arms of the 57th Air Base
|type=
|code=
|built=1955
|builder=
|materials=
|height=
|used=1955–present
|demolished=
|condition=
|ownership=
|controlledby= {{air force|Romania}}<br>{{army|United States}}
|garrison=
|current_commander=''[[General de flotilă aeriană]]'' Nicolae Crețu
|occupants=*572nd Helicopter Squadron
|battles=
|events=
<!-- begin airfield information -->
| IATA         = CND
| ICAO         = LRCK
| elevation    = {{Convert|107|m|0}}
| coordinates  = {{Coord|44|21|46.79|N|28|29|13.19|E|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| r1-number    = 18/36
| r1-length    = {{Convert|3,500|m|0}}
| r1-surface   = [[Concrete]]
}}

The '''57th Air Base "Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino"''' ({{langx|ro|Baza 57 Aeriană "Căpitan Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino"}}), also known as '''Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base''', is a [[Romanian Air Force]] base located near [[Constanța]], at the [[Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport]]. It is home to the 572nd Helicopter Squadron.<ref name="roaf"/> The air base also has a significant US military presence, being the location of the US Army Garrison Black Sea and [[Area Support Group Black Sea]], hosting over 1,400 US troops.<ref name="MKAB"/><ref name="ASG-BS"/><ref name="bazaMK">{{cite web|url=https://stirileprotv.ro/divers/exclusiv-stirile-protv-baza-mihail-kogalniceanu-devine-epicentrul-militar-al-nato-in-romania-cu-sau-fara-americani.html|title=Baza Mihail Kogălniceanu devine epicentrul militar al NATO în România. Cu sau fără americani|language=ro|work=stirileprotv.ro|date=28 April 2025}}</ref>

In 2024, construction began on a project aimed at modernizing and expanding the base. Under the same project, it is planned to build a military city similar to [[Ramstein Air Base]], where more than 10,000 [[NATO]] servicemen will live together with their families.<ref name="defense2019"/><ref name="capital2024"/>

The current base commander is ''[[General de flotilă aeriană]]'' Nicolae Crețu.<ref name="ziare">{{cite web|url=https://ziare.com/baza-militara-mihail-kogalniceanu/comandat-inaintat-grad-ofensiva-rusia-calin-georgescu-1920516|title=Comandantul bazei 57 Mihail Kogălniceanu, înaintat în grad de președintele Iohannis. Aici ar crea NATO capacități ofensive, potrivit lui Călin Georgescu|language=ro|author=Aniela Manolea|work=Ziare.com|date=29 January 2025}}</ref>

==History==
{{also|Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport}}
===Cold War era===
[[File:Muzeul Aviatiei - Yak-23 no. 52 (54020736077).jpg|thumb|A Romanian [[Yak-23]] fighter]]
The 57th Air Base was first formed as {{lang|ro|Regimentul 14 Aviație Vânătoare Reactivă}}, soon to be renamed to {{lang|ro|Regimentul 172 Aviație Vânătoare}}, on 15 April 1951 at the [[Pipera Airport|Pipera Aerodrome]]. It was equipped with [[Polikarpov Po-2|Po-2]], [[Yak-11]], [[Yak-23]] and [[Yak-17]] aircraft.<ref name="R57Av">{{cite web|url=https://www.ziuaconstanta.ro/stiri/eveniment/omagierea-unui-regiment-de-elita-regimentul-57-aviatie-vanatoare-de-la-mihail-kogalniceanu-galerie-foto-658245.html|title=Omagierea unui regiment de elită Regimentul 57 Aviație Vânătoare de la Mihail Kogălniceanu|language=ro|newspaper=Ziua Constanța|author=Nelu Enache|date=7 May 2018}}</ref>

The fighter regiment moved to the [[Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport|Mihail Kogălniceanu Aerodrome]] in 1955, following the escape by [[seaplane]] of two aviators from {{lang|ro|[[Romanian Naval Aviation|Escadrila 131 Hidroaviație]]}} [[Palazu Mare]]. On 1 November 1959, it was renamed to {{lang|ro|Regimentul 57 Aviație Vânătoare}} (57th Fighter Aviation Regiment). The name was kept until 1995.<ref name="R57Av"/> The base received [[MiG-17]] fighters in 1960, followed by [[MiG-21F-13]]s in 1962. By 1972, the base was equipped only with MiG-21 fighters.<ref name="roaf">{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=3876|title=Baza 57 Aeriană Mihail Kogălniceanu|language=ro|work=RoAF|access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref>

In 1979, the first [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23]]s arrived at the base. These equipped the 1st Squadron of the Regiment. The 2nd Squadron converted to the MiG-23 in 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.resboiu.ro/martea-tehnica-kh-66kh-23-as-7-kerry/|title=Martea tehnica: Kh-66/Kh-23 (AS-7 Kerry)|language=ro|website=www.resboiu.ro|date=12 February 2013 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref> From 1989, the Regiment started receiving [[MiG-29]]s. The MiG-29s were assigned to the 2nd and 3rd Squadrons of the Regiment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.historia.ro/sectiune/general/articol/un-exponat-unicat-mig-29-sniper|title=Un exponat unicat: MiG-29 Sniper|language=ro|author=Vlad Anton|magazine=Historia}}</ref>

===Post-1990===
[[File:MiG-29 Fulcrum at Mihail Kogalniceanu airbase.JPEG|thumb|A MiG-29 parked at the base]]

In July 1995, the 57th Fighter Aviation Regiment was disbanded and replaced by the 57th Air Base, with the 57th Fighter Aviation Group. The group had two MiG-29 squadrons and one MiG-23 squadron. In 2002, the 59th Helicopter Regiment from [[Tuzla, Constanța|Tuzla]] was disbanded and its personnel and equipment were integrated into the 57th Fighter Aviation Group.<ref name="roaf"/>

Parts of the U.S. [[Department of Defense (United States)|Department of Defense]], principally from [[United States European Command]], started to use the base in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://home.army.mil/blacksea/about/visitors|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623194715/https://home.army.mil/blacksea/about/visitors|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 23, 2024|title=Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase (MKAB), Romania|work=home.army.mil}}</ref> The airport and the former military [[garrison]] of the [[1st Maneuver Support Brigade (Romania)|34th Territorial Mechanized Brigade]] became the first US base to open in Romania.<ref>{{cite thesis|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA479995.pdf|title=The Presence of the American Troops in Romania: Civil-Military Challenges Beyond a "Military Relationship"|last=Simion|first=Valentin|publisher=[[Naval Postgraduate School]]|date=March 2008|page=34}}</ref> In 2003, it became one of four Romanian military facilities that U.S. military forces have used as a staging area for the invasion of, and [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–2011)|counter-insurgency efforts]] in [[Iraq]], operated by the [[458th Air Expeditionary Group]]. During the first three months of the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], the airport was transited by 1,300 cargo and personnel transports towards Iraq, comprising 6,200 personnel and about 11,100 tons of equipment. The base retains an important role, given added weight by the [[annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation]].<ref name="rol2013">{{cite web|url=https://romanialibera.ro/special/zece-ani-cu-us-army-cu-ce-s-au-ales-romanii-294115/|title=Zece ani cu US ARMY. Cu ce s-au ales românii|newspaper=[[România liberă]]|date=21 February 2013|author=Darius Martinescu}}</ref>

The base was disbanded in April 2004, following the retirement of the MiG-29s, becoming an annex to the [[RoAF 86th Air Base|86th Air Base]]. All the MiG-29s remain in open storage at the base.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/airfield-guide/romania/constanta-b%C3%A2zu-cantacuzino|title=Constanța – Bâzu Cantacuzino|website=www.scramble.nl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/cum-a-ajuns-mig-ul-29-in-romania-elena-ceausescu-la-un-pas-de-a-anula-achizitia/|title=Cum a ajuns MiG-ul 29 in Romania. Elena Ceaușescu, la un pas de a anula achiziția|language=ro|work=Aviația Magazin|date=16 March 2013}}</ref> The 863rd Helicopter Squadron remained the only permanent unit of the base. Before it was disbanded, the base also received [[MiG-21 LanceR]] fighters with personnel from the 86th Air Base.<ref name="roaf"/> Until the retiring of the LanceRs in 2023, the base hosted the 861st Fighter Squadron of the 86th Air Base.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presamil.ro/de-la-legenda-la-realitate/|title=De la legendă la realitate|language=ro|author=Lucian Irimia|website=presamil.ro|date=2021-08-25}}</ref> In 2006, the MiGs from Mihail Kogalniceanu took part the Viper Lance 2006 exercise together with [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]]s of the [[22nd Fighter Squadron]] which were deployed at the base for the duration of the exercise. This was also the first time American F-16 crews trained in Romania.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/130049/maintainers-keep-jets-healthy-safe-during-viper-lance/|title=Maintainers keep jets healthy, safe during Viper Lance|website=af.mil|date=18 August 2006}}</ref>

On 1 May 2007, the Mihail Kogălniceanu aerodrome was established, with the mission to coordinate the aeronautical activities in the area of responsibility, to ensure the Support of the Host Nation for the armed forces in transit, and to represent the interface between the foreign armed forces that carried out activities on the aerodrome and the public authorities represented locally. On 1 June, the Administrative Center-Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport (Military Unit 01837) was established and took responsibility of the location. In January 2014, Mihail Kogălniceanu Aerodrome changed its organizational structure by assimilating the Mihail Kogălniceanu Administrative Center subordinated to the General Staff of the [[Romanian Land Forces|Land Forces]].<ref name="roaf"/>

In 2007 and 2011, the air base hosted the [[USAF Thunderbirds]] during the [[air show]]s that took place at the airport.<ref name="roaf"/> With the closure of the [[Transit Center at Manas]] in [[Kyrgyzstan]], the United States military transferred processing operations for military deploying to [[Afghanistan]] and other locations to the base. The United States Army [[21st Theater Sustainment Command]] and Air Force [[780th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron]] were responsible for US operations there.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/494562/romania-air-base-replaces-transit-center-manas/ |last1=Nickel|first1=SSG Shawn|title=Romania air base replaces Transit Center Manas|date=August 22, 2014|publisher=Air Forces Central Public Affairs|access-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref>

[[File:IAR-330 Puma Helicopter at Mihail Kogalniceanu.jpg|thumb|right|An [[IAR 330]] of the 572nd Helicopter Squadron unloads troops of the [[502nd Infantry Regiment (United States)|502nd Infantry Regiment]], [[101st Airborne]] by [[fast rope]]]]

In July 2018, during the restructuring and modernization of the Romanian Army, the 57th Air Base was re-established and placed under the command of the Air Force Staff.<ref name="roaf"/>

In October 2019, a detachment of 4 [[IAR 330]]L helicopters from the 572nd Helicopter Squadron was sent to participate in the [[MINUSMA|UN mission to Mali]]. The ''Carpathian Pumas'' detachment carried out medical evacuation missions, transport of troops and materials, air patrols, and observation missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roaf.ro/?p=20276|title=Detașamentul de patru Elicoptere "Carpathian Pumas"|language=ro|work=RoAF}}</ref> The detachment completed 380 missions until 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediafax.ro/social/misiunea-militarilor-romani-din-mali-s-a-incheiat-dupa-380-de-misiuni-19755698|title=Misiunea militarilor români din Mali s-a încheiat după 380 de misiuni|language=ro|work=[[Mediafax]]|date=22 October 2020}}</ref> During the deployment, one helicopter was damaged by a storm while refueling at the UN base in [[Douentza]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cugetliber.ro/stiri-social-un-elicopter-al-fortelor-aeriene-romane-a-fost-avariat-in-mali-409000|title=Un elicopter al Forțelor Aeriene Române a fost avariat în Mali|language=ro|work=Cuget Liber|date=10 August 2020}}</ref>

Several unidentified [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s were detected flying close to the base in April 2024. The drones, determined to be small civilian types, were subsequently brought down with [[electronic warfare]] equipment, although no remains were found. The military prosecutor's office started an investigation following the events.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/drone-necunoscute-au-fost-reperate-la-aeroportul-civil-mihail-kogalniceanu_627902.html|title=Trei drone necunoscute au fost reperate la aeroportul civil Mihail Kogălniceanu|author=Ciprian Dumitrache|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=17 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://spotmedia.ro/en/news/news/a-drone-has-been-spotted-near-a-military-airport-in-southern-romania|title=A drone has been spotted near a Military Airport in southern Romania|website=spotmedia.ro|date=18 April 2024}}</ref> Similar events also occurred over other Romanian air bases since 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://romania.europalibera.org/a/incidente-de-securitate-drone-baze-aeriene-rom%C3%A2nia/32930385.html|title=16 incidente de securitate legate de drone depistate în apropierea bazelor aeriene din România|author1=Anca Grădinaru|author2=Adrian Ardelean|work=[[Radio Europa Liberă România]]|date=2 May 2024}}</ref>

On the occasion of [[Margareta of Romania|Her Majesty Margareta]], Custodian of the Romanian Crown and [[Prince Radu of Romania|Prince Radu]]'s visit to the base on 17 May 2024, it was announced that the 57th Air Base received the name "Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino", in honor of Romania's [[List of World War II flying aces from Romania|top scoring ace]] of [[World War II]], [[Constantin Cantacuzino (aviator)|Prince Constantin "Bâzu" Cantacuzino]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.agerpres.ro/social/2024/05/17/constanta-baza-57-aeriana-va-purta-numele-capitanului-aviator-constantin-cantacuzino--1297072|title=Constanța: Baza 57 Aeriană va purta numele căpitanului aviator Constantin Cantacuzino|language=ro|work=Agerpres|author=Luisiana Bîgea|date=17 May 2024}}</ref> The 57th Fighter Aviation Group previously held this honorific name from its establishment in 1995 until the disbanding of the 57th Air Base in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.art-emis.ro/analize/avioane-de-vanatoare-mig-23-mig-29-pentru-forele-aeriene-romane-1977-1989|title=Avioane de vânătoare Mig-23 și Mig-29, pentru forțele aeriene române (1977-1989)|language=ro|author=Petre Opriș|work=Revista Art-emis|date=11 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://legislatie.just.ro/public/DetaliiDocument/6425|title=DECRET Nr. 151 din 30 mai 1995|language=ro|website=legislatie.just.ro}}</ref>

In January 2025, the base was targeted by [[fake news]] spread by [[far-right]] politician [[Călin Georgescu]]. Georgescu claimed that the base was going to be used to launch an attack on Russia and start [[World War III]] before the [[Second inauguration of Donald Trump|inauguration of Donald Trump on 20 January]]. Such news were dismissed by the Romanian Ministry of National Defence and by [[James C. O'Brien]], the [[Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs]].<ref name="ziare"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hotnews.ro/intr-un-cuvant-prostii-un-oficial-sua-ii-raspunde-lui-calin-georgescu-dupa-acuzatiile-ca-nato-ar-folosi-baza-de-la-kogalniceanu-pentru-a-ataca-rusia-1880507|title=Răspuns de la Washington pentru Călin Georgescu, după acuzațiile că NATO ar putea folosi baza de la Kogălniceanu pentru a ataca Rusia|language=ro|author=Adrian Cochino|work=[[HotNews]]|date=14 January 2025}}</ref>

==Expansion project==
[[File:MK Air Base groundbreaking ceremony.jpg|thumb|The groundbreaking ceremony held on 11 June 2024]]
In 2021, the first stage of a 2 billion [[euro]] project was launched by the [[Romanian Armed Forces]] to modernize and expand the base as a response to the [[2014 Russian annexation of Crimea]]. Under this project, approved by the [[Romanian Government]] in 2019, plans are to build a small military city, similar to [[Ramstein Air Base]]. This project will house around 50,000 [[NATO]] troops and civilians, with a total area of around {{convert|2800|ha|acre|abbr=on|lk=on}}.<ref name="defense2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/mihail-kogalniceanu-va-deveni-una-dintre-cele-mai-mari-baze-nato-din-europa-de-est_599713.html|title=Mihail Kogălniceanu va deveni una dintre cele mai mari baze NATO din Europa de Est|language=ro|date=6 November 2019|work=Defense Romania}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.profit.ro/stiri/politic/document-romania-lanseaza-megaproiectul-miliarde-euro-baza-kogalniceanu-invocand-inclusiv-revirimentul-razboiului-rece-anexarea-crimeei-catre-rusia-contract-secret-serviciu-mic-orasel-efectiv-20054684|title=România lansează megaproiectul de miliarde de euro de la baza Kogălniceanu invocând inclusiv "revirimentul Războiului Rece" și anexarea Crimeei de către Rusia|language=ro|date=8 March 2021|work=Profit.ro}}</ref><ref name="ProTV2022">{{cite web|url=https://stirileprotv.ro/stiri/actualitate/baza-aeriana-mihail-kogalniceanu-se-extinde-semnificativ-comandantul-unitatii-a-oferit-pentru-stirile-protv-cateva-detalii.html|title=Baza Aeriană Mihail Kogălniceanu se extinde semnificativ|language=ro|author=Ilknur Pintilie|work=[[Pro TV]]|date=1 July 2022}}</ref> Geopolitical analyst Dorin Popescu considers it will become a "permanent NATO military structure."<ref name="bi1">{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/romanian-village-set-to-become-nato-largest-european-base-2024-6 |title=Village on Ukraine's doorstep set to become NATO's biggest European air base as Putin vows to go 'until the end' in the war |work=[[Business Insider]] |author=Cameron Manley |date=23 June 2024}}</ref> and a Romanian Defence Ministry official told [[Euractiv]] that as a result of the "decision to expand NATO's military base. Romania will have stronger security guarantees."<ref name="eura1">{{cite news |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-policy/news/nato-expands-its-romania-black-sea-air-base/ |title=NATO expands its Romania Black Sea air base |author=Ana-Maria Stancu |date=20 March 2024 }}</ref>

The project includes building barracks, maintenance hangars, social centers, and two new runways.<ref name="ProTV2022"/> The military city will include schools, kindergartens, shops, and a hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Romania Builds Largest NATO Base in Europe |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/romania-builds-largest-nato-base-in-europe/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Militarnyi }}</ref> The project is divided into four stages, which will be implemented over 20 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ac.nato.int/archive/2023/NATO_Infra_eAP_ROU|title=Allied Air Forces work together to improve Romanian Air Base|website=ac.nato.int|author=Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office|date=3 January 2023}}</ref> Mihail Kogălniceanu is set to become NATO's biggest airbase in Europe.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977wggg4pgo|title=Romanian village set to become Nato's biggest airbase in Europe|first=Nick|last=Thorpe|author-link=Nick Thorpe|work=[[BBC]]|date=June 22, 2024|access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>

In June 2022, the [[Ministry of National Defence (Romania)|Ministry of Defence]] announced the winners of the first stage of the contract for the base upgrades. Three companies and 22 [[subcontractor]]s will participate in the works. The [[Classified information#Romania|state secret-level]] classified project is set to finish in almost nine years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.replicaonline.ro/gata-a-fost-desemnat-constructorul-orasului-nato-de-la-mihail-kogalniceanu-522205/|title=Gata! A fost desemnat constructorul orașului NATO de la Mihail Kogălniceanu!|language=ro|website=www.replicaonline.ro|date=13 June 2022}}</ref> 

Construction began in 2024 on the south side of the future base, where a high-capacity electrical network and access roads are being built.<ref name="capital2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.capital.ro/oras-militar-extindere-baza-mihail-kogalniceanu.html|title=Apare un nou oraș în România. Va costa 2,5 miliarde de euro. E gata în 5 ani|language=ro|author=Bogdan Ungureanu|date=14 March 2024}}</ref> On 11 June 2024, construction started on the first runway of the base after a [[groundbreaking]] ceremony attended by the Minister of National Defence, the Deputy Chief of the Defense Staff, the Air Force Chief of Staff, and the head of the Domains and Infrastructures Directorate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ctnews.ro/au-inceput-lucrarile-la-prima-pista-de-decolare-aterizare-construita-de-mapn-in-ultimii-30-de-ani-aceasta-va-fi-realizata-la-baza-aeriana-de-la-mihail-kogalniceanu/|title=Au început lucrările la prima pistă de decolare-aterizare construită de MApN în ultimii 30 de ani. Aceasta va fi realizată la Baza Aeriană de la Mihail Kogălniceanu|language=ro|author=Adela Georgescu|website=ctnews.ro|date=11 June 2024}}</ref> The construction of the runway is set to finish in 2027.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmdfAIKCl38 |title=Emisiunea Pro Patria din 16 iunie 2024 |language=ro |via=[[YouTube]] |publisher=Pro Patria |date=16 June 2024 |time=3:56}}</ref>

The news of the base expansion project has caused concern among Russian officials.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2gZd0CPZwY|title=NATO sets up biggest airbase in Europe just 60 miles from Ukrainian border {{!}} George Grylls|publisher=Times Radio|website=YouTube|date=5 August 2024}}</ref> As early as March 2024, Russian politicians have issued warnings to Romania over the project, with [[Andrey Klimov (politician)|Andrey Klimov]], deputy Chairman of the [[Federation Council (Russia)|Federation Council]] Committee on Foreign Affairs, calling it a "threat for Bucharest" and warning that the base is "more likely to be among the first targets for retaliatory strikes."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.intellinews.com/russia-warns-romania-over-building-largest-nato-military-base-in-europe-317479/|title=Russia warns Romania over building "largest Nato military base" in Europe|website=intellinews.com|first=Iulian|last=Ernst|date=19 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Russia-to-evaluate-'risks'-of-NATO-base-in-Romania/61763141|title=Russia to evaluate 'risks' of NATO base in Romania|first=Christian|last=Baha|website=breakingthenews.net|date=28 March 2024}}</ref>

==Foreign deployments==
===NATO Enhanced Air Policing===
[[File:F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon flying in Formation.jpg|thumb|Romanian and US F-16s fly in formation alongside British and Italian Typhoons.]]
The Enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission was established in 2014 as NATO's response to Russia's annexation of Crimea.<ref name="raf">{{cite web|url=https://ac.nato.int/archive/2022/RAFeAPRomania2022|title=Royal Air Force Typhoons support NATO's enhanced Air Policing in Romania|work=Allied Air Command|date=31 March 2022}}</ref> Since then several NATO member nations have deployed to the base to participate in this mission:
*The [[Royal Air Force]], has participated with its [[Eurofighter Typhoon|Eurofighter Typhoons]] in the mission since 2017.<ref name="raf"/>
*The [[Royal Canadian Air Force]], participated in the mission with [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet|CF-18 Hornets]] since 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.mapn.ro/cpresa/5479_certification-ceremony-of-the-royal-canadian-air-forces-detachment-with-a-view-of-conducting-enhanced-air-poling-missions|title=Certification ceremony of the Royal Canadian Air Forces detachment with a view of conducting Enhanced Air Poling missions|publisher=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=8 September 2021}}</ref>
*The [[Italian Air Force]] Eurofighter Typhoons started its deployments in the mission in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.mapn.ro/cpresa/5537_certification-ceremony-of-the-italian-detachment-deployed-on-mission-to-romania|title=Certification ceremony of the Italian detachment deployed on mission to Romania |work=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=13 December 2021}}</ref>
*The [[Spanish Air Force]] Eurofighter Typhoons began participating in the mission in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://emad.defensa.gob.es/en/operaciones/operaciones-en-el-exterior/36-OTAN-eAP-Rumania/index.html?__locale=en|title=NATO's enhanced Air Policing over Romania|publisher=Ministerio de Defensa}}</ref> From 2022, Spanish F-18 Hornets have also participated in the mission.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://romanialibera.ro/investigatii-romania-libera/incognito/romania-este-protejata-cu-avioane-typhoon-si-f-18/|title=România este protejată cu avioane Typhoon și F-18|language=ro|author=Mihai Diac|website=romanialibera.ro|date=7 December 2022}}</ref>
*The [[German Air Force]] started conducting air policing missions from Mihail Kogălniceanu with Eurofighter Typhoons in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.mapn.ro/cpresa/6127_eurofighter-typhoon-aircraft,-at-mihail-kogalniceanu-air-base|title=Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft, at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base |work=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=23 November 2023}}</ref>
*The [[Finnish Air Force]] began deployments on the eAP mission with [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18 Hornets]] in 2024.<ref name="ilmavoimat">{{cite web|url=https://ilmavoimat.fi/en/-/finnish-fighter-jets-arrive-in-romania-to-take-part-in-nato-missions|title=Finnish fighter jets arrive in Romania to take part in NATO missions|website=ilmavoimat.fi|date=3 June 2024}}</ref>

The first deployment to Mihail Kogălniceanu as part of the [[NATO]] enhanced [[Air sovereignty|Air Policing]] mission was a detachment of four Eurofighter Typhoons of the [[United Kingdom]]'s Royal Air Force. The detachment, part of [[No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing]] under the code-named [[List of Royal Air Force operations|Operation Biloxi]], arrived at the air base on 24 April 2017. Until August 2017, these Eurofighters belonging to [[No. 3 Squadron RAF|No. 3 Squadron]], conducted over 280 sorties in support of the NATO training operations in the region and one sortie in response to [[Russian Air Force]] activity over the [[Black Sea]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2017 |title=RAF Typhoons hand over NATO Romania duties to Canada |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/raf-typhoons-hand-over-nato-romania-duties-to-canada-29082017 |website=Royal Air Force |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829145835/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/raf-typhoons-hand-over-nato-romania-duties-to-canada-29082017/ |archive-date=29 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.mapn.ro/cpresa/4783_arrival-of-the-british-detachment-to-mihail-kogalniceanu|title=Arrival of the British Detachment to Mihail Kogălniceanu|website=english.mapn.ro|date=26 April 2017}}</ref> On 15 August 2018, four Eurofighter Typhoons of [[No. 1 Squadron RAF|No. 1 Squadron]], 135 Expeditionary Air Wing were scrambled to intercept six Russian [[Su-24 Fencer]] bombers over the Black Sea.<ref name="2018-08-15_SD">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Britains_RAF_intercepts_six_Russian_bombers_over_Black_Sea_999.html|title=Britain's RAF intercepts six Russian bombers over Black Sea|work=Space Daily|date=2018-08-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/22/russians-testing-raf-response-interceptions-black-sea-rocket/|title=Russians 'testing' RAF response as interceptions over Black Sea rocket|author=Dominic Nicholls|work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|language=en-gb|date=2018-08-22}}</ref>

In August 2017, the Royal Canadian Air Force replaced the RAF on the eAP mission with a detachment of four CF-18 Hornet fighters. The personnel belonged to the [[409 Tactical Fighter Squadron]], and were supported by the [[CFB Bagotville|2 Air Expeditionary Wing]] and [[CFB Winnipeg|17 Wing Winnipeg]]. The Canadian mission is part of [[Operation Reassurance]]. The first deployment lasted from August to December 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2017/08/canadian_armed_forcestopatrolskiesoverromania.html|title=Canadian Armed Forces to patrol skies over Romania|website=canada.ca|date=16 August 2017}}</ref> On 5 September 2020, Canada's Air Task Force contributed six CF-18s to the eAP mission.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2020/09/canadas-air-task-force--romania-begins-2020-nato-enhanced-air-policing-mission.html|title=Canada's Air Task Force – Romania begins 2020 NATO enhanced Air Policing mission|website=canada.ca|date=3 September 2020|access-date=12 September 2020}}</ref> In 2022, eight CF-18s were brought to the base.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/08/canadas-air-task-force--romania-begins-nato-air-policing-mission.html|title=Canada's Air Task Force – Romania begins NATO Air Policing mission|date=4 August 2022|access-date=11 August 2022}}</ref>

On 3 June 2024, seven Finnish F/A-18 Hornets of [[No. 31 Squadron (Finland)|31 Squadron]] from [[Kuopio Airport|Rissala Air Base]] arrived at Mihail Kogălniceanu for a two-month deployment as part of the enhanced Air Policing mission. This marked the first Finnish Air Force deployment on a NATO mission since the [[Finland–NATO relations|country's accession to the alliance]].<ref name="ilmavoimat"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ac.nato.int/archive/2024/FIN_arrival_MK_AirShielding|title=Finnish jets land in Romania for first participation in NATO air shielding mission|work=Allied Air Command|date=4 June 2024}}</ref>

===US Army Garrison===
[[File:Air Assault.jpg|thumb|Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division conduct an [[air assault]] demonstration in July 2022]]
In 2009, construction for the new [[United States Army]] base on the site of the former 34th Territorial Mechanized Brigade garrison was completed. The Permanent [[Forward operating site|Forward Operating Site]] (PFOS) operated by the United States was intended to become one of the main operating bases of [[United States Army Europe]]'s Joint Task Force East (JTF-E), a rotating task force initially to be provided by the [[U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment]], which was to eventually grow to a [[brigade]]-sized force. The JTF-E concept was reduced to the Army-only Task Force East.<ref name="rol2013"/> Task Force East has since been transformed into [[Area Support Group Black Sea]] (ASG-BS) of the [[21st Theater Sustainment Command]].<ref name="ASG-BS">{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8644003/area-support-group-black-sea-change-command-ceremony|title=Area Support Group Black Sea Change of Command Ceremony|author=Ashley Xie|work=DVIDS|date=16 September 2024}}</ref>

In 2016, the Army Support Activity-Black Sea (ASA-Black Sea) was established with the role of supporting the American soldiers deployed at the base as well as those deployed to the [[Novo Selo Range]] in [[Bulgaria]]. ASA-Black Sea was first part of {{ill|US Army Garrison Ansbach|de|US-Heeresgarnison Ansbach}} then moved under {{ill|US Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz|de|US-Heeresgarnison Rheinland-Pfalz}}. In June 2024, the Army Support Activity was transformed into the US Army Garrison Black Sea (USAG Black Sea) of the [[United States Army Installation Management Command]], the ninth US Army Garrison in Europe.<ref name="MKAB">{{cite web|url=https://home.army.mil/blacksea/about/history|title=U.S. Army Garrison - Black Sea|website=home.army.mil|access-date=13 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7351194/asa-black-sea-change-command-ceremony|title=ASA-Black Sea Change of Command Ceremony|author=Elizabeth MacPherson|work=[[DVIDS]]|date=2 August 2022}}</ref>

As part of [[Operation Atlantic Resolve]], a US Army Light Division is deployed at the base on a nine-month rotation basis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.mapn.ro/cpresa/5074_The-USAREUR-Representatives-arrive-in-Romania|title=The USAREUR Representatives arrive in Romania|publisher=Ministerul Apărării Naționale|date=27 February 2019}}</ref> With the reactivation of the [[V Corps (United States)|US Army V Corps]], the unit came under its command.<ref name="Vcorps">{{cite web|url=https://www.vcorps.army.mil/About-Us/Mission-History/|title=V Corps History|website=vcorps.army.mil|access-date=1 March 2024}}</ref> As of 2023, the Division comprises an [[Infantry Brigade Combat Team]], and a [[Sustainment Brigade]]. Multiple [[rotary-wing]] elements from the [[Regionally Aligned Forces]] rotation force are also deployed at the base.<ref name="MKAB"/> As of March 2025, over 1,400 American soldiers are stationed at Mihail Kogălniceanu.<ref name="bazaMK"/>

In June 2022, elements of the [[101st Airborne Division]] were deployed at the base. On 30 July 2022, they uncased their colors and conducted an air assault demonstration together with the Romanian [[9th Mechanized Brigade (Romania)|9th Mechanized Brigade]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=101st Airborne Division arrives in Europe to support NATO Allies |url=https://www.army.mil/article/258008/101st_airborne_division_arrives_in_europe_to_support_nato_allies |date=2022-06-29 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=www.army.mil |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=After 80 years the Screaming Eagles return to Europe|url=https://www.army.mil/article/258916/after_80_years_the_screaming_eagles_return_to_europe|date=2022-07-30|access-date=2022-08-10|website=www.army.mil}}</ref> As of October 2022, about 4,700 soldiers from [[Fort Campbell]] were deployed on NATO's eastern flank, 2,400 of which were at the Mihail Kogălniceanu base, marking the first deployment of the 101st Division to Europe in nearly 80 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-news-russia-us-army-101st-airborne-nato-war-games-romania/|title=The U.S. Army's 101st Airborne is practicing for war with Russia just miles from Ukraine's border|work=[[CBS News]]|date=October 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.romaniajournal.ro/society-people/the-famous-us-101st-airborne-division-returned-to-europe-for-the-first-time-since-1944/|title=The Famous US 101st Airborne Division Returned To Europe For The First Time Since 1944|work=Romania Journal|date=1 August 2022}}</ref> In July 2024, the 101st Division completed its first rotations and was replaced by the [[10th Mountain Division]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8529351/transfer-authority-mkab|title=Transfer of Authority at MKAB|author=Joshua Maxie|work=DVIDS|date=15 July 2024}}</ref>

===Other deployments===
[[File:A B-52H Stratofortress from the 20th Bomb Squadron landing at MKAB.jpg|thumb|A B-52H Stratofortress landing at the air base]]
The [[United States Marine Corps]] [[Black Sea Rotational Force]] was headquartered at the base from 2010 until 2018, when the Corps was moved to [[Norway]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2018/11/29/no-more-marine-rotations-to-the-black-sea-the-corps-is-focusing-on-the-arctic-instead/|title=No more Marine rotations to the Black Sea. The Corps is focusing here instead.|author=Shawn Snow|date=Nov 29, 2018|work=[[Marine Corps Times]]}}</ref> In 2016, two [[Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptors]] arrived at the base as part of a [[NATO Response Force|Rapid Response program]] training exercise. After a few hours at the base, the F-22s flew back to Great Britain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/25/europe/us-deploys-fighter-jets-to-romania/index.html|title=U.S. sends F-22 warplanes to Romania|work=[[CNN]]|date=April 26, 2016}}</ref>

In March 2016, four CF-188 Hornets of the Royal Canadian Air Force [[425 Tactical Fighter Squadron]] were deployed at the base for about a month, to participate in the Resilient Resolve 2016 exercise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/rcaf/migration/2016/exercise-resilient-resolve.html|title=Exercise Resilient Resolve|website=canada.ca|date=25 February 2016}}</ref>

Starting from 2022, an [[Bombardier Challenger 600 series#Military and government operators|ARTEMIS]] special mission aircraft of the United States Army deployed here for reconnaissance of Eastern Europe.<ref name="AFMAPR22-15">{{cite book|title=[[AirForces Monthly]]|date=April 2022|publisher=[[Key Publishing|Key Publishing Ltd]]|location=[[Stamford, Lincolnshire|Stamford]], [[Lincolnshire]], [[England]]|pages=15}}</ref> Elements of the [[French Armed Forces|French]]-led Multinational Battlegroup headquartered at [[Cincu Training Center|Cincu]] under ''[[Mission Aigle]]'' are also deployed at the base since 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://romania.europalibera.org/a/grup-nato-cincu/32047568.html|title=Forțele NATO de la Cincu: Lucrări de amenajare și exerciții militare|language=ro|website=europalibera.org|date=23 September 2022}}</ref> In 2023, an [[Italian Air Force]] [[Gulfstream G550|G550 CAEW]] was also deployed at the base.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2023/03/13/task-group-argo/|title=Italian Air Force Quietly Deployed G550 CAEW To Romania As Part Of New Task Group 'Argo'|author=David Cenciotti|website=theaviationist.com|date=13 March 2023}}</ref>

On 12 June 2023, two [[B-1B Lancer]]s of the [[7th Bomb Wing]] stopped at the base for a hot-pit refuel. The aircraft were taking part in the [[Air Defender 23]] exercise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/premiera-absoluta-in-romania-doua-bombardiere-strategice-b-1b-ale-sua-au-aterizat-la-constanta-la-mihail-kogalniceanu_623094.html|title=Premieră absolută în România: Două bombardiere strategice B-1B ale SUA au aterizat la Constanța la Mihail Kogălniceanu|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=13 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7856656/b-1b-lancers-receive-first-ever-hot-pit-refuel-romania|title=B-1B Lancers receive first-ever hot-pit refuel in Romania|work=[[Defense Visual Information Distribution Service]]|author=Allison Payne|date=13 June 2023}}</ref> On 21 July 2024, two [[B-52 Stratofortress]] bombers arrived at the air base as part of [[Bomber Task Force]] 24-4. Operating as the [[20th Bomb Squadron|20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron]], this was the first time Stratofortress bombers operated out of Romania. While flying over the [[Barents Sea]], the two bombers were intercepted by Russian MiG-29 and [[MiG-31]] fighters but continued on their flight path to Romania, being escorted by Finnish F/A-18s, German Eurofighters and Romanian F-16s until their arrival at Mihail Kogălniceanu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2024/07/21/two-u-s-b-52-bombers-make-historic-first-deployment-to-romania/|title=Two U.S. B-52 Bombers Make Historic First Deployment To Romania|author=David Cenciotti|website=theaviationist.com|date=21 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3845059/us-bombers-arrive-in-romania-for-bomber-task-force-24-4/|title=U.S. bombers arrive in Romania for Bomber Task Force 24-4|website=usafe.af.mil|date=21 July 2024}}</ref>

==Alleged CIA black site==
{{Further information|CIA black sites#Europe}}
It was alleged to be one of the [[black site]]s involved in the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]]'s network of "[[extraordinary rendition]]s".<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/12/international/europe/12cia.html | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | title=Swiss Investigate Leak to Paper on C.I.A. Prisons in Eastern Europe | first=Doreen | last=Carvajal | date=2006-01-12 | access-date=2010-05-12}}</ref> According to [[Eurocontrol]] data, it has been the site of four landings and two stopovers by aircraft identified as probably belonging to the CIA's fleet of rendition planes, including at least one widely used [[Gulfstream V]] executive jet N379P, later registered, and more commonly cited, as [[N44982]].<ref>{{cite web| title= Working Document No. 8| author= Temporary Committee on the alleged use of European countries by the CIA for the transport and illegal detention of prisoners| date= 16 November 2006| url= http://www.derossa.com/asp/docs/Working8.pdf| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071117042940/https://www.derossa.com/asp/docs/Working8.pdf| archive-date= 17 November 2007}}</ref>

European, but not U.S., media have widely distributed reports of a fax intercepted by [[Swiss intelligence agencies|Swiss intelligence]], datelined 10 November 2005, that "was sent by the [[Egypt]]ian foreign minister, [[Ahmed Aboul Gheit]], in [[Cairo]], to his ambassador in [[London]]. It revealed that the United States had detained at least 23 [[Iraqis|Iraqi]] and [[Afghans|Afghan]] captives at a military base called Mihail Kogălniceanu in Romania, and added that similar secret prisons were to be found in [[Poland]], [[Ukraine]], [[Kosovo]], [[North Macedonia|Macedonia]], and Bulgaria."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blick.ch/sonntagsblick/aktuell/artikel30413|title=US-Folter-Camps: Der Beweis! - Aktuell - SonntagsBlick - Blick Online|language=de|work=[[Blick]]|date=9 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060110144820/https://www.blick.ch/sonntagsblick/aktuell/artikel30413/|archive-date=10 January 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,394208,00.html| title= Egyptian Fax Throws Light on "Black Sites"| publisher= [[Der Spiegel]]| date= 9 January 2006}}</ref><ref>[[Scotland]]'s ''[[Sunday Herald]]'', March 2, 2003</ref>

==Infrastructure and facilities==
The US military base infrastructure includes [[barrack]]s, [[Mess#U.S. Army|DFAC]] and [[Morale, Welfare and Recreation|MWR]] facilities, an Aid Station as well as a [[Fire station|Fire]] & [[Military police|MP]] Station, a Troop Medical Center, a gym and a [[post exchange]] facility. The airfield runway can accommodate rotary-wing through [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy|C-5]] aircraft. The base has a [[Rail transport|rail connection]] with side-loading ramps. Training facilities have [[Company (military unit)|company]]-size maneuver training capabilities and include live-fire [[shooting range]]s.<ref name="MKAB"/>

==Based units==
The following flying and non-flying units are located at Mihail Kogălniceanu.<ref name="roaf"/><ref name="Vcorps"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://emad.defensa.gob.es/en/operaciones/operaciones-en-el-exterior/37-OTAN-EAP/index.html_2063069299.html|title=NATO ENHANCED AIR POLICING-eAP|website=defensa.gob.es|access-date=6 March 2024}}</ref>
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
===Romanian Air Force===
'''Air Force General Staff'''
* 57th Air Base
** 572nd Helicopter Squadron

===NATO===
'''[[Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe]] (SHAPE)'''
* [[Allied Air Command]]
** [[Torrejón Air Base|Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón]]
*** NATO Enhanced Air Policing Romania
{{Col-break}}

=== United States Army ===
'''[[United States Army Europe and Africa]]''' '''(USAREUR-AF)'''
* [[V Corps (United States)|V Corps]]
** Rotational Light Division
*** Rotational Infantry Brigade Combat Team
*** Rotational Sustainment Brigade
* [[Area Support Group Black Sea]]
* US Army Garrison Black Sea
{{Col-end}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:IAR-330L-Romania-2003.jpg|IAR 330L Puma helicopters at the base in 2003
File:DF-SD-05-01451.jpg|A [[C-141B Starlifter]] during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]
File:DF-SD-05-04534.jpg|A [[C-17]] of the [[458th Air Expeditionary Group]] during [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]
File:U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor taxis on the flightline at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania.jpg|A F-22A Raptor taxis at Mihail Kogalniceanu, with a radar station [[radome]] in the background.
File:Combined arms static display AH-64.jpg|An [[AH-64]] of the [[Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (United States)|Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division]]
File:B-1B Lancers at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base.jpg|[[B-1B Lancer]]s from the [[7th Bomb Wing]] refueling at the base during [[Air Defender 23]]
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[99th Military Base Deveselu]]
*[[Ramstein Air Base]]
*[[Aviano Air Base]]
*[[List of American military installations]]
*[[Romania–United States relations]]
*''[[Vin americanii!]]''

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base}}
* {{in lang|en}} [https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/romania/romania-air-force Order of Battle of the RoAF]

{{Romanian Air Force}}
{{Romanian Air Force units and formations}}
{{United States Army Europe and Africa}}
{{CIAPrisons}}

[[Category:Romanian Air Force bases|57]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Constanța County]]
[[Category:1955 establishments in Romania]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1955]]
[[Category:Romania–United States military relations]]
[[Category:Black sites]]