Caracal - Deveselu military base

 airport, military airbase, NATO, United States Army in Europe, United States Navy

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The air base near Deveselu was selected for the NATO missile defence system employing Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System to become operational in 2015, using the SM-3 interceptor. The Romanian Air Force military airbase was initially closed in 2003, forcing approximately 200 personnel into early retirement.
The runway has largely been demolished for the use of the US AEGIS Ashore base.

General Info
Country Romania
Time UTC+2(+3DT)
Latitude 44.077275
44° 04' 38.19" N
Longitude 24.416406
024° 24' 59.06" E
Elevation 289 feet
88 meters
Type Military
Magnetic Variation 004° E (01/06)
Operating Agency MILITARY


Communications
TWR 130.0
DEP 130.0
APP 130.0

Runway: 8202 x 262 feet
2500 x 80 meters

CONCRETE

Air Base 91 (Baza Aeriană 91) had been the home of the 91st Fighter Group (Grupul 91 Aviatie Vanatoare) before 2002, when flying operations ended at Deveselu airfield. At that time it was the only Romanian Air Base flying non-LanceR MiG-21's. 29 classic MiG-21's, comprising a range of variants (MiG-21F-13, MiG-21M, MiG-21PF, MiG-21PFM, MiG-21U-400, MiG-21U-600, MiG-21US) and a sole IAR-93 remain grounded from the time of the base closure. Its role was solely air defence, and the only unit flying at night. The air base was originally built by the Soviet Union, the first MiG-15's arriving in March 1952, they were eventually replaced by MiG-19's. The first squadron of MiG-21F-13's arrived in February 1962. On June 30, 1982, the 91st Fighter Regiment operated from Deveselu with the 48th Fighter Squadron. The 91st Fighter Regiment comprised of two squadrons (91/1 Squadron with MiG-21 MF/UM and 91/2 Squadron with MiG-21 PFM/US. On June 30, 1986, the 48th Fighter Squadron became the 71st Fighter Regiment and on June 9, 1987 was transferred to Câmpia Turzii.

For pictures of the aircraft, see: www.targeta.co.uk/deveselu_2006.htm