Baumholder’s predicted close now uncertain

[unhappycamper]

Baumholder’s predicted close now uncertain
By John Vandiver, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Thursday, February 28, 2008

BAUMHOLDER, Germany — Despite assertions from U.S. Army Europe’s head of transformation that Baumholder is slated to shut down in 2012-2013, numerous indicators point to a different fate for this military community.

According to a map given to Stars and Stripes — and according to senior military leaders — the future of Baumholder is still up in the air. Additionally, those leaders say an announcement regarding the community’s enduring status is imminent.

Such sentiments take on added meaning when compared with comments made Wednesday by U.S. Army Europe officials. In a prepared statement, USAREUR acknowledged that things could change.

“The most recent Army announcement delayed the return of the brigade currently stationed in Baumholder until 2012 or 2013 and as such Baumholder will not close before that time frame. For planning purposes, we are analyzing use of Baumholder as an enduring installation, but OSD has not approved,” the statement read.

A senior USAREUR official also backed up that position.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52906