History

The air base at Mihail Kogalniceanu, better known as "MK," has been in use by the U.S. military since 1999. In 2003, it was one of four Romanian military facilities used by U.S. military forces as a staging area for the invasion of, and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts there. Since then, MK has become one of the main operating bases of United States Army Europe's Task Force East, a rotating task force initially to be provided by the U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment, now a brigade-sized force.

As of 2009, the U.S. has spent $48 million upgrading the base. In that same year, the U.S. began operating a Permanent Forward Operating Site. MK is home to the Romanian Air Force 863rd Helicopter Squadron which operates IAR-330L's. The U.S. Army 21st Theater Sustainment Command and Air Force 780th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron are responsible for U.S. operations.

Army Support Activity- Black Sea was established in 2016, as Installation Management Command-Europe assumed responsibility for the quality of life and infrastructure services from Area Support Group – Black Sea, with the two main locations, Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase Romania and Novo Selo Training Area – Bulgaria. The primary mission of ASA Black Sea was to deliver base operations support, logistics, and administrative services to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of U.S. military activities in the area. It also managed facilities, maintained and improved infrastructure to support military readiness and quality of life for service members. The activity offered essential administrative support, including personnel management, finance, and legal services. Additionally, ASA Black Sea worked closely with host nation military and civilian authorities to facilitate cooperation and ensure the smooth execution of joint missions and exercises.

ASA Black Sea was initially aligned under USAG Ansbach, then moved under USAG Rheinland-Pfalz. In May 2024, US Army Garrison Poland’s Area of Responsibility was expanded when the garrison assumed command and control of the Army Support Activity – Black Sea and its military communities at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase, Romania and Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria - further uniting the "Army's Home on the Eastern Flank”.

U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea became the Army’s newest garrison on June 15th, 2024. It is the 9th Garrison in Europe, the 81st in the Army, and first ever US garrison in Romania and Bulgaria. 

MK Airbase currently supports the following missions:  NATO Enhanced Air Policing, multiple rotary-wing elements from the current Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) rotation force Mechanized Infantry Battalion and other support elements on a rotational basis.  Both MK airbase and NSTA normally support and/or participate in the Southeastern Europe USAREUR exercises, such as SABER GUARDIAN and DEFENDER Europe.

Infrastructure: BN/CO HQ, Aid Station, Morgue, Barber Shop, Barracks, Coffee Shop, Commo Bldg., DFAC, EEO, Finance, Fire & MP Station, Gym, Kabab Trailer, Laundry, MWR, PSC, PX, Religious Support, Troop Med. Center, TSC, Wash Rack.

Airfield Capabilities: Runway 11,483 feet (3,500 meters) long and 148 feet (45 meters) wide. Rotary wing through C-5 capable.

Rail Capabilities: Side-loading ramp.

Training Capabilities: Company-size maneuver training, live-fire (MPMG, Sniper, CPQC range).