US invests in military sites in RLP – SWR Aktuell

Lewentz explained to SWR that the Pentagon had confirmed to him that the government’s draft US budget provided for 207 million US dollars for Baumholder. This should create the framework for new troop deployments. It is clear that Baumholder should be strengthened and that the investments would flow. Among other things, houses, schools and a new headquarters would be built.

Ramstein and Spangdahlem are also being expanded

According to Lewentz, significant investments are also to be made in the US military sites in Ramstein and Spangdahlem and in a new US hospital in Weilerbach. The US has planned an inventory of one billion dollars for the next few years. Logistically, the hub of Rhineland-Palatinate is ideally suited to secure the NATO areas.

Lewentz’s first trip to Washington during Biden’s tenure

Lewentz has been in the USA since Saturday. He was also accompanied by the commander of the Bundeswehr’s Rhineland-Palatinate State Command, Colonel Stefan Weber. The trip is actually a routine visit, but is marked by the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. It is the minister’s first trip to the United States during the tenure of US President Joe Biden. This was sworn in in January 2021.

How is the Ukraine war affecting US locations?

Lewentz had already emphasized the importance of regular exchange between Rhineland-Palatinate and the USA in the run-up to his trip. “Especially in times when Europe is exposed to new threats that have long been believed to be overcome, the regularly maintained exchange is of enormous value. The discussions will focus on the effects of the current security situation on the US locations in Rhineland-Palatinate”, said Lewentz before his departure.