The first U.S. Military involvement in Iceland dates back to 1941, when Marines arrived after an agreement between the governments of Iceland, Great Britain and the United States.
The forces were replacements for the British garrison that was stationed in Iceland after the British occupation in May of the previous year.
In addition to their defense role, U.S. forces constructed the Keflavik Airport as a refueling point for aircraft deliveries and cargo flights to Europe.
Following World War II, all military personnel were withdrawn from the country as specified in the original agreement.
Another agreement signed between the United States and Iceland in 1946 permitted continued use of occupation forces in Europe.
The United States provided all the maintenance and operation of the airport through an American civilian contractor.
Iceland's charter membership in NATO in 1949 required neither the establishment of an Icelandic armed force, nor the stationing of foreign troops in the country during peace time. However, the Cold War with the Soviet Union and growing world tensions caused Iceland's leaders to think otherwise.
Icelandic officials decided that membership in the NATO alliance was not a sufficient defense and, at the request of NATO, entered into a defense agreement with the United States. This was the beginning of the Iceland Defense Force.
During the past four decades, the Defense Force was "at the front" of the Cold War and was credited with playing a significant role in deterrence.
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Mailing
Address: Family Service Center, PSC 1003 Box 45, FPO AE 09728
