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SERVING THE BEST TROOPS IN THE WORLD  An Around the World Tour with our United States Armed Forces! Our Troops are stationed all over the world, let's go visit them! Today's stop - U.S. Naval Air Station, Keflavik Iceland   Halló and Welcome to NAS Keflavik!
The primary mission of Naval Air Station Keflavik is to maintain and operate facilities and provide services and material to support operations of aviation activities and units of the operating forces of the Navy and other activities and units, as designated by the Chief of Naval Operations. NAS Keflavik is the host Command for the NATO Base in Iceland.
The base is located on the Reykjanes peninsula on the south-west portion of the island. The major commands stationed on the base are U.S. Naval Air Station Keflavik, the Air Forces 85th Group, Iceland Defense Force, NCTS Keflavik, and U.S. Naval Hospital Keflavik. U.S. Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland
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As the "Guardians of the North," the 85th Group is responsible for deterring aggression in the North Atlantic, protecting Iceland’s airspace and supporting contingency operations. This is accomplished through world-class surveillance, air superiority and the use of rescue assets. The 85th Group is responsible for deterring aggression in the North Atlantic and protecting Iceland's airspace. It also supports contingency operations through surveillance, air superiority and rescue forces.
Air superiority was provided by the 57th Fighter Squadron, an element of the 85th, from November 1954 until it was inactivated in March 1995. Today, the vital air defense mission is carried out by F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft of deployed temporary duty units rotating every 90 days to Iceland. While deployed to Keflavik, the F-15s are under the operational control of the 85th Operations Squadron (OS). |
| There are more than 25 different commands of various sizes attached to Iceland Defense Force, with people from all branches of the U.S. Armed Services. The command is also the home of the Iceland Defense Force Joint Reserve Unit. Approximately 1800 U.S. military personnel, 100 DoD civilians, and 850 Icelandic civilians as well as military members from the Netherlands, Norway, Canada and Denmark work on NAS Keflavik. |
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 Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Mark Mainland, of Racine, Wis., loads an under-water surveillance sonobuoy into an ejection chute a P-3C Orion assigned to The Liberty Bells of Patrol Squadron Sixty Six at Keflavik NAS. The sonobuoys act as detection devices that relay an array of data regarding submarines that are being tracked by the aircraft. Seven countries participate in the annual anti-submarine warfare exercise. VP-66 from Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Penn., is the only squadron comprised entirely of Naval Reservists. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Mark O'Donald. (RELEASED)  F-15 Eagle operations will continue a while longer at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, while Airmen and Sailors reduce operations after more than 50 years of U.S. presence at the base. The F-15s and crews are from the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Fighter Wing at Hickam Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. John E. Lasky)  Location: Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom.  Background: Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards.
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 are 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. 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. The President of the United States (POTUS) has recently made the decision that Naval Air Station, Keflavik will begin a transition to a reduced "footprint" which will be completed by 30 September 2006.  The Port of Keflavik is the logical choice for stopovers in Iceland. Strategically located at Iceland's southwestern corner close to the country's main center of population, the Keflavik is home to Iceland’s International Airport and an easy 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital city. Government: Iceland is a constitutional republic. Iceland has a President elected by popular vote, a Prime Minister who is the leader of the majority coalition, a cabinet appointed by the Prime Minister, and governs over the eight regions of Iceland. Iceland gained independence from Denmark on June 17, 1944 and celebrates their Independence Day on June 17th. Flag: The new flag of Iceland of 1915 had a blue field with a red cross bordered in white. It is this flag that is used today. The design was proposed by Matthias Thordarson. He explained the colors as blue for the mountains, white for ice and red for fire (Iceland has much volcanic activity). Though the King had agreed that the Icelanders had the right to a flag, he declined to accept the blue-white-red flag at first. However, a Royal decree of June 19, 1915 allowed the flag to be used on land, but restricted the use at sea to local waters. The flag was officially accepted by the king November 30, 1918 and adopted by law as the national flag the same day. It was first hoisted December 1, 1918. On this day Iceland became a separate kingdom united with Denmark under one king. Although the pattern is the same as the modern flag, the shade of blue has changed. Originally, the flag was described as "sky blue (ultramarine blue)", a light blue shade. When legalization was enacted in 1944, the ultramarine specification was dropped, and the shade of blue got darker.  Ethnic groups: homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts - 94%, population of foreign origin 6% Languages: Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken  Economy: Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, yet with an extensive welfare system (including generous housing subsidies), low unemployment, and remarkably even distribution of income. In the absence of other natural resources (except for abundant geothermal power), the economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 70% of export earnings and employs 4% of the work force. The economy remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. The government remains opposed to EU membership, primarily because of Icelanders' concern about losing control over their fishing resources. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, and new developments in software production, biotechnology, and financial services are taking place. The tourism sector is also expanding, with the recent trends in ecotourism and whale watching. Weather: Iceland’s climate is tempered by the Gulf Stream. Summers are mild and winters rather cold. The colorful Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) appear from the end of August. From the end of May to the beginning of August, there are nearly 24 hours of perpetual daylight in Reykjavík, while in the northern part of the country the sun barely sets at all.  Iceland is literally split down the middle on tectonic plates, one moving towards Europe, the other towards North America, at a centimeter or two a year, an apt setting for the ocean outpost where Vikings would bring their ancient tongue, which is still spoken today. Iceland was also a stepping-stone to the New World, the starting place for the Viking settlement of Greenland and birthplace of Leif the Lucky, who in the year 1000 became the first European to set foot in North America.  The Vikings arrived in Iceland more than a thousand years ago, bringing their horses with them. When these settlers created the world's oldest surviving Parliament in the year 930, one of their first acts was to prohibit further importation of horses. Today, more than ten centuries later, the breed remains pure. Strong and muscular, these horses are sure-footed enough to handle the roughest Icelandic terrain. Small and gentle, with great stamina, speed and intelligence, they are the perfect riding companions. An increasing number of people travel the Icelandic highlands on horseback, enjoying the incredible beauty of unspoiled nature in company with a horse born to climb mountains, gallop across fields and cross rivers. Riding tours in Iceland attract thousands of visitors each year and are one of the fastest growing businesses in Iceland.   In the 8th century Norse craftsmen developed and constructed light but stable ships with shallow drafts and good maneuverability under sail and oar. The Viking seamen developed their navigation skills over generations. Experience and practice told them to use landmarks even in extreme visual range. They had no compass or accurate timepiece and sailing out of sight was probably steered relative to the pole star and the sun. During the 11th century the Viking age came to an end. The Vikings adopted Christianity. Merchants and Settlers had become absorbed into the local population or established new societies, like in Iceland. The courage and the curiosity of the Vikings a 1000 years ago led to the discovery of new countries and cultures. The International Viking Festival has been held in Iceland several different years, and the festival has included Viking markets, performances, music, theatre, lectures, exhibitions, and Viking food.   Iceland has over 50 golf courses throughout the island, some with outstanding views and always close to nature. Golf can be played in Iceland from May through September, and in the summer golf can be played around-the-clock due to the midnight sun. Visitors are welcome at the courses. Green fees vary from $15-$30. Some courses offer clubs for rent. Did you ever consider playing golf in Iceland? How about teeing off at midnight with the sun still shining? If you would rather be playing golf than going to sleep, then you belong at the Amstel Light Iceland Open in Reykjavik, Iceland. The tournament is played on two golf courses near Reykjavik: the Reykjavik Golf Club and the Keilir Golf Club in Hafnarfjordur.   Untamed and untamable, Iceland's rivers have energy to spare. As you travel down a raging river in a raft, you'll run the gamut of emotions that induce exhilaration, rapture, fear, laughter and fulfillment. What's more, wherever this activity is offered, you can be assured of astonishing natural surroundings.
Qualified for rafting tours is everybody who can swim and is in normal or good health. You just have to bring warm clothing and a towel!   Iceland is the host for the VISA-REY CUP. This soccer festival is for young people, boys and girls, 13 to 16 years old, and is held every year. The purpose of VISA-REY CUP is to have an international sports event of good quality in Reykjavík. The idea behind this event is that it is not simply meant to be a sports event but also a festival for young people and their families. Iceland also hosts the ICELAND INVITATIONAL Ice hockey Tournament, and Iceland is no stranger to the world's premier cold weather team sport. Every year the country hosts a tournament for those teams brave enough to show up and take on the world. There are competitions open to almost any age and skill level. Held in November and located at Laugardalur Ice Rink, Reykjavik, Iceland.   Easily the most photographed site in all of Iceland, The Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most supernatural looking body of water on Earth. Descriptions of its waters range everywhere from “the same color as the new Gatorade drink” to “frosty blue.” Though the latter term may sound good, the water in the lagoon is anything but “frosty.” The temperature in the swimmable area averages about 40C (104F), and the soothing, mineral-rich water is rumored to have curative powers. Though the lagoon looks like something born from Iceland’s otherworldly landscape, it is actually man made. It was created by run-off from the Svartsengi power plant, which pumps up the geothermally heated water from a full mile below the surface. After being used to generate both heat and electricity, the excess (which is absolutely clean) is ejected into the lagoon.  Although the Icelandic history and culture is ever-present today, Iceland is a modern island, with great places to eat, and some fun for our Troops!
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The Blue Lagoon has a restaurant. If going with a large group, reservations can be made. The setting, a modern restaurant including 7m/22ft high glass walls with a spectacular view over the lagoon, creates a comfortable atmosphere while enjoying a delicious meal made by inventive chefs of the restaurant. The restaurant offers everything from light meals to fine dining with an inviting menu consisting of both domestic and international courses made by fresh Icelandic ingredients.
Meals can be served on the lagoon. They have tables that are floating, and the waiters wear swimsuits! |
| The Flughotel has a first-class restaurant, with the emphasis on a varied menu and excellent service. The hotel also has a cozy bar. |
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Ráin opened 1989 and is one of Keflavik splendorous and gallant restaurant in Keflavik, only few minutes drive from Keflavik International Airport, with great view over the crag Bjargid and the sea towards the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. Rain can seat up to 300 people in tow halls and on weekends offers live music with some of Iceland's best musicians. Including the live music, Rain offers access to their state of the art Karaoke system. Karaoke singing is very popular among guests. |
| Galileo is a great Italian restaurant in the heart of Reykjavik. Proprietor Ingvar H. Svendsen emphasizes Italian cuisine at its best, but he also incorporates a Middle Eastern flair in his cooking. Seafood occupies a prominent place on the menu, and Galileo's cooks produce fascinating dishes made from the best ingredients available anywhere in the world: Icelandic fish and seafood. Located in an historic building at Hafnarstræti 1 in the center of Reykjavík, Galileo offers a uniquely warm and comfortable atmosphere. And as the restaurant is named after an Italian astronomer, 700 glittering stars decorate its ceiling. The restaurant has four floors, which contain a lounge, two dining rooms, and a gallery in the cellar, which can also accommodate private functions for groups. |
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Café Victor is located in an historic building on the square Ingólfstorg, an important site for Icelandic culture and history. At noon, it is a pleasant restaurant with fast and friendly service. In the afternoon, it is a café where people meet friends and acquaintances for a chat, or simply sit and read with a good coffee. In the evening, Café Victor is a restaurant with an exciting and varied menu featuring fresh Icelandic ingredients prepared with a Mexican flair. As the evening progresses, Café Victor transforms itself again, a café and bar atmosphere gradually develops, and turns into a discotheque on weekends, when disc jockeys demonstrate their talent for ensuring that everyone hears the kind of music he likes and enjoys a turn on the dance floor until the early hours of the morning. |
| Fjörugarðurinn - The Viking Restaurant in Viking Village is open for dinner guests from 18.00 every day and for dancing on Saturdays until 03.00 to live music. Here, the emphasis is on the Viking Era and, as you enter, you step into the world of the past. The décor is in the Viking style and offers true Viking feast with traditional meals served in old-fashioned Viking-style trays. During these famous feasts there is not a dull moment and the guests can expect various treats and surprises offered by our singing Valkyries and Vikings. The fun reaches its height when the Fjöru-chieftain crowns one guest as an Honorary Viking. |
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 Bless! We hope you have enjoyed the visit with our Troops!
FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before. Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. Let's have fun! We pray for your continued strength, to be strong in the face of adversity. We pray for your safety, that you will return to your families and friends soon. We pray that your hope, courage, and dignity remain unbroken, so that you may show others the way. God Bless You All ~ Today, Tomorrow and Always |
