I was TDY to Hahn for the month of August, 1975. For the annual Operation Crested Cap, we flew F-4’s nonstop from Holloman AFB, NM. It was an 11 hour flight. Shortly after arriving, we jumped on a USAF bus which took us to Bernkastle- Kues? for the wine festival. The evening culminated with a great fireworks battle between the castle up on the hill and the town below. We were able to view the fireworks from the bridge over the Mosel. I have two great memories of Hahn. First, after a dawn launch, I unexpectedly did my own version of Tom Cruse buzzing the tower. We had taken off SW and were to fly a low level along the Buffer Zone. I was a 1LT wingman flying 5-9000’ line abreast with lead. To my surprise, I saw a 2-ship formation lift off between me and lead! I looked straight ahead and I was flying down the flight line toward the tower at 500’! Tower came up on Guard: “Unknown aircraft overflying Hahn AB say your call sign”. We tapped the burners and got the hell out of there! My second great memory of Hahn was the lasagne at San Remos. To this day it was the best I have ever had. I remember that it seemed like the father was checking out his teenage son as a waiter. I also remember that at the O’ Club there was a 3’ long model of a German F-104 that the Hahn AB fighter squadron had stolen from their German sister squadron. Oh, yeah! My squadron, the 8TFS Black Sheep, brought back 3000 bottles of wine to Holloman! A pissing contest between our sister squadron and an Army Customs Officer resulted in an inquiry about the wine and resulted in a Squadron Commander getting fired and the end of long tradition of bringing wine back from Germany. Though I was only there a month, I loved that place as many of you did.
Dad was assigned to Hahn 1963-66 and we lived in base housing, 19-B-4. I enlisted and was at Hahn 1976-1978. Last time I visited was in 1986 while TDY for a few days. Love the old place but the main base is pretty much all gone now. Thanks for the video!
I was born there in 72. My Dad served in SAC security. My Dad and I always planned to go back and see it and for him to give me a walk through his memories. Sadly he past away in 2013. Seeing this place in this state makes me feel older than I am.
Showed my mother this video after listening to her stories about her and my father being stationed here 1978-81, she couldn't hold back the tears. R.I.P. Tsgt Reed
I was stationed at Hahn in June 1989. I quickly went to WAS 38th MDS. I Was lucky enough to make it out on 5 dispersals in the short time there. Went back to Hahn and joined the 50th SPS. A great time. I still keep in touch with Msgt. Ankeny and Sgt Slavonik, Hajjar and French. My wife worked at the Four Season pizza place. Great memories. Castle hunting. Driving along the rivers.......... great video. Thank you.
My family & I were stationed at Hahn AFB in the 90s. We were one of the last families to leave base housing once the base closed & was returned to Germany, it had just had a new bowling alley & flight line built. It's surreal to see it like this. What a waste.
I was never at Hahn Airbase but the video makes me sad none-the-less. The years that we, our fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, mothers, etc. served actively and as dependents, to protect Europe during the cold war is slowly being erased from the landscape.
Stationed there Sept.1972-1974-crew chief F4E Tail number 535. Lived in Sohren and Emmeroth. Got married in Kierchberg. Hit every bar on the Mosul. Loved San Remos and the first G!! Still in touch with a few buds from there. Sid, Riley,Barnes, Estelita, Causey,Queen,Kendrick. Thanks for the memories.........
My husband was stationed there 1969-1971 and we joined him there. Many happy memories of living in Germany and the AF families we met and also German families. We lived on Turmstrasse in Sohren and also lived in Fronhofen. Our youngest son was born at Hahn and baptized at the base chapel. I'm so thankful we got to experience this place as a family! This video is so sad but thank you for creating it.
I was at Hahn from 85 to 87 and loved it. I worked in the PMEL building. I wish I had taken a lot more pictures. They always had fresh flowers planted all over the base.
always breaks my heart to see abandoned us military bases! Im an army brat and still live in Germany. The us troops have been gone here for 31 years alreads!
I arrived at Hahn on Nov 3rd, 1989, six days before the Berlin Wall came down. A lot changed at Hahn during my time there. The two Germany's were reunified on Oct 3rd, 1990. The 10 TFS was sent to Desert Storm. When they returned we were notified that Hahn was closing. I left Hahn in 1993 as we were turning off the lights. See the videos I posted of Hahn from 1990-1991 when it was still a thriving base.
my dad and we were there from 76-79, I too, miss the place, dad retired in 92, and I graduated (stateside, in Fl), and joined for 4. but have many great times and memories... many thanks to Daniel for the vid post.. would love to see more...
Oh, what a heartache to watch this video and remember the good times from 1965 to 1969 when I served there! What a beautiful, sad video (great music too!). I wonder if Lautzenhausen is still there? Great work! You have made the day of a now old man.......
SM, What a beautiful gig getting to spend ur service here, just breaks my heart to see our taxes paid for this, now being pushed into a sad death. In '65 I rotated from McGuireAFB to a nice green air strip in Nam to prep for A1E combat missions, 2nd Nam tour was squeezed in just before '69. Life was so fast back then I 'didn't notice the trees because of the forest', "I blinked, and now too, an old Vet". We lived, endured, saw the best times of our Country.
Great video... so nostalgic! My father was stationed at Hahn from 1955-1958. I was in the 8th and 9th grades at Hahn and went to boarding school in Wiesbaden. It was a great to live in my early teen years. Mr. Swain, Mrs. Steppler, Mr. Gardner, Frau Genthe, Herr Kosmali, Mr. Root, Tom Tebbs, Manfred Nardini, Earl & Farris Mills, Janet Johnson, Sara & Dolly Wanz & Eddy Harris are many of the good people I met there.
I was stationed at Hahn AFB from 1987 to early 1990. Was a crewchief of F-16‘s for 6 years before transitioning to Intelligence and then being selected for Bootstrap. I have been back several times while working for the DoD and couldn‘t resist the urge to go and see it. It‘s such a sad thing today, overgrown with weeds and pretty much abandoned. When I first got orders for Hahn, I was told it was the worst assignment in Germany, but turned out to be the best. I loved it, loved the food, and loved the many great people I worked with. I grieve for those days and wish I had done more there, both professionally and personally. My wife was born in Germany and we have been back once, but hope to go often, but in today‘s world, I am not sure if that will ever happen. To watch those Jets launch is a sight to behold, and it‘s even better when you get the opportunity to fly in one and even pilot it which I did. For those who don‘t know what those enforced hangers are, they were called Tab-V‘s. That is where we housed each jet. Dang, now I‘m sad and longing for the old days.
I am an Italian Citizen who lives near the ex Hahn AFB at Zell ( Mosel )i live here since end 2009 And because i am fascinated about everythin that is American ,i visit several times the Base. I asked myself many times ,how it was when Americans where here ,enjoy to see and hear the Fighter Jets. Unfortunately ,the complete Area around the 'base"is already in Russian 'property" All the town around it ,you think: You Just leave the German Border, and you are already in Russia Thoose ppl have the German ans Russian Nationality,after the Sovjet Union Fall,Germany made a Contract that all so called German Russians could come back to Germany. But...if you hear them speaking, they don't talk German,they talk Russian, since Americans went away ,crime gets up too,many ppl are jobless Ok,they use that Airport as Civil Airport ,but 2021 the Airport was insolvence Now i heard its Sold to a New Company Located at the Airport is also an Aircargo Freight Center ,the Most Freighter are Antonovs or Ilyushin and whatever For me personally it was and its still sad to see that buildings in thoose Condotions Some of the buildings we're Families lived before, we're restored,now the so called Rineland Pfalz Police Academy is there(just next to the Church) A few other buildings are in use by Airfreight Companys ,but the most are ...dyin. Elementary School,Commissary and some more are fully empty I made several pics this year,will do others next Summer. As i know,there is a little Terminal that is still in use by American Forces. Sometimes ,American Freighters come to Hahn and take soldiers and Freight to Hahn or Pick them up. From Hahn they go to other Casern, like Baumholder In case someone read this,it would be a pleasure to keep Contact John
Thanks for the video. These bases were completely self sufficient. It is sad to see them abandoned, and useless. Especially when you think about people living in cardboard boxes. Not in Germany but other places around the World.
Was stationed there with my now ex in 75-78. Lived in Kirchberg before getting onto base housing. This brought back so many memories. Shame it's all run down. Germany was an experience to see. Missed it when we had to go back to the states to Nelli's AFB.
Stationed there 79 to 81. As a 1 strip Airman, i found this base friendly and comfortable. I loved my job and all the good things this base offered. The theater, bx, bookstore and rec center. The rec center sold tickets to most bands touring Europe. Tickets were $25 /?, but it included German buses to get you there and back. I saw Led Zep. Hahn was great place to be!
Was stationed at Hahn AB from 1977-1980. Great duty. Made a lot of wonderful German friends. Country is beautiful around the area. So sorry to see it close and the property wasted. So much could have been done with it to make homes for people.
I was there 85-87 with the 2184th as a ground radar tech. It saddens me to see the place look like that. I loved that place. I still think back on my times there. Hard to believe it's been 30 years.
@mark Crawford. I was TDY there installing the Tech Control Facility across from the bowling alley in 85 and 86.... Did you every go into that facility? It was mostly underground.
My father was stationed there from 1980-1984.....it really is sad to see Hahn in its condition. I went to Hahn Elementary from kindergarten through 2nd grade.
this brings back so many memories. the last building that you show was my barracks, bld 669. I can't believe you got into the wsa and shown the structures. great job, I got to show my daughter what two years of my life was like.
I was stationed at Hahn AFB from 1977-80 with 2184th Comm Sq. as a Grnd Radio Tech (304x4). It was the best duty station I ever did. Enjoyed my weekends in Traben-Trabach, as well as the many other places I traveled to while in Germany.
Hahn was my first experience with Air Force life. I was at Morbach until it too closed in 95. Got there in 91 and Hahn was our support base. Being a fresh face, I drank it all in. The Sights, the sounds...now to see it like this really puts a lump in my throat. My first real base with my brand new family is nothing but a memory now. Thank you so much for the pictures...they are sad, but curiously made my day.
I realize this is an old video and your comment is years past as well... but if you run across this: I was there from 11/91 to 3/93... curious to know if you were someone I knew. I was a Munitions sys spec in storage and handling at Morbach.. lived in the dorm just up the hill from the shopette towards the flight line..
My dad Gene was stationed at Hahn from 64-67. We lived in a 4th floor apt (above our best friends Luana and 'Booboo') in the second building on the left as you entered the housing area (and in the video!). Thank you for showing the interiors - it brought back a lot of memories (including sticking my pinky in one of the bedroom electrical sockets - 'This looks like it'll fit!' - and playing in the basements). Reading through the comments I'm not the only one who cried! Powerfully done! :)
Hahn AB was my support from 1986 thru 1990 and I lived in the barracks for 2 years that now stand abandoned. I have great memories of Hahn AB and Germany. I was only 18 years old when I received orders to Hahn AB and I feel I grew up so much. I would like to return for a visit when the opportunity arises.
My dad was stationed there from 71-81. We lived in base housing for about a year, the rest of the time we lived in Sorhen (?) and Buschenburen. Fond memories indeed.
Thank you for making this video. Have great memories of Hahn, living both on and off base in the 4th and 5th grade. It was such a beautiful base... So sad. You did a great job.
You did an outstanding job with this video. I was stationed at Hahn from 1980-82 and lived in Barracks 310 for a year and then in Sohren for a year. Barracks 310 is in your video, it's the one directly across the street from the Chapel. Thank you for making this, it brought back a lot of memories.
I visited Hahn in Sept 06, 20 years 2 the day that I left n spent a day living in the past. Glad I did. Lots of memories but like the Citadel of Verdun, Hahn is just another relic of the past. I'll never forget my time there from 84-86. From what I saw, the Hahn as shown in this video will not be around much longer...LOTS of changes. From bldg 116 to the old main gate - nothing left. It's all a parking lot now (literally). Rock on 496th AMU, Able Flt.
I can't stand to watch the whole thing! We were there 1987-90 and LOVED it. I cried about half the way home on our final flight back. If I had a time machine, I would go back there in a heartbeat. On lighter note, I'll bet those stoves in the quarters were the cleanest that have ever been left to the elements! I'm sure they were all inspected before everyone left. Who else but military would do that?
As a 463 Nuclear Weapons Specialist,I was stationed at Weuschheim/Hahn from 1988-1993. I helped closed both bases. Weuschheim was an Air Force GLCM base and it went away in 1991. I flew with the W84 warheads out of the GAMMA on Army CH-47's to Hahn. Closed Wueschheim, then was stationed at Hahn. Worked with the US Army on " Silent Echo" the Army's removal of AFAPs from Europe. Then as the whole of Hahn was just about gone, I ended up with my team shipping all of GLCM equipment back to US along with packing and shipping the whole WSA weapons and equipment to the US. I lived with my family in Roedern about eleven miles from Hahn/Weuschheim. When we left Hahn for the US there were about forty US service people left at Hahn. I had good times and some very bad times at both bases.
Wow! I just found this video and my heart started cracking....I was a teen living at Hahn for two years in 1960 - 62. I remember the storage area in the housing units. We had to set each one up to be for emergency safety with food, blankets, flashlights and water. Anything needed for a short term stay... We were there during the "build of the Berlin Wall" and we were under alert status for a while. I also remember the attic of the units was where the kids would go, when the weather was crappy, to hang out. To say this video was sad to me is an understatement. All of the bases we were attached to as I was growing up as a dependent are gone except one. Seeing how transient life is thought provoking.
I lived in the housing area 76-79 as a boy. I was able to return this summer (June 2008) for the first time in nearly 30 yrs -- half the base is gone (now airport) and the other half is a ghost town (portrayed well here). The half that remains, without the weeds, has changed little in 30yrs! I was able to enter my old building, and found that the ugly 1970's green bathroom sink and tub were still in my old apartment! My years at Hahn were an adventure; so sad to see it empty and decaying...
Every time I view this wonderful, yet sad posting, it brings tears to my eyes. My first time ever out of Kentucky with 2 small kids along for the ride. The memories are some sad, but mostly exciting and enlightening and wonderful...places I never dreamed of seeing and people I would have never known...A whole new world and I am grateful for the people I met and the places I saw...My son, Danny, had a special place to play...the kids called it Bunker Hill...We have a Hampster buried there and my daughter, Karen, had a very good friend named Talley Scanlon with whom sadly we lost touch over all the years. It's been soooo long ago and yet, seems like yesterday when I visit this place. I worked in the Headquarters bldg and for a short time for the MP's when we first arrived. I don't remember the exact years, but around 1971/1972 somewhere around that time..Thanks for the memories and thank you for caring enough to share!.
That is a nice story. Thank you for sharing. My ex wife spent 4 years in Germany in the mid to late 70's, with her mom & step dad and 2 sisters. Step dad was an Army M.P. They used to tell stories about visiting the areas that saw heavy fighting in WW2 and learning to speak German. My ex is or was fluent. Great stories.
Betty Stubbs I don’t know if you will see this since your comment was posted 5 years ago! You just gave me a blast from my past, though. I was stationed at Hahn AB myself as an adult from 1988-1991, but as a teenager we lived on Ramstein AFB. I was a cheerleader & Talley Scanlon was one of my cheering friends! Thanks for reminding me of her!
Daddy was stationed at Hahn back in the early 70's. Met my mom in Kastellaun. My Oma worked at Hahn in the mess hall--she learned to speak good English from the Amies. :) I love Germany & I miss my family. I wish we'd never had to leave. It is sad to see the base in shambles as it is. Hopefully some use will come of the abandoned buildings in the near future. I passed by back in January 2012 when I went back to bury Oma, as she has now passed. It did not appear to be open to the public...
I was in the 69th Tack Missile sq. (Pilotless Bomber Sq) stationed at Hann in 1954/55. I was in detachment 4 at Dreidorf. My 2 friends Ellis Gosserand died last year and Darrels Devoric died several years ago Met a lot of nice German families. It is a shame the base had to be deactivated and let it go to ruin. It was good duty. It has been 63 years since I was there.
I was stationed at Morbach 91-closure in 95. Hahn was our support base and my first real base in the Air Force. I watched the draw down take her away from us and it was a sad day when her gates closed for good. You share a special attachment to your first duty location because that is where your career really began. This video brought back so many memories...thank you so much!
Met a guy who was stationed at Hahn for years one day. He was forced out due to draw down and mentioned Base Supply there had caught fire. I was only there a couple of times, as I was from another base, but the area was very nice on the hill overlooking the Mosel Valley!
My dad was stationed at Hahn from 1968-1972...I was just a boy and I still remember the number where we lived...11-A-7 .....played baseball at the park down the road...
I can't believe that a video of a place I haven't been to in 20 years could choke me up so very much. Thank you for posting this - I was there with my parents from 87-90 and have MANY fond memories of my time there. I was only 14 when I left and this video admittedly makes me feel a little old when I can actually see how much time has passed :)
So glad to stumble across this beautiful video! I was there as a dependent from 1964 to 1967. First we lived "on the economy" in Stipshausen and then Longkamp before moving on base. Lived in the dorms at in Wiesbaden my last year. I loved, loved, loved my time at Hahn. Does anyone remember the name of the disco that was nearby in the late 60's? I don't even remember the name of the town but to get there you'd walk along the train tracks from base housing. Thanks so much for putting this together and posting it! Sandi M
I lived there from about 85-89. I was only there through kindergarten so I don't remember too much. I remember doing a lot of volksmarching with my family. I also remembered living in an apartment complex and playing with the kids. A lot of them used to skateboard there. I also remember the pine cone fights in the woods. I loved playing in the woods.
Was at Metro Tango 90-93, miss the life, the LSNs, the mid-watches, and that feeling of being connected to so many people who were all about the mission.
Thanks for the tour. Was there 57-61. My dad flew the f 86 in the 496th. I did kindergarten through 3rd grade there. I still think of the times i sat in a classroom and stared out the window looking into those woods. My two brothers were born there. Great memories...........
Wonderful photos. Good job on the video. Thank you for sharing it with me and my friends that were at Hahn over the many years of it being an active Air Base. Peg Maine, USA
Wow...was stationed there from 1979 to 1981. Great memories,great job, good people. I should have never left Germany. I wasyoung and ready to get back to the USA. Germany was fantastic.was stationed at other bases, but nothing compared to Hahn AB.
Nice work. Was there 1962-1965, 350 Munitions Div, not long after Gen. Chuck Yeager left as base commander. Recognize some of the igloos out there in the ammo area. Visited the place myself a few years after abandonment. Some sort of regional air transport operation now. Your film gave me the same feelings of nostalgia, melancholy, and just a trace of pride.
50th MSSQ CBPO 90-92. What I would give for just one day back there when it was in full swing. The first day I arrived 18, first base and scared to death, I looked out over the village on the balcony of my dorm (right behind the post office) and it took my breath away. The Hunsruck in the fall was so beautiful. Such an amazing place and amazing people.
Wow. Kinda sad but brings mack many memories. I was stationed at Sembach from 1964 - 1966 but had many buddies at Hahn and traveled there often. Stayed with Terry Ordaway on my visits. Also, Chaplain Earl Wantz was a very close friend.
Contaminated/ from what. My dad was stationed there from 1976-79, a jet engine mechanic, helped to design and build the engine test cells. I have very fond memories of Hahn, It was a fighter tac wing and no nukes as far as I know. so other than deisel fuel and JP4 jet fuel, what on earth are you talking about? The off base housing (multi 3/4 bedroom apartment/houses were made from concrete and heated by coal and old steam radiator heaters. It is sad that they left behind nice fixtures.
Makes me want to cry.. :(... It so sad the closed it down..Though my dad was in the Army..I remember living on Post at other installations ...They closed so many down..I hope the German citizen's in the area do something good with the property.
@ Daniel Haug, Thank you so much, I saw this earlier today and it brought back some great memories and a tear to my eye to see it as it is in the video. there are some parts of the video that are or look corrupted, seems like when transition from one view to next. can you update or if still there, perhaps do another video (more video) of the off base housing area, possibly the school.. many thanks.
I was TDY at Hahn AB in 1984 and was stationed at Spandahlem AB until 1988. Stayed at the Hotel Berghof in Sohren with the Conrad family. They were absolutely wonderful! Did my first Volksmarch in Sohren. Now I have a business that is available in Germany. Das ist Wunderbar!
I am an Italian Citizen who lives near the ex Hahn AFB at Zell ( Mosel )i live here since end 2009 And because i am fascinated about everythin that is American ,i visit several times the Base. I asked myself many times ,how it was when Americans where here ,enjoy to see and hear the Fighter Jets. Unfortunately ,the complete Area around the 'base"is already in Russian 'property" All the town around it ,you think: You Just leave the German Border, and you are already in Russia Thoose ppl have the German ans Russian Nationality,after the Sovjet Union Fall,Germany made a Contract that all so called German Russians could come back to Germany. But...if you hear them speaking, they don't talk German,they talk Russian, since Americans went away ,crime gets up too,many ppl are jobless Ok,they use that Airport as Civil Airport ,but 2021 the Airport was insolvence Now i heard its Sold to a New Company Located at the Airport is also an Aircargo Freight Center ,the Most Freighter are Antonovs or Ilyushin and whatever For me personally it was and its still sad to see that buildings in thoose Condotions Some of the buildings we're Families lived before, we're restored,now the so called Rineland Pfalz Police Academy is there(just next to the Church) A few other buildings are in use by Airfreight Companys ,but the most are ...dyin. Elementary School,Commissary and some more are fully empty I made several pics this year,will do others next Summer. As i know,there is a little Terminal that is still in use by American Forces. Sometimes ,American Freighters come to Hahn and take soldiers and Freight to Hahn or Pick them up. From Hahn they go to other Casern, like Baumholder In case someone read this,it would be a pleasure to keep Contact John
you did a great job i was there as it closed the gates of a great base 1990-93 so sad to see what has happened to it in a short time. would love to go back and see it myself one day. infact my last daughter was born and learned to walk there. thanks.
WOW! This brought back a ton of memories. I worked in the Consolidated Base Personnel Office (CBO), the Separation office for 2 years. I have been back to the base, it is now used as an airport for Ryan Air, so parts of it does not look this bad. But it is still sad.
I was TDY to Hahn for the month of August, 1975. For the annual Operation Crested Cap, we flew F-4’s nonstop from Holloman AFB, NM. It was an 11 hour flight. Shortly after arriving, we jumped on a USAF bus which took us to Bernkastle- Kues? for the wine festival. The evening culminated with a great fireworks battle between the castle up on the hill and the town below. We were able to view the fireworks from the bridge over the Mosel. I have two great memories of Hahn. First, after a dawn launch, I unexpectedly did my own version of Tom Cruse buzzing the tower. We had taken off SW and were to fly a low level along the Buffer Zone. I was a 1LT wingman flying 5-9000’ line abreast with lead. To my surprise, I saw a 2-ship formation lift off between me and lead! I looked straight ahead and I was flying down the flight line toward the tower at 500’! Tower came up on Guard: “Unknown aircraft overflying Hahn AB say your call sign”. We tapped the burners and got the hell out of there! My second great memory of Hahn was the lasagne at San Remos. To this day it was the best I have ever had. I remember that it seemed like the father was checking out his teenage son as a waiter. I also remember that at the O’ Club there was a 3’ long model of a German F-104 that the Hahn AB fighter squadron had stolen from their German sister squadron. Oh, yeah! My squadron, the 8TFS Black Sheep, brought back 3000 bottles of wine to Holloman! A pissing contest between our sister squadron and an Army Customs Officer resulted in an inquiry about the wine and resulted in a Squadron Commander getting fired and the end of long tradition of bringing wine back from Germany. Though I was only there a month, I loved that place as many of you did.
Dad was assigned to Hahn 1963-66 and we lived in base housing, 19-B-4. I enlisted and was at Hahn 1976-1978. Last time I visited was in 1986 while TDY for a few days. Love the old place but the main base is pretty much all gone now. Thanks for the video!
We were there at the same time! 64-67 for us. Second building on the left as you drove into the housing area at 00:27
I was born there in 72. My Dad served in SAC security. My Dad and I always planned to go back and see it and for him to give me a walk through his memories. Sadly he past away in 2013. Seeing this place in this state makes me feel older than I am.
Showed my mother this video after listening to her stories about her and my father being stationed here 1978-81, she couldn't hold back the tears. R.I.P. Tsgt Reed
Harrison was your mother in the Air Force also ?
Spent alot time NCO club
Met good people, does anyone remember an Iris Weyer, worked in personnel. Gave new comers briefing. Pretty red head.
Grad of University Heidelberg
Let me know ,please.
I was stationed at Hahn in June 1989. I quickly went to WAS 38th MDS. I Was lucky enough to make it out on 5 dispersals in the short time there. Went back to Hahn and joined the 50th SPS. A great time. I still keep in touch with Msgt. Ankeny and Sgt Slavonik, Hajjar and French. My wife worked at the Four Season pizza place. Great memories. Castle hunting. Driving along the rivers.......... great video. Thank you.
This breaks my heart. I hate seeing a piece of my past fading away. God bless all those that served at Hahn.
Thank you very much for your compliments!i didnt expect so much feedback from all of you! i am very happy that you all like it! thank you again.
My family & I were stationed at Hahn AFB in the 90s. We were one of the last families to leave base housing once the base closed & was returned to Germany, it had just had a new bowling alley & flight line built. It's surreal to see it like this. What a waste.
I was never at Hahn Airbase but the video makes me sad none-the-less. The years that we, our fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, mothers, etc. served actively and as dependents, to protect Europe during the cold war is slowly being erased from the landscape.
Stationed there Sept.1972-1974-crew chief F4E Tail number 535. Lived in Sohren and Emmeroth. Got married in Kierchberg. Hit every bar on the Mosul. Loved San Remos and the first G!! Still in touch with a few buds from there. Sid, Riley,Barnes, Estelita, Causey,Queen,Kendrick. Thanks for the memories.........
Six of the best years of my life spent here. Thank you for this video!
My husband was stationed there 1969-1971 and we joined him there. Many happy memories of living in Germany and the AF families we met and also German families. We lived on Turmstrasse in Sohren and also lived in Fronhofen. Our youngest son was born at Hahn and baptized at the base chapel. I'm so thankful we got to experience this place as a family! This video is so sad but thank you for creating it.
I was at Hahn from 85 to 87 and loved it. I worked in the PMEL building. I wish I had taken a lot more pictures. They always had fresh flowers planted all over the base.
You may have worked with my first wife. She was in PMEL for a short while.
always breaks my heart to see abandoned us military bases! Im an army brat and still live in Germany. The us troops have been gone here for 31 years alreads!
I arrived at Hahn on Nov 3rd, 1989, six days before the Berlin Wall came down. A lot changed at Hahn during my time there. The two Germany's were reunified on Oct 3rd, 1990. The 10 TFS was sent to Desert Storm. When they returned we were notified that Hahn was closing. I left Hahn in 1993 as we were turning off the lights. See the videos I posted of Hahn from 1990-1991 when it was still a thriving base.
Stationed at Hahn AB 1973-1977 So sad to see this once vibrant Air Force Base in ruins.. Many good memories at Hahn!!
So sad. I was stationed at Hahn between 1985 to 1988. Best three years ever. 2184 th Comm.
Have a run in with the Beast out there?
my dad and we were there from 76-79, I too, miss the place, dad retired in 92, and I graduated (stateside, in Fl), and joined for 4. but have many great times and memories... many thanks to Daniel for the vid post.. would love to see more...
Oh, what a heartache to watch this video and remember the good times from 1965 to 1969 when I served there! What a beautiful, sad video (great music too!). I wonder if Lautzenhausen is still there? Great work! You have made the day of a now old man.......
We were there from 64-67.
SM, What a beautiful gig getting to spend ur service here, just breaks my heart to see our taxes paid for this, now being pushed into a sad death. In '65 I rotated from McGuireAFB to a nice green air strip in Nam to prep for A1E combat missions, 2nd Nam tour was squeezed in just before '69. Life was so fast back then I 'didn't notice the trees because of the forest', "I blinked, and now too, an old Vet". We lived, endured, saw the best times of our Country.
Stationed there from April 83 to October 86. I still dream about Germany. It was some of the best times of my life. Thanks for the video.
Great video... so nostalgic! My father was stationed at Hahn from 1955-1958. I was in the 8th and 9th grades at Hahn and went to boarding school in Wiesbaden. It was a great to live in my early teen years. Mr. Swain, Mrs. Steppler, Mr. Gardner, Frau Genthe, Herr Kosmali, Mr. Root, Tom Tebbs, Manfred Nardini, Earl & Farris Mills, Janet Johnson, Sara & Dolly Wanz & Eddy Harris are many of the good people I met there.
I was stationed at Hahn AFB from 1987 to early 1990. Was a crewchief of F-16‘s for 6 years before transitioning to Intelligence and then being selected for Bootstrap. I have been back several times while working for the DoD and couldn‘t resist the urge to go and see it. It‘s such a sad thing today, overgrown with weeds and pretty much abandoned. When I first got orders for Hahn, I was told it was the worst assignment in Germany, but turned out to be the best. I loved it, loved the food, and loved the many great people I worked with. I grieve for those days and wish I had done more there, both professionally and personally. My wife was born in Germany and we have been back once, but hope to go often, but in today‘s world, I am not sure if that will ever happen. To watch those Jets launch is a sight to behold, and it‘s even better when you get the opportunity to fly in one and even pilot it which I did.
For those who don‘t know what those enforced hangers are, they were called Tab-V‘s. That is where we housed each jet. Dang, now I‘m sad and longing for the old days.
I am an Italian Citizen who lives near the ex Hahn AFB at Zell ( Mosel )i live here since end 2009
And because i am fascinated about everythin that is American ,i visit several times the Base.
I asked myself many times ,how it was when Americans where here ,enjoy to see and hear the Fighter Jets.
Unfortunately ,the complete Area around the 'base"is already in Russian 'property"
All the town around it ,you think:
You Just leave the German Border, and you are already in Russia
Thoose ppl have the German ans Russian Nationality,after the Sovjet Union Fall,Germany made a Contract that all so called German Russians could come back to Germany.
But...if you hear them speaking, they don't talk German,they talk Russian, since Americans went away ,crime gets up too,many ppl are jobless
Ok,they use that Airport as Civil Airport ,but 2021 the Airport was insolvence
Now i heard its Sold to a New Company
Located at the Airport is also an Aircargo Freight Center ,the Most Freighter are Antonovs or Ilyushin and whatever
For me personally it was and its still sad to see that buildings in thoose Condotions
Some of the buildings we're Families lived before, we're restored,now the so called Rineland Pfalz Police Academy is there(just next to the Church)
A few other buildings are in use by Airfreight Companys ,but the most are ...dyin.
Elementary School,Commissary and some more are fully empty
I made several pics this year,will do others next Summer.
As i know,there is a little Terminal that is still in use by American Forces.
Sometimes ,American Freighters come to Hahn and take soldiers and Freight to Hahn or Pick them up.
From Hahn they go to other Casern, like Baumholder
In case someone read this,it would be a pleasure to keep Contact
John
Thanks for the video. These bases were completely self sufficient. It is sad to see them abandoned, and useless. Especially when you think about people living in cardboard boxes. Not in Germany but other places around the World.
Was stationed there with my now ex in 75-78. Lived in Kirchberg before getting onto base housing. This brought back so many memories. Shame it's all run down. Germany was an experience to see. Missed it when we had to go back to the states to Nelli's AFB.
Wow! So many memories. I was a brat stationed here from 86-90 - lived on base then in Rhaunen. RIP my step dad TSgt Ralph Waldron
Crazy i was a dependent there as well. 84-89.
@@CheSantana36 Me too.... 1984-1989
Stationed there 79 to 81. As a 1 strip Airman, i found this base friendly and comfortable. I loved my job and all the good things this base offered. The theater, bx, bookstore and rec center. The rec center sold tickets to most bands touring Europe. Tickets were $25 /?, but it included German buses to get you there and back.
I saw Led Zep. Hahn was great place to be!
Was stationed at Hahn AB from 1977-1980. Great duty. Made a lot of wonderful German friends. Country is beautiful around the area. So sorry to see it close and the property wasted. So much could have been done with it to make homes for people.
I was there 85-87 with the 2184th as a ground radar tech. It saddens me to see the place look like that. I loved that place. I still think back on my times there. Hard to believe it's been 30 years.
@mark Crawford. I was TDY there installing the Tech Control Facility across from the bowling alley in 85 and 86.... Did you every go into that facility? It was mostly underground.
@@rongallagher3822 I think I was in there once or twice.
My father was stationed there from 1980-1984.....it really is sad to see Hahn in its condition. I went to Hahn Elementary from kindergarten through 2nd grade.
this brings back so many memories. the last building that you show was my barracks, bld 669. I can't believe you got into the wsa and shown the structures. great job, I got to show my daughter what two years of my life was like.
I was stationed at Hahn AFB from 1977-80 with 2184th Comm Sq. as a Grnd Radio Tech (304x4). It was the best duty station I ever did. Enjoyed my weekends in Traben-Trabach, as well as the many other places I traveled to while in Germany.
Hahn was my first experience with Air Force life. I was at Morbach until it too closed in 95. Got there in 91 and Hahn was our support base. Being a fresh face, I drank it all in. The Sights, the sounds...now to see it like this really puts a lump in my throat. My first real base with my brand new family is nothing but a memory now. Thank you so much for the pictures...they are sad, but curiously made my day.
I realize this is an old video and your comment is years past as well... but if you run across this:
I was there from 11/91 to 3/93... curious to know if you were someone I knew. I was a Munitions sys spec in storage and handling at Morbach.. lived in the dorm just up the hill from the shopette towards the flight line..
Spent 2 years at Hahn. Thanks for the memories.
My dad Gene was stationed at Hahn from 64-67. We lived in a 4th floor apt (above our best friends Luana and 'Booboo') in the second building on the left as you entered the housing area (and in the video!). Thank you for showing the interiors - it brought back a lot of memories (including sticking my pinky in one of the bedroom electrical sockets - 'This looks like it'll fit!' - and playing in the basements). Reading through the comments I'm not the only one who cried! Powerfully done! :)
I lived there in the early 80's.. some of the happiest times of my life were at Hahn. So many great memories
Hahn AB was my support from 1986 thru 1990 and I lived in the barracks for 2 years that now stand abandoned. I have great memories of Hahn AB and Germany. I was only 18 years old when I received orders to Hahn AB and I feel I grew up so much. I would like to return for a visit when the opportunity arises.
I was born at the base hospital in '89, my dad was an F-16 pilot. Interesting to see
My dad was stationed there from 71-81. We lived in base housing for about a year, the rest of the time we lived in Sorhen (?) and Buschenburen. Fond memories indeed.
Thank you for making this video. Have great memories of Hahn, living both on and off base in the 4th and 5th grade. It was such a beautiful base... So sad. You did a great job.
Thank you
You did an outstanding job with this video. I was stationed at Hahn from 1980-82 and lived in Barracks 310 for a year and then in Sohren for a year. Barracks 310 is in your video, it's the one directly across the street from the Chapel. Thank you for making this, it brought back a lot of memories.
I visited Hahn in Sept 06, 20 years 2 the day that I left n spent a day living in the past. Glad I did. Lots of memories but like the Citadel of Verdun, Hahn is just another relic of the past. I'll never forget my time there from 84-86. From what I saw, the Hahn as shown in this video will not be around much longer...LOTS of changes. From bldg 116 to the old main gate - nothing left. It's all a parking lot now (literally).
Rock on 496th AMU, Able Flt.
I can't stand to watch the whole thing! We were there 1987-90 and LOVED it. I cried about half the way home on our final flight back. If I had a time machine, I would go back there in a heartbeat.
On lighter note, I'll bet those stoves in the quarters were the cleanest that have ever been left to the elements! I'm sure they were all inspected before everyone left. Who else but military would do that?
As a 463 Nuclear Weapons Specialist,I was stationed at Weuschheim/Hahn from 1988-1993. I helped closed both bases. Weuschheim was an Air Force GLCM base and it went away in 1991. I flew with the W84 warheads out of the GAMMA on Army CH-47's to Hahn. Closed Wueschheim, then was stationed at Hahn. Worked with the US Army on " Silent Echo" the Army's removal of AFAPs from Europe. Then as the whole of Hahn was just about gone, I ended up with my team shipping all of GLCM equipment back to US along with packing and shipping the whole WSA weapons and equipment to the US. I lived with my family in Roedern about eleven miles from Hahn/Weuschheim. When we left Hahn for the US there were about forty US service people left at Hahn. I had good times and some very bad times at both bases.
Nuclear weapons were stocked in Morbach deposit, in Hahn Base as well or in Weuschheim?
@@FlyguyIta indeed they were. Hahn was one of 3 or 4 bases in Western Europe that had Nuclear deposits. I was there '90-'92. shhh, it's a secret.
Wow! I just found this video and my heart started cracking....I was a teen living at Hahn for two years in 1960 - 62. I remember the storage area in the housing units. We had to set each one up to be for emergency safety with food, blankets, flashlights and water. Anything needed for a short term stay... We were there during the "build of the Berlin Wall" and we were under alert status for a while. I also remember the attic of the units was where the kids would go, when the weather was crappy, to hang out. To say this video was sad to me is an understatement. All of the bases we were attached to as I was growing up as a dependent are gone except one. Seeing how transient life is thought provoking.
Nice video. It always makes me sad to see bases that were once full of life left to rot.
I lived in the housing area 76-79 as a boy. I was able to return this summer (June 2008) for the first time in nearly 30 yrs -- half the base is gone (now airport) and the other half is a ghost town (portrayed well here). The half that remains, without the weeds, has changed little in 30yrs! I was able to enter my old building, and found that the ugly 1970's green bathroom sink and tub were still in my old apartment! My years at Hahn were an adventure; so sad to see it empty and decaying...
Every time I view this wonderful, yet sad posting, it brings tears to my eyes. My first time ever out of Kentucky with 2 small kids along for the ride. The memories are some sad, but mostly exciting and enlightening and wonderful...places I never dreamed of seeing and people I would have never known...A whole new world and I am grateful for the people I met and the places I saw...My son, Danny, had a special place to play...the kids called it Bunker Hill...We have a Hampster buried there and my daughter, Karen, had a very good friend named Talley Scanlon with whom sadly we lost touch over all the years. It's been soooo long ago and yet, seems like yesterday when I visit this place. I worked in the Headquarters bldg and for a short time for the MP's when we first arrived. I don't remember the exact years, but around 1971/1972 somewhere around that time..Thanks for the memories and thank you for caring enough to share!.
That is a nice story. Thank you for sharing. My ex wife spent 4 years in Germany in the mid to late 70's, with her mom & step dad and 2 sisters. Step dad was an Army M.P. They used to tell stories about visiting the areas that saw heavy fighting in WW2 and learning to speak German. My ex is or was fluent. Great stories.
Betty Stubbs I don’t know if you will see this since your comment was posted 5 years ago! You just gave me a blast from my past, though. I was stationed at Hahn AB myself as an adult from 1988-1991, but as a teenager we lived on Ramstein AFB. I was a cheerleader & Talley Scanlon was one of my cheering friends! Thanks for reminding me of her!
Daddy was stationed at Hahn back in the early 70's. Met my mom in Kastellaun. My Oma worked at Hahn in the mess hall--she learned to speak good English from the Amies. :) I love Germany & I miss my family. I wish we'd never had to leave. It is sad to see the base in shambles as it is. Hopefully some use will come of the abandoned buildings in the near future. I passed by back in January 2012 when I went back to bury Oma, as she has now passed. It did not appear to be open to the public...
Hahn was my first assignment out of tech school. I was in the 50th EMS, AGE Shop. Great memories!
I was stationed at Hahn from 1981 to 1983 Loved it!
Thanks for the post. Was there from 76-78, 50th FMS, parachute rigger. Loved the base, people, Germans and county side. Thanks, Daniel!
I was in the 69th Tack Missile sq. (Pilotless Bomber Sq) stationed at Hann in 1954/55. I was in detachment 4 at Dreidorf. My 2 friends Ellis Gosserand died last year and Darrels Devoric died several years ago Met a lot of nice German families. It is a shame the base had to be deactivated and let it go to ruin. It was good duty. It has been 63 years since I was there.
I was stationed at Morbach 91-closure in 95. Hahn was our support base and my first real base in the Air Force. I watched the draw down take her away from us and it was a sad day when her gates closed for good. You share a special attachment to your first duty location because that is where your career really began. This video brought back so many memories...thank you so much!
Met a guy who was stationed at Hahn for years one day. He was forced out due to draw down and mentioned Base Supply there had caught fire. I was only there a couple of times, as I was from another base, but the area was very nice on the hill overlooking the Mosel Valley!
My dad was stationed at Hahn from 1968-1972...I was just a boy and I still remember the number where we lived...11-A-7 .....played baseball at the park down the road...
I can't believe that a video of a place I haven't been to in 20 years could choke me up so very much. Thank you for posting this - I was there with my parents from 87-90 and have MANY fond memories of my time there. I was only 14 when I left and this video admittedly makes me feel a little old when I can actually see how much time has passed :)
So glad to stumble across this beautiful video! I was there as a dependent from 1964 to 1967. First we lived "on the economy" in Stipshausen and then Longkamp before moving on base. Lived in the dorms at in Wiesbaden my last year. I loved, loved, loved my time at Hahn. Does anyone remember the name of the disco that was nearby in the late 60's? I don't even remember the name of the town but to get there you'd walk along the train tracks from base housing. Thanks so much for putting this together and posting it! Sandi M
Sandra Mahan It was the Scotch Club. I was only 15 but went every weekend. Rum and Coke. Aug 1970- Oct 1971
I was a brat there 63-66. This is sad!
@@dlcandme Me too. 63-67
I lived there from about 85-89. I was only there through kindergarten so I don't remember too much. I remember doing a lot of volksmarching with my family. I also remembered living in an apartment complex and playing with the kids. A lot of them used to skateboard there. I also remember the pine cone fights in the woods. I loved playing in the woods.
Was at Metro Tango 90-93, miss the life, the LSNs, the mid-watches, and that feeling of being connected to so many people who were all about the mission.
Mental Tangle! 🇺🇸😎👍
Thanks for the tour. Was there 57-61. My dad flew the f 86 in the 496th. I did kindergarten through 3rd grade there. I still think of the times i sat in a classroom and stared out the window looking into those woods. My two brothers were born there. Great memories...........
It was cool seeing the pics from inside housing again, Gave me flash backs to being 10 years old...btw those bath tubs ROCKED!!!!!!
Was stationed there from 1983 to 1985. Brings back good memories. Believe the base is currently used as a cargo airport
Wonderful photos. Good job on the video. Thank you for sharing it with me and my friends that were at Hahn over the many years of it being an active Air Base.
Peg
Maine, USA
Wow...was stationed there from 1979 to 1981. Great memories,great job, good people. I should have never left Germany. I wasyoung and ready to get back to the USA. Germany was fantastic.was stationed at other bases, but nothing compared to Hahn AB.
Frenchy they called me. I was stationed in Hahn between 1958 and 1862. The best time in my life.
Quite the time traveler! :)
best time in the force I ever had thanks so much
Thanks for posting this. I was there from 86-91.
I was there 1989. 😎🇺🇸👍
Hahn was my first assignment out of Tech school 1978-1980
Great memories! I was stationed there from 1989-91, but worked at Morbach. Loved being there!!
I was at Hahn from 81-84 in the 51st SPS. I loved it there. It's so hard to see the base like this. Hahn had to be my favorite place ever.
Don Easley we was there also around that time
Stationed at Hahn 74-77... the shop I worked in with the 50th MMS is shown at 5:54... thank you!
I was at Hahn from aug 81 to aug 83 it was the best kept secret I recognized alot it brought back wonderful memories Thanks!!!
So sad! I was stationed there 1982. Was there when the officer’s club was bombed.
Nice work. Was there 1962-1965, 350 Munitions Div, not long after Gen. Chuck Yeager left as base commander. Recognize some of the igloos out there in the ammo area. Visited the place myself a few years after abandonment. Some sort of regional air transport operation now. Your film gave me the same feelings of nostalgia, melancholy, and just a trace of pride.
50th MSSQ CBPO 90-92. What I would give for just one day back there when it was in full swing. The first day I arrived 18, first base and scared to death, I looked out over the village on the balcony of my dorm (right behind the post office) and it took my breath away. The Hunsruck in the fall was so beautiful. Such an amazing place and amazing people.
I was there 11/91 to 3/93. Lived in the dorm just up the hill from the shopette towards the flight line. I was a Munitions Sys spec at Morbach. You?
Wow. Kinda sad but brings mack many memories. I was stationed at Sembach from 1964 - 1966 but had many buddies at Hahn and traveled there often. Stayed with Terry Ordaway on my visits. Also, Chaplain Earl Wantz was a very close friend.
Any body stationed at Hahn will always remember it
Hope someone that was there 79-81 might remember me, my name. Jim Doughty is uncommon.
I know this is an old video, but thanks. I lived there from 91 to 93. This brought back such a flood of memories...
Brilliant video! Done with respect and taste. Bravo.
A nicely done montage.
Contaminated/ from what. My dad was stationed there from 1976-79, a jet engine mechanic, helped to design and build the engine test cells. I have very fond memories of Hahn, It was a fighter tac wing and no nukes as far as I know. so other than deisel fuel and JP4 jet fuel, what on earth are you talking about? The off base housing (multi 3/4 bedroom apartment/houses were made from concrete and heated by coal and old steam radiator heaters. It is sad that they left behind nice fixtures.
79-82...50th EMS Phase Docks. Didn’t care for all the rain, and exercises...but did enjoy this beautiful country.
I was stationed at Hahn AB from 1987 to 1990. Good times.
Makes me want to cry.. :(... It so sad the closed it down..Though my dad was in the Army..I remember living on Post at other installations ...They closed so many down..I hope the German citizen's in the area do something good with the property.
Hahn was my first assignment in the AF.. 81-83. So sad to see it like this, I have a lot of good memories of that place.
I spent two very memorable years at Hahn (91-93). It's sad to see it in such a run-down state.
Was stationed at Munster Depot, 545th Ordnance Co. Main post is repurposed, but the outback areas are falling apart.
@ Daniel Haug, Thank you so much, I saw this earlier today and it brought back some great memories and a tear to my eye to see it as it is in the video. there are some parts of the video that are or look corrupted, seems like when transition from one view to next. can you update or if still there, perhaps do another video (more video) of the off base housing area, possibly the school.. many thanks.
great pics. was at Hahn 89-93. bring back a lot of memories.
Wow, this was crazy to watch. I was in and out of Hahn during throughout the 80's.
Many fine memories of my assignment there in the 60's. Such a sad but loving tribute.
The music makes for a very stirring and moving video. thanks so much for sharing this.
I was TDY at Hahn AB in 1984 and was stationed at Spandahlem AB until 1988. Stayed at the Hotel Berghof in Sohren with the Conrad family. They were absolutely wonderful! Did my first Volksmarch in Sohren. Now I have a business that is available in Germany. Das ist Wunderbar!
Thx for this upload. Thank you all for your Service.
My father was stationed there around 83 not sure the exact years. He met my mother in Sohren and ill be going there this april along with my father
I am an Italian Citizen who lives near the ex Hahn AFB at Zell ( Mosel )i live here since end 2009
And because i am fascinated about everythin that is American ,i visit several times the Base.
I asked myself many times ,how it was when Americans where here ,enjoy to see and hear the Fighter Jets.
Unfortunately ,the complete Area around the 'base"is already in Russian 'property"
All the town around it ,you think:
You Just leave the German Border, and you are already in Russia
Thoose ppl have the German ans Russian Nationality,after the Sovjet Union Fall,Germany made a Contract that all so called German Russians could come back to Germany.
But...if you hear them speaking, they don't talk German,they talk Russian, since Americans went away ,crime gets up too,many ppl are jobless
Ok,they use that Airport as Civil Airport ,but 2021 the Airport was insolvence
Now i heard its Sold to a New Company
Located at the Airport is also an Aircargo Freight Center ,the Most Freighter are Antonovs or Ilyushin and whatever
For me personally it was and its still sad to see that buildings in thoose Condotions
Some of the buildings we're Families lived before, we're restored,now the so called Rineland Pfalz Police Academy is there(just next to the Church)
A few other buildings are in use by Airfreight Companys ,but the most are ...dyin.
Elementary School,Commissary and some more are fully empty
I made several pics this year,will do others next Summer.
As i know,there is a little Terminal that is still in use by American Forces.
Sometimes ,American Freighters come to Hahn and take soldiers and Freight to Hahn or Pick them up.
From Hahn they go to other Casern, like Baumholder
In case someone read this,it would be a pleasure to keep Contact
John
you did a great job i was there as it closed the gates of a great base 1990-93 so sad to see what has happened to it in a short time. would love to go back and see it myself one day. infact my last daughter was born and learned to walk there. thanks.
@461AmmoDog. I was stationed at Hahn from 81 - 85 and attached to Morbach for the first year of my tour. Such a magical place.
WOW! This brought back a ton of memories. I worked in the Consolidated Base Personnel Office (CBO), the Separation office for 2 years. I have been back to the base, it is now used as an airport for Ryan Air, so parts of it does not look this bad. But it is still sad.
I was a brat there from 80-83. I did Summer Hire in the Chapel all three years. So sad to see it gone to waste like this.