Portugal (Azores)

Lajes

The Azores are a group of islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean about 2,200 miles east of New York City and approximately 850 miles west of Lisbon, Portugal. Lajes Field is located on the northeast tip of Terceira, an island, almost entirely bordered by high cliffs. The 65th Air Base Wing, the American unit stationed at Lajes, enables the movement of warfighters, warplanes and global communications to combatant commanders.

The only beach is a short, sandy strip bordering Praia Bay about three miles from the field. Except for the towns and hamlets, the land is broken up into small plots of cultivated ground by stone fences and narrow, winding roads criss-crossing the island. Summers are extremely pleasant. Winters are damp and chilly, but there are intervals of pleasant, sunny weather. For shopping, area specialties include lace, pottery, painted tiles, wicker and silver jewelry.

The Azores were long an outpost of Portuguese power, by which it could protect lines of communication to the newly discovered land in America. Their strategic position between North America and Europe was especially important during World War II. Lajes Field was activated in 1943 when the British obtained permission to construct an airfield on Terceira Island. In late 1943. the United States began stationing personnel there along with the British.

SERVICES & FACILITIES

Sport and Recreation

There is an extensive sports program at Lajes with year-round intramurals in just about any sport. The Chace Fitness Center has lots of state of the art equipment, the Outdoor Recreation Center carries a wide variety of items for checkout, there is a 16-lane bowling alley and a skating rink on base and a beautiful 18-hole golf course seven miles from the base.

Religious Activities

The Lajes Field Chapel, on main base, offers Protestant, Evangelical and Catholic services on Sunday. Other faith groups, including Eastern Orthodox, Jewish, Islamic and Buddhist, need to contact the chapel directly for further information. Other activities include Sunday School, Bible study groups, adult and children's choirs, and a variety of groups, including Protestant Men, Women, Singles and Youth of the Chapel. Off- base worship opportunities include Baptist, Church of Christ, Seventh-Day Adventist, Church of Latter-Day Saints, and independent Christian fellowships.

Schools

The Education Services Center is the focal point for all education programs at Lajes Field. A professional guidance counselor is available for both active duty and family members. College level courses are offered through the University of Maryland, the University of Oklahoma, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Central Texas College. There is a combined DoDDS elementary school and high school on base.

Health Services

On base services are clinic based services. Angra Hospital, the Portuguese national hospital on the island, is located about 20 minutes from the base and offers all necessary in-patient and emergency services to US personnel. Patients requiring special care beyond local professional capabilities are aeromedically evacuated to CONUS or Europe. Dental care is available, but limited and even more so for family members and retirees. Orthodontic maintenance is provided by a visiting orthodontist on a quarterly basis.

Veterinary Services

The Lajes Vet Clinic offers a variety of services. A veterinarian visits every 4-6 weeks for surgical procedures and advanced pet care. Emergency and non-emergency services are also available through local English-speaking veterinarians. The on base kennel, Atlantic Island Kennel, offers a clean and convenient boarding environment for dog and cat owners.

Teen Programs

Includes sports, dances, tours, birthday parties, games, tournaments and crafts.

AAFES Exchange

The Main Store contains clothing, home supplies, cosmetics, linens and jewelry departments. The Lower BX contains the audio/visual department, household wares and appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, and crafts. Other AAFES facilities on base include a gas and service station, Class VI Shoppette, theater, barber shop, beauty shop, military clothing sales and new car sales.

Commissary

Besides the grocery department there is a bakery, meat department, delicatessen and produce department. The Commissary stocks over 4,000 semi-perishable items and some 1,000 perishable items.

Banking

The Pentagon Federal Credit Union has a branch at Lajes. There is an ATM located outside the Credit Union that dispenses dollars, while the ATMs at the Portuguese Terminal and BX dispense Euros. Personal checks can be cashed at the Base Exchange and the club. Additionally, money order service is available at the Base Exchange and the Post Office.

The Commercial Travel Office

Can assist with travel arrangements between the Azores and the United States, Europe and other continents, as well as make hotel and rent-a-car reservations.

Clubs

The Top of the Rock Club caters to both officer and enlisted personnel, their families and some Portuguese civilians. It offers two small lounges, one for officers and one for enlisted, as well as a main ballroom and a dining room.

The Base Library

Has some 48,000 books for adults, children and teens. It also maintains selections from the best-seller list.