Intro
Discover the strategic significance of Camp Humphreys, the largest US military base in South Korea. Learn about its history, facilities, and role in supporting US-ROK alliance. Explore the bases expansion, amenities, and impact on the local community, as well as its importance in maintaining regional security and stability.
Camp Humphreys, also known as United States Army Garrison-Humphreys, is the largest United States military base in South Korea. Located in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, the base serves as a key strategic location for the United States military in East Asia. The base is named after Lieutenant General Charles D. Humphrey, the third American officer to serve as the commander of the US Army during the Korean War.
The base covers an area of approximately 3,454 acres, making it one of the largest overseas US military bases in the world. The base is home to the United States Army's 2nd Infantry Division and the 65th Medical Brigade, as well as other US military units. The base also hosts various civilian and military organizations, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, the US Army Materiel Command, and the US Defense Logistics Agency.
History of Camp Humphreys
The base was originally established in 1951 as a US Air Force base, known as K-55. The base was later transferred to the US Army in 1957 and renamed Camp Humphreys in 1959. Over the years, the base has undergone several transformations, including a major expansion in the 1990s to accommodate the relocation of the US Army's 2nd Infantry Division from Camp Casey.
In 2004, the US and South Korean governments agreed to relocate the US military base from Seoul to Pyeongtaek, as part of a larger effort to consolidate US military forces in Korea and reduce the US military footprint in the Seoul metropolitan area. The relocation project involved the construction of new facilities, including barracks, dining halls, and recreational facilities.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Camp Humphreys boasts state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, including:
- Barracks: The base has several barracks, including the 2nd Infantry Division's barracks, which are designed to accommodate over 1,000 soldiers.
- Dining halls: The base has several dining halls, including the 2nd Infantry Division's dining hall, which can serve over 2,000 meals per day.
- Recreational facilities: The base has several recreational facilities, including a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a sports complex.
- Medical facilities: The base has a 65-bed hospital, which provides medical care to US military personnel and their families.
- Shopping facilities: The base has several shopping facilities, including a post exchange, a commissary, and a food court.
Units and Organizations
Camp Humphreys is home to several US military units and organizations, including:
- 2nd Infantry Division: The 2nd Infantry Division is a major US Army unit that is headquartered at Camp Humphreys. The division is responsible for providing security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
- 65th Medical Brigade: The 65th Medical Brigade is a US Army medical unit that is headquartered at Camp Humphreys. The brigade provides medical care to US military personnel and their families.
- US Army Corps of Engineers: The US Army Corps of Engineers is a US Army unit that is responsible for providing engineering and construction services to US military units in Korea.
- US Army Materiel Command: The US Army Materiel Command is a US Army unit that is responsible for providing logistics and supply chain management services to US military units in Korea.
Environmental Concerns
Camp Humphreys has been the subject of several environmental concerns, including:
- Noise pollution: The base has been criticized for generating excessive noise pollution, which has affected local residents.
- Water pollution: The base has been accused of contaminating local water sources, which has affected local agriculture and fisheries.
- Air pollution: The base has been criticized for generating excessive air pollution, which has affected local residents.
Gallery of Camp Humphreys
Camp Humphreys Image Gallery
FAQs
What is the largest US military base in South Korea?
+Camp Humphreys is the largest US military base in South Korea, covering an area of approximately 3,454 acres.
What is the primary mission of Camp Humphreys?
+The primary mission of Camp Humphreys is to provide security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and to support the US military's commitment to the defense of South Korea.
What units and organizations are stationed at Camp Humphreys?
+Camp Humphreys is home to several US military units and organizations, including the 2nd Infantry Division, the 65th Medical Brigade, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Army Materiel Command.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into Camp Humphreys, the largest US military base in South Korea. Whether you're a military enthusiast, a history buff, or simply interested in learning more about the US military's presence in Korea, we hope you've found this article informative and engaging. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.