Military Bases in Cuba
Your unofficial field manual for Cuba.
Navy Bases
Guantanamo Bay
Located in Guantanamo Bay, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base
Guantanamo Bay in Guantanamo Bay, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, is a U.S. Navy installation known for its strategic location and unique operational role. The base supports joint military operations, houses the controversial detention facility, and provides limited on-base amenities for families.
Cuba’s Caribbean Naval Stronghold
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Cuba, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is the sole U.S. military installation, located on 45 square miles of leased territory in southeastern Cuba. Operated by the U.S. Navy, it supports naval logistics, regional presence, and detention operations under a 1903 lease agreement with Cuba. This guide to military bases in Cuba offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in this unique Caribbean outpost.
Historical Foundations
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay’s history began with the 1898 Spanish-American War, when U.S. forces captured Guantanamo Bay for its deepwater harbor. The 1903 Platt Amendment and subsequent lease agreement granted the U.S. perpetual rights to 45 square miles for $4,085 annually, a payment Cuba has rejected since 1959. Expanded during WWII as a fleet anchorage, the base became a strategic hub. In 2002, Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO) was established for detention operations post-9/11, housing high-value detainees. This history reflects NSGB’s enduring strategic importance.
Economic Impact
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay sustains a self-contained economy, employing 5,500 personnel, including 1,500 U.S. service members, civilians, and contractors, plus Jamaican and Filipino workers. The base’s $400 million annual budget supports operations, with local contracts for maintenance and services. Families access 1,200 housing units, a DoDEA school (W.T. Sampson School), and Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay. MWR programs, like 2025 beach festivals and scuba diving at Glass Beach, enhance community life. The base’s isolated economy, unaffected by Cuban markets due to diplomatic tensions, fosters a tight-knit community.
Key Military Facilities
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (Guantanamo Bay): Managed by Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, it supports fleet logistics and JTF-GTMO, with 5,500 personnel.
Guantanamo Bay Naval Hospital (Guantanamo Bay): A 12-bed facility providing primary care and emergency services, with 200 personnel.
Windward Point Airfield (Guantanamo Bay): A 6,000-foot runway for C-130 and helicopter operations, supporting 100 personnel.
Joint Task Force Guantanamo (Guantanamo Bay): Operates detention facilities, housing 30 detainees as of 2024, with 1,500 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is a critical U.S. naval hub in the Caribbean. Its deepwater harbor supports 200 annual port calls, hosting destroyers and Coast Guard cutters for regional patrols. JTF-GTMO manages detention operations, maintaining security for 30 high-value detainees as of 2024, with 16 approved for transfer. Windward Point Airfield conducts 300 airlift missions yearly, facilitating logistics. The Naval Hospital supports 5,500 personnel and families. A 2024 $40 million infrastructure upgrade, including barracks and utilities, enhances readiness, ensuring NSGB’s role despite unconfirmed 2024 security concerns.
Notable Distinctions
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, the only U.S. base in a non-allied nation, operates under a contested 1903 lease, with Cuba rejecting U.S. payments since 1959. Spanning 45 square miles, it features the Navy’s oldest overseas installation and a unique detention facility. The base offers 1,200 housing units, a DoDEA school, and MWR events like 2025 Caribbean music festivals, fostering a resilient community in an isolated setting. Its 2024 quality-of-life improvements underscore its enduring mission.
U.S. service members on PCS to Cuba or TDY in Cuba will find mission-critical roles and a close-knit community at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. From the base’s pristine Caribbean beaches to its storied history, Guantanamo Bay provides robust support, quality education, and unique cultural experiences for military families in this singular outpost.