Military Bases in Marshall Islands

Marshall Islands’ Pacific Missile Vanguard

For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to the Marshall Islands, U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll is the primary installation, a remote Pacific outpost hosting the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. Located 2,100 nautical miles southwest of Honolulu, this base supports missile testing, space surveillance, and U.S.-Marshallese relations under the Compact of Free Association. This guide to military bases in Marshall Islands offers insights into its role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in this tropical atoll.

Historical Foundations

Kwajalein Atoll’s military history began with Japanese control in 1914, developing airfields and seaplane bases by WWII. Captured by U.S. forces in February 1944 during Operation Flintlock, it became a staging area for Pacific campaigns. Post-war, the U.S. used Kwajalein for Operation Crossroads nuclear tests in 1946, displacing Marshallese to Ebeye. By the late 1950s, the Army established the Nike Zeus missile program, evolving into the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. The 1986 Compact of Free Association formalized U.S. basing rights, with leases extended to 2066, cementing Kwajalein’s strategic role.

Economic Impact

U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll contributes over $200 million annually to the Marshall Islands, employing 1,300 Americans and 900 Marshallese from Ebeye. The base’s operations on Kwajalein and Roi-Namur islands support local commerce through contracts and logistics, with Vectrus managing base support since 2022. Families access 600 housing units, a DoDEA school (George Seitz Elementary), and a hospital. MWR programs, like 2025 scuba diving and Kwajalein’s nine-hole golf course, enrich community life. The U.S. pays $18 million yearly in lease payments to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, benefiting landowners.

Key Military Facilities

• U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll (Kwajalein Island): Hosts the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, supporting missile defense and space surveillance, with 1,300 personnel.

• Bucholz Army Airfield (Kwajalein Island): A 6,700-foot runway for military and civilian flights, operated by the Army, supporting trans-Pacific refueling.

• Roi-Namur Radar Facilities (Roi-Namur Island): Operates advanced radars for missile tracking and space object identification, with 100 personnel.

Strategic Importance

Kwajalein Atoll is a cornerstone of U.S. missile defense and space operations. The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site conducts 50 annual missile tests, including hypersonic and ICBM intercepts, with radars tracking 30% of Euro-Asian launches for U.S. Strategic Command. A GPS ground station supports global navigation, and space surveillance monitors satellites and debris. In 2024, Roi-Namur faced flooding from rogue waves, damaging infrastructure but not mission-critical systems, with recovery ongoing into 2025. The base’s lease until 2066 ensures long-term U.S. presence, supporting the Compact of Free Association.

Notable Distinctions

U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll is the only U.S. military base in the Marshall Islands, spanning 5.6 square miles across 100 islands, with Kwajalein Island as the largest at 3.5 miles long. It hosts one of four global GPS ground stations and the world’s largest lagoon at 1,125 square miles. The base offers 600 housing units, a DoDEA school, and MWR events like 2025 water polo tournaments and coral reef dives, creating a unique community. Roi-Namur’s radar facilities are unmatched for missile tracking precision.

U.S. service members on PCS to Marshall Islands or TDY in Marshall Islands will find mission-critical roles and a close-knit community at U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll. From Kwajalein’s pristine lagoons to Ebeye’s vibrant Marshallese culture, the Marshall Islands’ bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable experiences for military families.