MK Air Base
MK Air Base PCS Guide
Military Base History
U.S. Army Pfc. Benuka Rai, a 13B cannon crewmember assigned to 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, adjusts the aim of the Howitzer M119A3 during their Table V certifications at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, May 1, 2025. This...
MK Air Base, also called Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, was established during the Cold War as a strategic airfield for the Romanian Air Force. Its original mission supported national defense and Warsaw Pact operations in Eastern Europe.
The base's location near the Black Sea made it a vital asset for surveillance and rapid deployment. This strategic position enhanced its importance for both Romanian and allied military activities.
Major expansions took place in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. After Romania joined NATO in 2004, the base received significant upgrades to meet alliance standards.
The U.S. military began using MK Air Base as a key logistics and transit hub, especially for operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. This partnership led to new facilities, including improved runways and support infrastructure.
Several U.S. Army and Air Force units have rotated through MK Air Base since the early 2000s. The base has supported troop movements, cargo flights, and multinational exercises, strengthening NATO's eastern flank.
- Troop movements have increased as the base supports NATO operations.
- Cargo flights and multinational exercises have expanded the base’s mission.
- The base played a key role during the U.S. drawdown from Afghanistan, serving as a primary transit point for personnel and equipment.
Today, MK Air Base remains a critical node for U.S. and NATO operations in Eastern Europe. It supports rapid deployment, training, and regional security missions.
The base also contributes to the local economy and fosters strong U.S.-Romanian military cooperation. There have been no significant official name changes; it is commonly referred to as both MK Air Base and Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base.
Major Units & Training Programs
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania – Pilots with 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment start ground runs and maintenance checks prior to sling load operations with the Royal Netherlands 11th Air Assault Brigade during Rapid Falcon, MK Air Base, Romania, March 8, 2022. Rapid Falcon is...
Major Units
1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment (rotational)
Provides forward presence and rapid deployment capabilities for U.S. Army ground operations in Eastern Europe, supporting NATO assurance and deterrence missions.
Elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade (rotational)
Conducts airborne and air assault operations, supporting contingency response and multinational training exercises in the region.
Training Schools
Joint Multinational Training Exercises (JMTE)
Overview
Facilitates large-scale, multinational ground combat training to enhance interoperability between U.S. Army units and NATO allies.
Course Length
1-4 weeks (exercise dependent)
Who Attends
U.S. Army rotational units, NATO and partner nation forces
Arrival & In-Processing
An AT-6 Harvard Mk IV performs an aerial display during the Heritage Flight demonstration at the Arctic Thunder Open House on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 1, 2018. During the biennial open house, JBER opens its gates to the public and hosts multiple performers including the U.S....
Welcome to MK Air Base! Arriving prepared helps ensure a smooth check-in for you and your family. Review the base access and in-processing requirements before your move. For more details, visit the official MK Air Base website.
The main gate at MK Air Base is the primary entry point for all personnel and visitors. It operates 24/7 to accommodate arrivals at any time. All individuals must present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or other approved identification. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act for access. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's strong security posture. To bring visitors or family members onto base, stop at the gate or Visitor Control Center to request a temporary pass. Sponsors must be present, and all adult guests need REAL ID-compliant identification.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if arranged in advance)
MK Air Base offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. Request a sponsor by contacting your gaining unit or the base's Military Personnel Section. You may also fill out a sponsor request form if provided by your unit's administration office. Sponsors assist with in-processing and local orientation.
Report to the Welcome Center, located near the main gate, for in-processing. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. Key steps include Personnel check-in, Finance, Housing, Medical, and Unit assignment. Plan on spending 2–3 days to complete all required steps. Arriving early in the day helps streamline your process.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is just outside the MK Air Base main gate. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 0700–1700. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorships. All visitors must be sponsored by a valid ID cardholder and present REAL ID-compliant identification.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Stewart, a U.S. Army Reserve Soldier and one of the first Soldiers to conduct a Permanent Change of Station, known as PCS, to Poland, stands inside his apartment shortly after moving in as a tenant, Poznan, Poland, Feb. 7, 2023.
When you receive PCS orders to MK Air Base, start by reviewing your orders and contacting the Base Transportation Office. Early contact helps you understand your options for moving your household goods (HHG) or arranging a Personally Procured Move (PPM), often called a DITY move. Both move types have pros and cons, so discuss your situation with the transportation office to find the best fit for your family. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule and track your move. DPS is the central hub for submitting your move request, uploading documents, and communicating with your transportation office.
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) helps cover lodging costs while you wait for housing. Dislocation Allowance (DLA) helps offset the costs of moving. Make sure you review entitlement details and keep all receipts. MK Air Base offers access to typical CONUS entitlements, but check with the transportation office for any local guidance. Staying organized and using the right resources will help you avoid delays and extra costs.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early to help with local guidance.
- Keep all important documents, orders, and receipts with you during travel.
- Know your weight allowance to avoid costly overages.
- Take photos or videos of your belongings before pack-out.
- Label boxes with your name and destination address.
- Plan pet transportation and lodging well in advance.
- If possible, avoid scheduling your move during summer peak season.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your PCS move.
Find current rates for TLE, DLA, and other entitlements.
Get checklists, planning tools, and relocation support.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance for your move.