Kaiserslautern, Germany – The U.S. military community in Europe is preparing for significant changes in travel logistics due to the upcoming cessation of Patriot Express flight services for several Mediterranean naval support activities.
Effective October 1, 2025, sailors and their families stationed at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, Naval Support Activity Naples in Italy, Naval Station Rota in Spain, Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy, and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Greece will no longer have access to the dedicated military-contracted flights known as Patriot Express.
This adjustment means that military personnel and their families embarking on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves to or from these Mediterranean locations will need to arrange their travel through commercial airlines.
Until the cut-off date, the Air Mobility Command’s (AMC) Patriot Express services remain a crucial component for travel across the Atlantic, particularly for official military movements.
Primarily operating through Ramstein Air Base, which houses the largest AMC passenger terminal in Europe, Patriot Express flights facilitate travel for U.S. military personnel and their families to various destinations in Europe and the United States. The primary U.S. gateway for these flights to and from Europe is Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland.
For military families transitioning to or from Europe, official orders typically dictate authorized travel, making the use of contracted flights like Patriot Express often mandatory. The system has long provided a reliable avenue for personnel to reach their new duty stations safely and on time.
As AMC travel evolves, many military members traveling to the affected Mediterranean locations will need to shift to commercial airline services. Travelers are encouraged to coordinate plans through their contracted travel office at their current duty station to ensure smooth transitions.
Despite this upcoming change, Ramstein Air Base will continue to play an essential role as a pivotal AMC hub, managing a large volume of PCS traffic.
For those planning to utilize Patriot Express, it is advised to contact local transportation offices for reservations, which can generally be arranged 90-120 days in advance of departure. Travelers should also be mindful of baggage limitations, which mainly allow two bags per individual, each weighing up to 70 pounds, in addition to allowances for carry-ons and personal items.
In addition to official PCS moves, the AMC also offers a Space-Available (Space-A) travel program, which provides eligible servicemembers, retirees, and their dependents an opportunity to fly standby on unoccupied flights. While this can lead to cost-effective travel options, it requires flexibility as available seats are confirmed close to departure times.
Early planning is crucial for any military family navigating a PCS in or out of Europe. It is vital to obtain no-fee government passports, secure necessary medical and pet clearances, and coordinate shipments of household goods well in advance.
For specific guidance and additional assistance, local transportation offices and resources like Military OneSource are available to ensure a seamless relocation process to new duty stations.
Individuals seeking more information about AMC flights, including the operation of the Patriot Express at Ramstein and the Space-A program, are directed to visit the AMC Ramstein Passenger Terminal webpage.
Additionally, the 405th Army Field Support Brigade (405th AFSB) oversees the Consolidated Personal Property Shipping Office and the European Travel Branch through its Base Support Operations (BASOPS) Transportation division, which offers vital back-office support for personal property shipping and official travel services across U.S. military communities in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and beyond.
To learn more about the 405th AFSB, which provides material support to U.S. forces in Europe and Africa, visit their official website and Facebook page.
(Courtesy article by John Hebert, chief of the BASOPS Transportation’s European Travel Branch, 405th AFSB)
image source from：army
