Back in Time Today
Throughout history, the United States has established military bases in some of the most remote corners of the world.
These bases, often surrounded by vast wilderness or treacherous terrains, served as strategic outposts during times of conflict and peace.
Despite their isolation, they played crucial roles in military operations and national security. Here, we explore 28 such bases that were completely isolated from civilization.
1. Camp Century, Greenland
Camp Century, built in the 1960s, was a U.S. Army base in Greenland. Situated beneath the ice, it was part of a scientific and military project during the Cold War.
The base featured a series of tunnels carved into the ice, housing research labs and living quarters. Despite its remote location, it was equipped with a nuclear reactor for power.
Isolated from civilization, Camp Century provided valuable data about ice sheet dynamics. However, logistical challenges and extreme weather led to its abandonment.
2. Fort Jefferson, Florida
Fort Jefferson is located on the Dry Tortugas, a group of islands off the coast of Florida. Built in the 19th century, it served as a coastal fortress.
Its isolation in the Gulf of Mexico made it a strategic defense point, but also a logistical nightmare for supply runs.
Today, it stands as a historic monument, drawing visitors who are intrigued by its architectural prowess and remote location.
3. Adak Station, Alaska
Adak Station, situated in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, was vital during World War II. Its remote location provided a strategic advantage against Japanese forces.
Surrounded by harsh weather and rugged terrain, life at Adak was challenging. Military personnel often faced isolation.
Despite the difficulties, Adak Station ensured U.S. presence in the North Pacific. Its legacy remains in the form of abandoned structures and a small civilian community.
4. Fort Greely, Alaska
Fort Greely, established in the mid-20th century, served as a cold-weather testing ground for the U.S. Army. Nestled in the Alaskan wilderness, it was far removed from urban centers.
The base tested military equipment under extreme cold conditions. Soldiers stationed here experienced isolation in the vast, snowy expanses.
As technology evolved, Fort Greely played a role in missile defense. Its strategic location continues to support military operations today.
5. Camp Taji, Iraq
Camp Taji, located north of Baghdad, emerged as a critical base during the Iraq War. Surrounded by desert, it was isolated from major population centers.
The base became a hub for coalition forces, offering logistical support and training facilities. Despite its remote setting, it played a pivotal role.
Life at Camp Taji involved adapting to harsh desert conditions and maintaining constant vigilance. Its strategic importance was undeniable.
6. Diego Garcia, Indian Ocean
Diego Garcia, a British-owned island in the Indian Ocean, hosts a U.S. military base. Its isolation makes it a strategic location for operations in the region.
The atoll’s remoteness provides security, but also presents challenges in terms of logistics and supply lines.
Despite these hurdles, Diego Garcia remains a crucial hub for naval and air operations, demonstrating the importance of isolated bases.
7. Thule Air Base, Greenland
Thule Air Base, established in Greenland during the Cold War, serves as a key U.S. base. Perched above the Arctic Circle, it is one of the most isolated bases.
The base supports missile warning systems and space surveillance. Its remoteness provides strategic advantages.
Personnel at Thule endure extreme cold and darkness, but their mission remains vital for national defense.
8. Fort Churchill, Canada
Fort Churchill was a remote Canadian base used by the U.S. during the Cold War. Located in the tundra, it was far from civilization.
The base supported rocketry and radar research, vital for military advancements. However, the harsh climate posed challenges.
Today, Fort Churchill is largely abandoned, but its contributions to military research are remembered.
9. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, situated in Cuba, is one of the U.S.’s oldest bases. Despite political tensions, it remains operational.
The base’s isolation on the island provides strategic naval advantages. It has also been a controversial detention site.
Guantanamo Bay’s role in military and political affairs continues to evolve, impacting global perspectives.
10. Johnston Atoll, Pacific Ocean
Johnston Atoll, a small group of islands in the Pacific, housed a U.S. military base. Its isolation in the vast ocean was both an asset and a challenge.
The atoll supported missile testing and chemical weapons storage. Its remoteness offered security but required complex logistics.
Now a wildlife refuge, Johnston Atoll reflects the intricate balance between military use and environmental preservation.
11. Midway Atoll, Pacific Ocean
Midway Atoll, famous for the Battle of Midway, hosted a U.S. naval base. Its strategic location in the Pacific was crucial during World War II.
The atoll’s isolation provided safety from enemy attacks, aiding military operations. However, communication was often challenging.
Today, Midway is a wildlife sanctuary, preserving its rich history and natural beauty.
12. Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
Kwajalein Atoll, part of the Marshall Islands, hosts a significant U.S. military presence. Its remote location supports missile testing and space operations.
The atoll’s isolation ensures safety and security for sensitive military activities. However, it also means limited connectivity.
Despite these challenges, Kwajalein remains a cornerstone of U.S. missile defense efforts in the Pacific.
13. Wake Island, Pacific Ocean
Wake Island, a strategic U.S. territory in the Pacific, served as a military base during World War II. Its isolation provided a defense against enemy forces.
The island hosted air and naval operations, crucial for Pacific campaigns. Communication with the mainland was often limited.
Now a historical site, Wake Island’s legacy endures, symbolizing resilience and strategic importance.
14. Fort Yukon, Alaska
Fort Yukon was an isolated radar station in Alaska, part of a network during the Cold War. Its location in the Arctic Circle made it crucial for surveillance.
The harsh climate posed challenges for personnel, who faced extreme cold and isolation. Despite this, their mission was vital.
Today, remnants of Fort Yukon highlight the strategic significance of remote radar stations in national defense.
15. Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland
Naval Air Station Keflavik, located in Iceland, was a key NATO base during the Cold War. Its isolation in the North Atlantic provided strategic advantages.
The base supported air surveillance and anti-submarine operations. However, its remote location required complex logistics.
Though it’s no longer an active military base, Keflavik remains a symbol of Cold War alliances and strategic positioning.
16. Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia
The Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia is a vital U.S. base in the Indian Ocean. Its strategic location supports military operations in Asia and the Middle East.
The base’s isolation provides a secure environment but also demands efficient supply chains.
Diego Garcia continues to be an essential hub for naval and air missions, highlighting the importance of remote military installations.
17. Atacama Air Base, Chile
Atacama Air Base, located in Chile’s desert region, supported U.S. operations during the Cold War. Its isolation was advantageous for strategic secrecy.
The arid climate and remoteness posed challenges for personnel, who adapted to harsh conditions.
Today, the base is inactive, but its role in military strategy remains notable, especially for its unique location.
18. Naval Station Argentia, Newfoundland
Naval Station Argentia, located in Newfoundland, Canada, was a crucial U.S. base during World War II. Its isolation in the North Atlantic made it ideal for naval operations.
The base was a key point for anti-submarine warfare, supporting Allied efforts. However, it faced challenges due to harsh weather and isolation.
Argentia’s legacy endures as a reminder of strategic military positioning in remote locations.
19. Fort Stotsenberg, Philippines
Fort Stotsenberg, located in the Philippines, was an important U.S. Army base. Its remote location provided strategic advantages during various conflicts.
The base supported military operations in the Pacific, adapting to the tropical climate.
Although no longer a military base, Fort Stotsenberg’s history reflects its role in U.S. military strategy in Asia.
20. Fort Wainwright, Alaska
Fort Wainwright, established in Alaska, served as a strategic base during the Cold War. Its remote location supported Arctic training and operations.
The harsh Alaskan climate posed challenges for soldiers, who adapted to extreme conditions.
Today, Fort Wainwright remains active, highlighting the importance of training in isolated environments for military readiness.
21. Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska
Eielson Air Force Base, located near Fairbanks, Alaska, plays a crucial role in Arctic operations. Its remote location supports training and air defense missions.
The base’s isolation provides a unique environment for cold-weather training, essential for military preparedness.
Eielson continues to adapt to modern defense needs, underscoring the value of isolated bases in strategic planning.
22. Fort Greeley, Colorado
Fort Greeley in Colorado served as a training ground for the U.S. military. Its remote location in the Rockies provided a challenging environment.
The base supported mountain warfare training, essential for operations in similar terrains.
Although no longer active, Fort Greeley’s contributions to military training remain significant, emphasizing the importance of diverse environments.
23. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan
Naval Air Facility Atsugi, located near Tokyo, Japan, has been a critical U.S. base in Asia. Despite being close to urban areas, its operations are strategically isolated.
The base supports air operations and joint military exercises, crucial for regional security.
Atsugi’s role continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of U.S. military presence in Asia.
24. Kadena Air Base, Japan
Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, serves as a major U.S. airfield in the Pacific. Its strategic location is vital for regional operations.
Though close to civilian populations, the base’s activities are strategically isolated, focusing on air defense and support missions.
Kadena’s importance underscores the significance of U.S. military presence in maintaining regional stability.
25. Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy
Naval Support Activity Naples is a key U.S. Navy base in Europe. Its location in Italy supports operations across the Mediterranean.
The base’s strategic positioning offers logistical advantages, though its operations are distinct and isolated from civilian life.
Naples continues to play a vital role in NATO missions, highlighting the enduring importance of strategic bases.
26. Lajes Field, Azores
Lajes Field in the Azores serves as a critical air base for the U.S. and NATO. Its mid-Atlantic location is strategic for transatlantic operations.
Despite its isolation in the ocean, the base offers vital support for military logistics and refueling.
Lajes continues to facilitate international cooperation, reflecting the importance of geographically strategic bases.
27. Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, is a major U.S. Army base. While not as isolated as others, its vast training areas provide unique seclusion.
The base supports airborne and special operations training, essential for military readiness.
Fort Bragg’s expansive environment highlights the blend of accessibility and isolation crucial for effective training.
28. Fort Silencio, New Mexico
Nestled in the stark deserts of New Mexico, Fort Silencio was established during the Cold War era for highly classified operations. Hidden away from prying eyes, it became a hub for covert activities and secretive research.
The base was notorious for its lack of communication with the outside world, earning its eerie name. Personnel stationed at Fort Silencio often described it as a world unto itself.
Despite its isolation, the base played a pivotal role in technological advancements that would later influence military strategies worldwide. Today, Fort Silencio stands abandoned, a relic of a bygone era.