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Operation Allies Refuge underway at Rhine Ordnance Barracks

Private 1st Class Jesus Moreno from 16th Sustainment Brigade setting up and arranging beds at the Deployment Processing Center (DPC) on Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany August 20th, 2021 in order to support the evacuation of Afghan refugees. The 21st Theater Sustainment Command supports the Department of State in the transportation, housing, and sustainment of U.S. Citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and other at-risk Afghans who are being evacuated from Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jesse Pilgrim)

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Photo by: U.S. European Command Public Affairs 

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21st Theater Sustainment Command

Soldiers from the 16th Sustainment Brigade set up beds and dividers at the Deployment Processing Center (DPC) on Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany August 20th, 2021 in order to support the evacuation of Afghan evacuees. The 21st Theater Sustainment Command supports the Department of State in the transportation, housing, and sustainment of U.S. Citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and other at-risk Afghans who are being evacuated from Afghanistan.

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Photo by: Sgt. Jesse R Pilgrim 

Evacuees from Afghanistan began arriving at Rhine Ordnance Barracks (Kaiserslautern) today as part of Operation Allies Refuge.

Approximately 2,000 people can be temporarily housed at Rhine Ordnance Barracks.

Additionally, Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas are in preparation to receive evacuees if needed. Those locations can temporarily house approximately 3,000 and 2,000 people respectively.

U.S. Army Europe and Africa is working hand-in-hand with the German government and interagency partners to provide temporary lodging, food, medical services, hygiene kits, latrines, cots and bedding. All locations will utilize COVID-19 mitigation measures to include use of face coverings, appropriate distancing of temporary lodging and medical assessments.

"Like many who served in Afghanistan, this mission is very personal to me," said Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander. "The units, garrisons and personnel of U.S. Army Europe and Africa have made Operation Allies Refuge our number one priority. From food and showers to security and temporary housing, we are working hard to take care of evacuees. This is a very complex operation, and none of it would be possible without the support of our host nations. It's a testament to the importance of our alliances and partnerships. I'm very proud of the support we've provided so far, and we will not rest until the mission is complete."

Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations, where they and their families can complete the SIV process safely.

Media interested in covering U.S. Army Europe and Africa support to Operation Allies Refuge should contact the following:

• For Rhine Ordnance Barracks – usarmy.rheinland-pfalz.21-tsc.list.pao@mail.mil  
• For Grafenwoehr or Hohenfels Training Areas – usarmy.bavaria.id-europe.list.pao@mail.mil  
• For general media queries - USArmyEurope.MediaDesk@mail.mil

Photos and videos of Operation Allies Refuge are available for download and use by the media at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/eucomafgevac.