Friedberg Army Heliport

The closure was part of a major strategic realignment of U.S. military forces in Europe following the end of the Cold War. The large, forward-deployed armored and aviation forces that were positioned to counter a potential Warsaw Pact invasion were no longer strategically necessary. This led to a significant drawdown of troops and the closure of numerous bases across Germany, including the entire Friedberg garrison (Ray Barracks).

The site has been completely transformed through a process known as "Konversion" (conversion). The land of the former heliport and the adjacent barracks has been redeveloped for civilian use. The specific area of the heliport has been converted into a large logistics and business park, featuring modern warehouses and distribution centers. All original aviation infrastructure, including helipads and hangars, has been demolished. The rest of the former Ray Barracks area is being developed into a new residential district with housing, schools, and parks.

The Friedberg Army Heliport was the aviation component of the historic Ray Barracks. For decades during the Cold War, it was a critical base for the U.S. Army's 3rd Armored Division ("Spearhead"). The heliport supported the division's combat aviation brigade, operating a variety of helicopters including AH-1 Cobra and later AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, OH-58 Kiowa scout helicopters, and UH-1 Huey and later UH-60 Blackhawk utility and transport helicopters. Its primary mission was to provide reconnaissance, air support, and anti-tank capabilities in defense of the strategically vital Fulda Gap. The parent installation, Ray Barracks, is also world-famous as the post where Elvis Presley served his U.S. Army duty from October 1958 to March 1960.

There are zero prospects for reopening the site as a heliport or any other type of aviation facility. The land has been sold, rezoned, and extensively redeveloped for commercial and residential purposes. The complete demolition of the original infrastructure and the ongoing construction make any return to aviation use impossible.