Camp Pelham Heliport (C-165)

Military base realignment. The closure was a direct result of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) consolidation strategy under the Land Partnership Plan (LPP) of 2002. This plan aimed to reduce the number of U.S. bases in South Korea by closing smaller, geographically dispersed camps (many located north of Seoul) and consolidating forces and resources into larger, centralized hubs like Camp Humphreys. The closure of Camp Pelham and its heliport was a strategic move for operational efficiency and was not caused by economic reasons or a specific accident.

The site of the former Camp Pelham and its heliport has been completely demolished and redeveloped. After the land was returned to the South Korean government, it was repurposed for civilian industrial use. The area is now part of the Paju Tanhyeon Industrial Complex (파주 탄현 산업단지). Satellite imagery of the coordinates shows large, modern logistics warehouses and manufacturing facilities. There are no visible remnants of the former military base or the heliport.

Camp Pelham Heliport (C-165) was a vital air asset for Camp Pelham, a U.S. Army base located in 'Area I' just south of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The camp was a key forward-deployment post for the 2nd Infantry Division, housing units such as the 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment. The heliport's operations were critical to the defense of the western corridor leading to Seoul. Its primary functions included:
1) Tactical Transport: Rapid movement of troops and equipment for exercises and in response to potential threats.
2) Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC): Providing life-saving transport for injured soldiers from the front-line area.
3) Command and Control: Transporting commanders and VIPs for inspections and operational oversight.
4) Logistics and Reconnaissance: Supplying the forward-deployed base and conducting aerial observation missions. Its ICAO code, KR-0057, was a non-standard identifier typical for military or special-use airfields not part of the primary international aviation system.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening the heliport. The land has been permanently repurposed and fully integrated into a civilian industrial zone. The original military infrastructure has been entirely removed, making any future aviation use at this specific location infeasible.