Lajes Field

Lajes Field at a glance

Lajes Field is the 65th Air Base Group's Atlantic support location on Terceira in the Portuguese Azores. The Air Force describes the group as part of an Atlantic air bridge, supporting the movement of aircraft and forces across the ocean. Its responsibilities also include a communications node that helps maintain coverage for aircraft transiting the Atlantic.

The group's structure combines air base services with logistics readiness functions. It also oversees a separate U.S. support squadron at Morón Air Base in Spain, where transient aircrews and force rotations receive assistance. Lajes is therefore best understood as one part of a geographically dispersed support organization. Its island setting is an important practical difference from installations on the Portuguese mainland or in continental Europe.

Also searched as: Lajes Air Base, 65th Air Base Group.

Sources: 86th Airlift Wing and 65th Air Base Group; Lajes Field sponsorship information

Mission and major activities

• The 65th Air Base Group supports the Atlantic air bridge and transiting aircraft.
• Provides communications and logistics services across a dispersed support network.

Sources: 86th Airlift Wing and 65th Air Base Group

Location and community

Lajes Field is on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal.

Sources: Lajes Field sponsorship information

Before you arrive

Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.

1. Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
2. Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
3. For an overseas assignment, ask your sponsor about family travel authorization, required documents, medical screening, pets and vehicle shipment before making reservations.
4. Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
5. Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.

Official overseas moving resources   Housing allowance information

Sources: Lajes Field sponsorship information

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Lajes Field and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Lajes Field suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.

Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.

Official transition resources   Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Sources and editorial notes

Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.

1. 86th Airlift Wing and 65th Air Base GroupSupports: overview, mission
2. Lajes Field sponsorship informationSupports: overview, local context, planning note

Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.