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January 14, 2008
Army Closes Ray Barracks in Germany
The main gate of Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany, is shown here in 1963 Photo
Lt. Col. Thomas Salo, commander, 102nd Signal Battalion, and Jeurgen Jaeger shut off the main power supply to the KN-4100 telephone switch during a closing ceremony Monday on Ray Barracks. Photo by Sgt. Elizabeth A. Sheridan U.S. Army
Army Closes Ray Barracks in Germany
Sgt. Elizabeth A. Sheridan serves as NCOIC for 5th Signal Command Public Affairs
FRIEDBERG, Germany
Army News Service
The voice of Elvis Presley echoed through Ray Barracks one last time Monday, returning for a brief moment to his old military stomping grounds.
With Presley's "Hound Dog" reverberating off the cement walls, Lt. Col. Thomas Salo, commander, 102nd Signal Battalion, and Jeurgen Jaeger, 102nd Signal Bn., shut off the main power supply to the KN-4100 telephone switch during a closing ceremony for building 3705 on Ray Barracks.
The barracks were "The King's" home in Friedberg from October 1958 to March 1960 when he served as a member of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division during his tour in the U.S. Army.
"The historical aspects of this post warranted a ceremony, here in this former home of Elvis," said Salo. "Thousands and thousands of people were able to communicate from lines connected to this building; it is the end of an era."
The massive telephone switch, installed in 1986, enabled 102nd Signal Battalion to provide communications to the Friedberg and Giessen military communities with 400 DSN lines and 20 commercial lines. By 1996 the capacity was bumped up to1400 DSN lines and 40 commercial lines.
"This is not the first communications site to close, and it will not be the last," said Salo.
The garrison closure ceremony for U.S. Army Garrison Giessen, which encompassed Ray Barracks, was held Sept. 28, 2007. And 3705 is the last building on Ray Barracks to be turned over to the Department of Public Works for release back to the host nation, explained James Neufeld, chief of the Operations Management Cell in Hanau.
"It is fitting that commo is the first in and last out," said Salo. "We do not turn off until the last customer is gone. They're gone, so its time to flip the switch."
Posted by Wild Thing at January 14, 2008 12:45 AM
Comments
A Spatlese toast Wt & Nick..."HEIL To the King!"
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at January 14, 2008 04:41 AM
Even Elvis served his country.
Wonder what they'll turn Ray Barracks into?
Posted by: Lynn at January 14, 2008 05:01 AM
Germany has done little to support us in the war on terror. We need to quit protecting Europe as much as we have for 60 years and let Europe pick up slack and protect herself, and pay most of the cost. Now we have access to bases in former Soviet-bloc countries who are both friendlier and closer to or enemies.
A lot of American GIs have spent tours at German bases like US Army Garrison Giessen. Elvis and other American servicemen and women helped us win the Cold War. They and Ronald Reagan won a great victory.
Posted by: TomR at January 14, 2008 08:37 AM
Darth, giggle, I showed it to Nick and he smiled and said Elvis would be telling lots of stories about being there.
Posted by: Wild Thing at January 15, 2008 12:34 AM
Lynn, I wonder too, it will be interesting to see what they do with the place.
Posted by: Wild Thing at January 15, 2008 12:34 AM
Tom, your right, I am not sure but I don't think Germany sent any troops at all to fight in the war along side our guys.
Posted by: Wild Thing at January 15, 2008 12:36 AM
