USO Opens New Center at MKAB, Boosting Morale and Mission Readiness

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU AIR BASE (MKAB), Romania: Service members at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base now have a new place to unwind, connect and recharge. The USO has officially relocated its center to a newly renovated space beside the dining facility, placing the lounge at the heart of daily activity and making it easier for soldiers, airmen and other personnel to stop in between meals, shifts and training.

The upgraded location opened Sept. 22, 2026, but its success comes after months of teamwork between the USO, U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea and a committed group of volunteers. The shared goal was simple: create a warm, welcoming environment where service members can find comfort and connection during their time at the base. "We're really excited to open a brand-new center on MK for the service members, thanks to U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea," said Lisa Wease, USO area director for Eastern Europe. "We've outfitted it with state-of-the-art technology, really fast internet, a smart lighting and smart sound system, as well as three TVs where service members can really just take a break, connect and relax."

Inside, the new center offers board games, streaming services on the PlayStation 5, coffee and snacks, computers and printers, DSN phones and quiet areas for studying or calling home. As Wease explained, "whether they want to play board games, study or need to look something up on the computer, we're here to support them. And of course, we bring it all with fun, happiness and snacks."

For many at the base, helping refurbish the new center became a point of pride. Jennifer Delaney Rose, USO area operations specialist, led the relocation and relied on volunteers who showed up whenever she asked. "Most of the work was obtaining volunteers, and a lot of service members stepped up to the plate and helped me move furniture," Delaney Rose said. "That was the biggest challenge: getting things moved from the old location to the new location."

She added that support came from both the garrison and the community. "The garrison helped with support when I needed it. If I needed something, they would help out," she said. "But most of the time it's really been the service members themselves. I put it out on the volunteer chat, and they came."

The opening of the new center is part of a legacy that stretches back more than eight decades. The USO first emerged in 1941, when six national organizations united to support service members during World War II. Early centers were built wherever space was available: churches, barns, castles, museums and even trains stations, but always with the same mission: to give troops a place to breathe, regroup and feel connected.

Lt. Col. Jeffery Fritz, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea, reflected on that legacy and its modern meaning for the base: "Since Feb. 4, 1941, the United Service Organizations has served as an invaluable bridge, connecting our service members to their loved ones around the world. In those early days, dedicated USO volunteers provided essential letter-writing services, facilitated telephone calls and established a sanctuary where soldiers could decompress before and after demanding missions. Today, the technology has evolved, enabling modern communication through high-speed Wi-Fi and computers; however, the core mission of the USO remains unchanged. For 85 years, the USO has stood as a constant sanctuary for rest, recovery and connection for our service members. Today, we proudly celebrate the opening of the world's newest USO center here at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, a vital component of U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea. This achievement would have been impossible without the tireless leadership and extraordinary dedication of Ms. Jennifer Delaney Rose, to whom we owe an immense debt of gratitude for her exemplary service and hard work," Fritz concluded.

From the moment it opened on base in 2023, the USO has grown into a familiar and dependable presence, providing craft nights, potlucks, game nights, holiday events and everyday moments of comfort for service members stationed far from home. The new center continues that spirit, made possible by partnership, powered by volunteers and built around the needs of the community.

Having a space like this on MKAB gives service members more than just a place to relax; it increases their ability to stay mission ready. When troops have a reliable spot to unwind, boost their morale and stay connected with loved ones, it helps them recharge between demanding responsibilities. A force that feels rested, supported and connected is better prepared for the mission, and the new USO center plays an important role in helping service members stay focused, resilient and ready for whatever comes next.

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