Former base for archive purpose only. Not active anymore
Unofficially known as the Ganci Air Base, Transit Center at Manas is a military base run by the United States of America in Kyrgyzstan. It is located near the international airport, close to Bishkek, in the northern part of the country. The military base is operated by the US Air Force. The base is among the latest US bases. It was part of the Afghanistan invasion plan. Aside from the Americans, it hosted troops from various allied forces as well. It was quickly established in the winter of 2001, soon after the 9/11 attacks. These days, the place is most commonly used for the Americans going and leaving Afghanistan.
The on site facilities are extremely varied and advanced, especially if you take in consideration the short construction time and the area. The inhabitants can always rely on Internet – whether from cafes or local providers, recreational spots, video games, pool and basketball places and a good telephone line. Due to the multiple benefits given to the troops, they can always call their families and friends for almost no costs. The religious people can always rely on the local chapel, while the literature fans have a huge library at their disposal with the latest magazines and books. Other than that, the soldiers can relax at a gym. Food is also extremely important at the local dining facility.
Transit Center at Manas is placed in a very good and strategical place for the United States of America. At the same time, it is like a pain in the back for the Asian forces – Russia and China. Both of these world powers pushed and worked together for the base closure, but they didn’t have any success. At the same time, the base short history saw a few unpleasant events. The locals have protested against its location due to the fuel dumping accusations. Another problematic case implies the shooting of a native civilian. No measures were taken to deal with these two issues.
In 2009, the Kyrgyz government decided to increase the rent though, but the American one rejected the idea. Therefore, the officials decided to close the base. A few days after the announcement was made, the Americans got back to their original decision and the two countries reached to a new agreement. The rent was tripled for this new agreement. Other than that, in order to avoid any other unpleasant and abusive events, the Kyrgyzstan government decided to deal with the security measures around Transit Center at Manas, while the Americans are responsible for the on site operations only. Ever since then, no unusual incident occurred. Besides, if the place was established as an air base, its status was turned to a transit center.
Units
Transit Center at Manas currently houses the Ninth Air Force unit, with all its groups, subdivisions and squadrons. The place is now commanded by Dwight Sones. There are no other units hosted on site, except for some employed civilians and the Kyrgyzstan forces hanging around the place.
