Shocked at Iceland decision

I am a firefighter/emergency medical technician for the U.S. military at Keflavik, Iceland. I have been working for the U.S. military for more than 11 years as an employee and for a contractor on the base for 15 years.

It was strange hearing the news when the Icelandic foreign minister announced that the military was pulling the fighters and rescue helicopters out of Iceland. The presence of the military here reflects in many ways our economy, but I understand that the need for the planes is more in other locations such as Iraq. However, I am disappointed in the way things were done.

There were ongoing meetings among Icelandic and U.S. officials. It was the Icelandic people’s understanding that ongoing talks were scheduled and it was up to us to come up with some kind of conclusion.

But U.S. officials announced the final decision had been made by the Pentagon, and the planes and rescue squadron will leave.

My understanding, after having read the defense agreement, is that the two nations have an obligation to each other, and that the United States has broken that obligation after 51 years of good relations. The Icelandic people find it hard to believe that a great friend and ally could do such a thing.

My hope is that President Bush will take action and change this so we can forget this ever took place.

May God bless America.

Sigurjon Hafsteinsson
Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland