DoD plans to close 15 European installations

The Defense Department is planning to close 15 military installations in Europe, which the department expects will save it $500 million annually.

The plans are the culmination of a two-year effort to consolidate military bases and resources and return the land and facilities to their host nations, according to DoD.

"In the end, this transformation of our infrastructure will help maximize our military capabilities in Europe and help strengthen our important European partnerships so that we can best support our NATO allies and partners in the region," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a statement.

The consolidations do not affect operational capabilities or diminish the DoD's ability to maintain its commitments to allies in Europe, according to the Defense Department.

One of the largest bases to be closed is the Royal Air Force Mildenhall facility in England, resulting in a decrease of 2,000 service members and civilian employees over the next few years.

The Defense Department will also shift several hundred personnel to Germany and Italy, while reducing the number of military personnel in Portugal. About 6,000 people total will be relocated within Europe.

John Conger, acting assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and environment, said the department wanted to preserve its operational capability while reducing the cost of supporting it.

"As a result, we will not need as many support personnel to maintain a reduced infrastructure, in terms of both U.S. military and civilian personnel and host-nation employees," Conger said.