I was born at the US base on Terceira Island in the Azores, and grew up on nearby São Jorge. I heard a lot of rumors about how the base came to be, but they varied wildly depending on whether the story teller liked Salazar or not. I would really like to hear the full story, or as much as can be shared without spoiling anything.
In 1943, Portugal began allowing the Allies to use the islands for naval and air operations. The basis was an Anglo-Portuguese treaty dating back to, and I am not making this up, 1373. (This was the basis of British use of Lajes airbase in the Azores in the 1982 Falklands War as well.) The Lajes airbase (“Airfield #4”) and Santana Field started in regular use as an anti-u-boat base, and way-station between the Western Hemisphere and Africa.
These days, Lajes is run by the Portuguese, but has a US presence (as part of NATO).
Port facilities for shipping were also used.
The 1373 treaty was reaffirmed in June of this year.
Hope this helps!
Awesome, thank you! That treaty is a big deal in Portuguese history, including getting British help fighting off Napoleon. I guess it’s not surprising they dusted it off again.