Ansbach Weekly

Search continues for missing Soldier and family - CID continues the search for the disappearance or death of Tina Grogan, Stephon Grogan and Dale Grogan Jr. Since Nov. 30, 1992, Spc. Dale Grogan's dependent wife, Tina Grogan, and their two sons Stephon Grogan (age 4,) and Dale Grogan Jr. (age 6,) have been missing. After their disappearance was reported, an extensive search was conducted in Würzburg, Germany. More...

Qualify for Army 10-Miler - Qualify virtually by running May 2 or June 27. Register...

TAP services no longer local - Transitioning Soldiers at USAG Ansbach no longer have local Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Counselors effective March 4, 2026. The site assignment for separating/retiring Soldiers in Ansbach is the Virtual Center. Soldiers can go to other sites (or work with them virtually) for appointments and classes. More...

Tenant Satisfaction Survey March 2-May 1 — The survey will be sent via email to all residents at USAG Ansbach Army Family Housing (AFH) and Unaccompanied Housing (Barracks) from ArmyHousingSurvey@celassociates.com. Please complete. The feedback helps the Army make improvements to housing quality. No email? No problem. More...

Weekly IMCOM Sampler - Here’s what’s happening at U.S. Army Garrisons around the world. More…

Eye on AMC - What’s happening within the U.S. Army Materiel Command—IMCOM’s senior command. More…

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• April 1-May 1: Child & Youth Services (CYS) Month of the Military Child events. More...
• April 24-25: Operation Megaphone for Month of the Military Child. More...
• April 24: Nuremberg by Rail, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
• April 28: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• April 28: BOSS Pawsitive Prevention, 4 - 6 p.m. More...
• April 29: SHARP 5K Color Run, 6:30 a.m., Katterbach Fitness Center. More...
• April 30: BOSS VAT & App Class, 5 - 6 p.m. More...
• May 1: USAG Ansbach Graduation Recognition, Von Steuben, 10 a.m.
• May 2: Skydiving in Hassfurt. More...
• May 2: Army 10 Miler - Virtual Qualifier Race. Register...
• May 4-8: USAG Ansbach Spring Clean-Up
• May 12: Creating your Own Financial Plan. ACS. 10 a.m. More...
• May 21-25: Outdoor Rec trip to Italian and French Riviera. More...
• May 22: Nuremberg by Rail. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
• May 26: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
• June 18: USAG Ansbach annual Garrison employees Org Day , Franken Kaserne, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
• June 23-26: Ansbach Clinic offers School/CYS Physical Rodeo to help get your child's school and sports physicals. More...
• June 27: Army 10 Miler - Virtual Qualifier Race. Register...
• Aug. 3-7: Ansbach Clinic offers School/CYS Physical Rodeo to help get your child's school and sports physicals. More...

MWR CALENDAR | ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE CALENDAR (ACS) | DoDEA CALENDAR

• Apr. 4-26: Nürnberg Spring Fest with booths, rides and different activities. More...
• April 17-May 10: Frühlingsfest (Spring festival) in Munich 2026. More...
• Apr. 23: Ammerndorf Brewery hosts its Beer Day - at the Minisudhaus Ammerndorf. More...
• Apr. 23: English Stand up Comedy with Nya Yeanafehn "African and American and lost in Europe" at Crazy Nates OG/Wöhrd, Nürnberg. More...
• April 24-25: 51st Ansbach Lions Club Flea Market. More...
• April 25: Ansbach Accordion Orchestra Annual Concert. More...
• Apr. 25-26: Rothenburg's Spring Festival in the Old Quarter. More...
• May 1 - 3: Ansbach Mess' - Food & Feines with Various Food Trucks, Oldtimers Show and More!
• May 3: Spring Fest Neustadt an der Aisch.
• May 8 - 17: Ansbach Spring Fest at Gustav-Weißkopf-Str., Ansbach

For more Spring Fest locations click here!

• May 24: English Stand-up Comedy with Malinda Perera at Crazy Nates Wöhrder Wiese, Untere Zwingerstrasse 9, Nürnberg. More...
• May 22-25: Historic Festival Play "Master Draught" in Rothenburg. More...
• Jun. 3-7: Altstadtfest "Old Town Fest" Ansbach, downtown Ansbach
• Jun. 3-7: Franconian Beer Fest at the Nürnberg Burggraben. More...
• June 26-27: JamKraut. Mars Mushrooms leads festival of Grateful Dead-friendly tunes. More...
• Jun. 26 - Jul. 1: Summer Fair and Beer Festival in Rothenburg. More...
• Jul. 9 - 12: Auf der Ziegenwiese " On the goat meadow" Music and Cultural Event in Ansbach. More...
• Jul. 10 & 18: Music Concerts: American Music Abroad. More...
• Jul. 17-18: Heilsbronn City Fest. More...
• Jul. 25-26: Wine Fest Rothenburg. More...
• Aug. 12-16: Wine Village Rothenburg. More...
• Sept. 4-6: Imperial City Festival Rothenburg. More...
• Oct. 31 - Nov. 8: Autumn Fair with trade show in Rothenburg. More...

Police operation at the Grafenwöhr military training area: Two officers injured

On Tuesday morning, a large police operation took place near Gate 3 at the Grafenwöhr military training area: According to a report from the Eschenbach Police Inspectorate, a man attempted to pass through the access control to the grounds. After security denied him entry, a verbal altercation ensued. Upon the arrival of the police officers, the man became increasingly erratic and made incoherent statements. In consultation with the responsible district office, the man was ordered to be admitted to a district hospital, according to the report. Subsequently, the man offered considerable resistance to the police measures: he went onto the railway tracks, threw stones at the officers, and kicked at them. Two police officers sustained minor injuries. Several patrol cars from surrounding stations were called in to manage the situation. (onetz.de, April 21, 2026)

Military Strategy: What the German Armed Forces of the Future Should Look

On a landmark day for German defense policy, Minister Boris Pistorius announced the adoption of the first-ever military strategy for the Bundeswehr, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach amid heightened threats, particularly from Russia, which is now deemed the greatest immediate danger to Germany’s peace and security. The strategy shifts the Bundeswehr’s focus to national and collective defense, aiming to become Europe’s strongest conventional army through short-term readiness, medium-term expansion across all domains, and long-term technological superiority, with a target force of 460,000 personnel. While the new voluntary military service law is in effect, officials acknowledge that partial conscription may be considered if recruitment falls short. The strategy, while criticized for its vagueness, deliberately omits specific capabilities and war scenarios to maintain operational security. (br24.de, April 22, 2026)

Beer from Bavaria is being toasted less frequently worldwide

Bavaria remains a stronghold of beer tradition, with its breweries selling the most beer in Germany in 2025—22.5 million hectoliters—despite a 5.4% decline in sales and an 8.4% drop in exports compared to the previous year. The number of Bavarian breweries also fell to 588, representing 41.6% of all German breweries. To celebrate German Beer Day, the Bad Windsheim Open-Air Museum will showcase historic brewing techniques in two centuries-old brewhouses, offering visitors a glimpse into Franconia’s rich brewing heritage and everyday life across 700 years. (br24.de, April 23, 2026)

NATO Intercepts Group of Russian Fighter Jets Over the Baltic Sea

NATO has intercepted a group of Russian fighter jets over the Baltic Sea. The Russian aircraft consisted of two Tu-22M3 supersonic jets and approximately ten Su-30 and Su-35 fighter jets, which took turns escorting the Russian planes, a French NATO unit at the Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania reported. Aircraft from France, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Denmark, and Romania scrambled and monitored the Russian aircraft. (br24.de, April 22, 2026)

Lufthansa cancels numerous flights

Lufthansa Group is canceling 20,000 short-haul flights by October following the closure of its regional subsidiary Cityline, resulting in a savings of approximately 40,000 tons of kerosene amid doubled fuel prices since the Iran-Iraq War. The airline is optimizing its summer schedule across six major hubs—Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome—while maintaining access to its global network. Initial cancellations, including routes to Bydgoszcz, Rzeszow, and Stavanger, began this week, with affected passengers notified and some connections rerouted via other airports. Lufthansa is also revising its medium-term route planning, with further details expected soon, and expects a stable fuel supply for its adjusted summer operations.(Tagesschau, April 21, 2026)

"Disposable Agents" – Putin's Covert War in Germany

In mid-April 2022, Ukrainian refugees attended an Easter service in Lower Franconia, where a group photo later helped reporters identify Yevhen B., now on trial in Stuttgart since March 17, 2026, for allegedly plotting attacks as a "disposable agent" for Russian intelligence. Alongside two co-defendants, he is accused of planning to send incendiary packages to Ukraine via the Nova Post parcel service, using test shipments with GPS trackers to scout delivery routes. The case highlights the vulnerability of refugees to recruitment for covert operations, the challenges authorities face in exposing such networks, and the broader use of "disposable agents" by countries like Russia and Iran for espionage and attacks in Europe. (br24.de, April 22, 2026)

No one intends to spoil your vacation

Since the International Energy Agency warned of kerosene shortages, nervousness has been growing in Germany as well. But the Minister of Economic Affairs is downplaying the danger. What is the real situation? Amid warnings from the International Energy Agency of potential kerosene shortages in Europe within six weeks, German Economics Minister Katherina Reiche has reassured the public that Germany’s supply remains secure, with sufficient reserves to bridge any gaps through the summer holidays. While the physical supply is stable, experts caution that geopolitical tensions are driving up prices, meaning travelers should expect higher costs rather than flight cancellations. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and has convened industry leaders to discuss contingency measures, including coordinated EU action, temporary regulatory adjustments, and the release of strategic reserves to mitigate market pressures. (Sueddeutsche Zeitung, April 21, 2026)

Military convoys roll through Thuringia and Hessen

Soldiers from the German Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces will be practicing convoy driving on several highways in the coming days. Police, fire departments, and local authorities will also be participating. According to the German Armed Forces, up to 400 vehicles will be driving on selected sections of the A4, A5, A7, and A38 highways, primarily on Friday and Saturday. The vehicles will be traveling in several convoys. The exercise, named "Hesse-Thuringia-Exercise" (Hethex for short), begins on Wednesday and will involve approximately 900 German and US soldiers, as well as police, firefighters, and other civilian personnel, practicing the coordination of military convoys on civilian roads. (Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, April 20, 2026)

US Army Announces Increased Training Activities in the Region

The US Army's 7th Army Training Command has announced increased training noise and heightened military vehicle traffic around the Grafenwöhr and Hohenfels training areas from April 23 to May 2 due to the Combined Resolve exercise. Special permission has been granted for large-caliber weapons training outside regular hours on April 21 and 22 at Grafenwöhr, and residents are advised to expect elevated noise levels and possible traffic disruptions, especially on local state and county roads. The Army urges motorists to exercise caution around military convoys, which may travel day and night, and notes that unmanned aerial vehicles will also be used during the exercise, with all flights coordinated for safety. (Onetz.de, April 19, 2026)

"Ready to play a key role"

Germany is ready to participate in a naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Federal Minister of Defense, preparations are underway. However, a ceasefire remains a prerequisite, Pistorius stated in the report from Berlin. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that the risk to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz remains unpredictable, and any German naval involvement would require a ceasefire, a legal mandate, and international cooperation, particularly with the U.S. due to Germany’s limited naval capacity. While concrete planning for a potential mission is underway, actual deployment is contingent on meeting strict conditions. The ongoing blockade has led to rising fuel prices and resource concerns in Germany, prompting calls from Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder for a swift resolution to ensure continued access to essential resources. (Tagesschau, April 19, 2026)

Premiere in Bavaria: Johnny Depp Paintings at Banz Abbey

The Kunsthalle Kloster Banz art gallery is hosting the first exhibition of works by Hollywood star Johnny Depp in Bavaria. On Sunday, the Kunsthalle Kloster Banz in Bad Staffelstein, Bavaria, became the first venue in the region to exclusively exhibit works by Johnny Depp with the opening of "Introducing Johnny Depp." The exhibition, running until June 7, 2026, features Depp’s self-portraits, emotionally charged pieces like the limited edition "Five," and recurring motifs such as the "Bunnyman." Although Depp is not present due to filming commitments in London, his paintings—characterized by their interplay of light and dark and spontaneous brushwork—are now established in the contemporary art market. The exhibition is open Fridays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with advance registration required. (br24.de, April 20, 2026)

German Armed Forces: Soldiers Develop Their Own Drones at Grand Quadriga 2026

During the "Grand Quadriga 2026" exercise, the German Armed Forces showcased the transformation of modern warfare through the use of drones, rapid data transmission, and soldier-driven innovation. Collaborating with startups and the Cyber Innovation Hub (CIHBw), soldiers not only operated but also built and adapted their own FPV drones, emphasizing technological understanding and improvisation alongside traditional skills. This approach, supported by decentralized "Spark Cells," enables faster problem-solving, operational sovereignty, and reduced dependency on industry, with hybrid models integrating centrally procured systems and troop-led adaptations. The exercise highlighted that controlling airspace and processing data quickly are now decisive factors in military success, reflecting a shift toward soldiers as both users and co-developers of technology. (Euronews, Aoril 20, 2026)

Fewer Crimes in the Ansbach District

There has been a decline in many areas, but according to police, the number of unreported sexual offenses is particularly high. Overall, crime in the Ansbach district continued to decline in 2025. However, this does not apply to all areas, explained Cora Miguletz, head of the Ansbach Criminal Investigation Department, at the presentation of the crime statistics at the District Office. 4,853 crimes were recorded last year, 89 fewer than in 2024. The clearance rate remained almost unchanged at 67.3 percent. This rate is below the Bavarian average (68.1 percent), but above the average for Middle Franconia as a whole (66.6 percent). (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, April 17, 2026)

Train service disruptions Nuremberg-Ansbach, April 18 to July 9

Attention DB S4 Passengers on the Ansbach-Nuremberg route: Due to major construction work (slope stabilization between Roßtal and Heilsbronn and switch replacements near Nuremberg Central Station), S4 service will be drastically reduced from April 18 to July 9, 2026. Expect hourly service with additional peak-hour trains that will bypass several stops (Heilsbronn, Raitersaich, Roßtal-Wegbrücke, and Roßtal), the morning express from Nuremberg to Ansbach is canceled. The current train status is available at https://int.bahn.de/en or in the DB Navigator app.

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