• NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria

USAG Black Sea continues to strengthen its partnership with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) to improve quality of life for Soldiers stationed across Romania and Bulgaria.

Operating in support of the V Corps mission in Area of Operations Victory South, the garrison delivers essential services that support readiness in one of the Army’s most operationally focused environments.

From expanded dining options to mobile retail services, the partnership ensures Soldiers have access to critical resources while serving at forward and dispersed locations.

“Strong partnerships like the one we share with AAFES are essential to maintaining readiness and taking care of our Soldiers,” said Scott DeLay, deputy garrison commander for USAG Black Sea.

“By bringing critical services directly to our Soldiers, we reduce unnecessary burdens and help them stay focused on the mission,” he explained.

RODEOS

In December 2025, AAFES hosted a Military Clothing sales rodeo here, providing essential uniform items to Soldiers serving in a remote location.

Rodeos are retail events from a temporary location offering a small selection of items — such as personal hygiene products, snacks and drinks — to troops deployed in out-of-the-way locations.

Unlike permanent retail facilities, clothing sales rodeos are mobile, one-time events that relocate between installations, allowing Soldiers to purchase required items without traveling long distances.

The events save time, reduce logistical challenges and contribute to morale by ensuring Soldiers have what they need where they serve.

“Through the outstanding support of USAG Black Sea, AAFES continues to expand quality-of-life services for U.S. service members across the region,” said Ronald McDuffie, general manager (GM), AAFES Balkans.

“Command support enables us to directly contribute to troop readiness, resilience and morale,” he added.

PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVES

Following the success of the December event, USAG Black Sea and AAFES plan to host clothing sales rodeos quarterly in Romania and Bulgaria.

The next rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 20–21, at Mihail Kogălniceanu AB, Romania.

USAG Black Sea and AAFES have also expanded dining options with the recent soft opening of a new AAFES Pasta Restaurant at Novo Selo Training Area.

The project required extensive coordination to overcome logistical and infrastructure challenges.

The Pasta Restaurant officially opened Jan. 15, with a grand opening to be announced once final planning is complete.

Together, these initiatives underscore USAG Black Sea’s commitment to providing reliable services that support Soldier readiness, morale and mission success.

Source: AAFES; USAG Black Sea, Bulgaria, via DVIDS
Edited by Larry Lapka