the 65th Communication Squadron, which provides communication in the form of High Frequency Global Communications Systems (HFGCS), ground radio, ground radar, SatCom (Satellite Communications), and cryptography to the base. Despite NATO and non-NATO fighter and transport planes which continue to use Lajes on a regular basis, the US DoD movements are now at an all-time low. With more and more airplanes making use of air-to-air refueling, Lajes has been for some periods of time, ranging from weeks to months, almost deserted except for the occasional C-130 or KC-135. Civilian operations Civilian operators may use Terceira Airport/Lajes Air Base after requesting a landing permit according to the rules inscribed in the AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication) for Portugal, issued by the Portuguese Directorate of Civilian Aviation (INAC). == Based units == Units based at Lajes Field. Those marked GSU and their subordinate units are Geographically Separate Units, which although based at Lajes, report to a parent unit based at another location. United States Air Force US Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Third Air Force 86th Airlift Wing 65th Air Base Group (GSU) 65th Air Base Squadron 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron 765th Air Base Squadron Air Mobility Command 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing 721st Air Mobility Operations Group 721st Aerial Port Squadron – Operating Location Alpha (GSU) Portuguese Air Force Air Command Azores Air Zone Command Squadron 502 (Detachment) – EADS CASA C-295 Squadron 751 (Detachment) – EH-101 Merlin Accidents and incidents On January 31, 1951, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster operated by the Portuguese Air Force crashed into the sea while approaching Lajes Field, having taken off from Lisbon, Portugal, killing all 14 on board. On August 9, 1954, a Lockheed L-749A-79 Constellation operated by Avianca crashed three minutes after takeoff. It flew left into the hills instead of right towards the sea, killing all 30 on board. On October 10, 1956, a United States Navy Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster transport on a Military Air Transport Service flight disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean during a flight from RAF Lakenheath, England, to Lajes Field with the loss of all 59 people on board. On September 3, 1976, a Venezuelan Air Force C-130 Hercules crashed while attempting an emergency landing during Hurricane Emmy. On final approach, a wind gust slammed the aircraft into a hillside, killing all 68 people aboard. Most of the passengers were members of the student chorus of the