Navy Exchange Service Command installs micro market in Iceland hangar
Navy Exchange Service Command and Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella opened the first expeditionary micro market at Keflavik Air Base in Keflavik, Iceland, to provide self-service food and essentials for U.S. military and NATO forces operating in the area.
“All service members operating from Keflavik are at the tip of the spear, executing a vital mission in a demanding environment. This facility is a direct investment in their quality of service and mission readiness,” said Capt. Daniel Martins, commanding officer, NAS Sigonella, in a release.
The micro market, which opened on March 10, offers grab-and-go snacks, coffee, cold beverages and frozen meals along with a limited selection of health, beauty and laundry items. It is located in a 70-year-old hangar and operates as a 24/7 self-service location.
Retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, CEO of NEXCOM, said the command was approached in 2023 about supporting rotational forces flying out of Keflavik and determined the micro market model fit the need.
Expeditionary micro markets are designed for remote, temporary or mission-driven locations, places where a full cafeteria, staffed store or regular retail outlet is not practical. Rotational forces are units or detachments that deploy to a location for a set period and are replaced by another unit, rather than being permanently stationed there. At Keflavik Air Base, rotational forces typically refers to aircraft crews and support personnel who cycle in and out to conduct missions, then rotate home while another team takes their place.
NEXCOM typically opens micro markets in Navy facilities that serve many people but have limited food options. NEXCOM operates micro markets in Navy hospitals, aircraft hangars, barracks, unaccompanied housing, office spaces and shipyards.
The first Navy Exchange Service Command micro market opened in 2015 at the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center in Mayport, Fla. The command’s Ship’s Store Program has also opened two Micro Market@Sea locations aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 19) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), offering similar self-service access to food, beverages and health and wellness items during deployments.
Bianchi said Navy Exchange Service Command plans to pursue additional expeditionary micro market sites to support service members in more locations.
The new micro market was first reported by Kristine Sturkie of NEXCOM.
Editor's Note: This article was updated on March 19, 2026, to include comments from Capt. Daniel Martins, commanding officer, NAS Sigonella.
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