U.S. Hospital Zagreb Closes Doors After Three Years of Service to UN Protection Force
A Department of Defense photograph captured on December 4, 1995, depicts the final stages of decommissioning the U.S. Hospital Zagreb at Camp Pleso, Zagreb, Croatia, marking the end of a vital medical support operation for the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR). The facility, staffed by the 74th Medical Group (Provisional) from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, had been providing critical healthcare services since November 1992.
A Humanitarian Mission Concludes
The image shows personnel carefully packing remaining medical supplies into large boxes, signaling the systematic dismantling of the hospital’s infrastructure. Tents, which served as the core of the medical facility, were being emptied of equipment and dismantled. This process underscored the completion of the hospital’s mission and the logistical challenges of closing a field hospital in a complex geopolitical environment.
The U.S. Hospital Zagreb played a crucial role in supporting UNPROFOR’s efforts during a period of intense conflict in the former Yugoslavia. The hospital provided essential medical care to both peacekeeping forces and local populations affected by the ongoing hostilities. According to the documentation, the hospital’s closure was a planned event, reflecting a shift in the overall UN strategy in the region.
Details of the Operation
The photograph, taken on December 14, 1995, and initially posted on July 27, 2025, offers a glimpse into the logistical undertaking of shutting down a fully operational medical facility. The image has a resolution of 1524×1012 and a file size of 228.61 KB. It is identified by Photo ID 9207081 and features a woman identified as 951215-D-D0439-1212.
The location of the photograph is listed as “(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION),” a common practice for sensitive military operations. As of July 27, 2025, the image had received zero web views and zero downloads, suggesting limited initial public exposure.
Public Domain and Copyright Information
The photograph is designated as public domain, but its use is subject to the copyright restrictions outlined on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) website: https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. This ensures proper attribution and adherence to legal guidelines regarding the use of U.S. Department of Defense imagery.
The closure of the U.S. Hospital Zagreb represents a significant moment in the history of U.S. military humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping operations, highlighting the commitment of the U.S. armed forces to international stability and the provision of medical support in conflict zones.
