Peter J. Ganci Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, June 11, 2002: Cpl. Randy Novak, an aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 checks the refueling cone on an F/A-18D Hornet.

The U.S established the strategic air base at the Manas International Airport to support its military operations in Afghanistan in 2001. Russia, wary of a long-term U.S. presence in the region, exerted pressure on the Kyrgyz government to revoke the lease agreement with the U.S. This, as well as growing anti-American sentiments in the country led to the closure of the center in 2014. During its 13 years of operation the U.S. paid some $318 million to Kyrgyzstan in direct investments and additional indirect financial and non-financial benefits.