It was headquarters of the US Army Garrison Bremerhaven which performed transshipment of supplies and military equipment and hosted transport and support units.

At the time it was known as the "Zeppelinhafen" (Zeppelin-port) or the Flugzeugträgerbecken (aircraftcarrier dock), intended as berth for the German aircraft carrier "Graf Zeppelin".

The Erprobungsstelle (Test Unit) Karlshagen, better known today as Peenemünde-West was in danger over being overrun by the Soviet Red Army so all of its materiel and personnel were moved west to Bremerhaven.

The base was partially destroyed when British Forces moved into the area on 7 May 1945, one day before the official German Capitulation.

Although northwest Germany was to become a British occupation zone, an exclave was granted to the US Army in the area between Bremen and Nordholz.

This ended the American presence and the military units were withdrawn in 1993, leaving only a small civilian contingent to coordinate the remaining transshipments.