After the establishment of the National Socialist government in 1933, Fliegerhorst Giessen was militarised, and became home to a Combat Wing (Kampfgeschwader 55 (KG-55) "Greif").

After the German Capitulation on 8 May, it was re-designated as "Army Air Forces Station Giessen".

Army Air Forces units moved out in July, and the facility was taken over by United States Army units, which converted the facility into the Giessen Army Depot, one of the largest depot facilities in Germany, with its own railway system and warehouses.

The facility was closed as a garrison by the United States in 2008, but remained a distribution center for the Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES).

The last of Giessen Army Deport was relinquished to the city in February 2017, when AAFES relocated their distribution center to Germersheim.