NAVY OPENS FIRST EXPEDITIONARY MICRO MARKET FOR TROOPS IN ICELAND

For service members deployed to remote locations, everyday conveniences can be hard to find. To solve this problem for rotational troops, the Navy recently opened its first expeditionary micro market at Keflavik Air Base in Iceland. In military operations, troops often need basic items like snacks, drinks, or toiletries, but full-scale base exchanges aren't always available nearby. This situation most often occurs in areas where the U.S. military operates temporarily. The new expeditionary micro market—a small self-service store designed to support service members and allied troops—provides quick access to everyday items for troops stationed there.

If you’re curious about how this new system works and where it’s located, keep reading.

What’s a Micro Market?

It’s important to know what a micro market is, especially for service members. A micro market is a small convenience store that operates primarily on a self-service basis. Think along the lines of 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa. A micro market relies entirely on a self-checkout system, unlike traditional military exchanges or convenience stores, which typically have cashiers.

Any service member can simply grab what they need, scan the items, and pay with a credit card or mobile payment. This system works well in military environments where quick access to food or supplies is needed at any time of day. Micro markets mostly stock the following items:

• Snacks and candy
• Bottled drinks and coffee
• Frozen meals or ready-to-eat food
• Energy drinks and protein bars
• Hygiene items like toothpaste, shampoo, or soap

It’s not very far from what you can access at civilian convenience stores, and a major advantage is that it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The military's first micro market was built in 2015 and is located at the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center in Mayport, Florida. The NEXCOM Ship's Store Program also opened two micro markets at sea locations: USS San Antonio (LPD 19) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Micro markets are already in place at several military locations, particularly in areas where a full store would not make sense.

Expeditionary vs. Regular Micro Market

There are two types of micro markets today: “expeditionary” and “regular.”

In military terms, expeditionary means operations are set up quickly and often take place in temporary or remote environments. Because these missions lack permanent infrastructure, support and services need to be flexible and easy to deploy.

A regular micro market is usually located on well-established bases in areas where service members work every day. These markets still use self-checkout systems, but they are part of a larger base footprint.

The expeditionary micro market, however, is designed for places where the military presence is smaller and constantly changing. It offers several key advantages: they don’t require large buildings or complex layouts, and supplies can be set up quickly to meet immediate operational needs.

Where Is the First Expeditionary Micro Market Located?

The first expeditionary micro market is located at Keflavik Air Base, home of the Icelandic Coast Guard, in Keflavik, Iceland. In partnership with Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, which maintains command and control over the operational location, the market officially opened on March 10, 2026.

“As a worldwide Navy command, NEXCOM is always in lockstep with the needs of the fleet,” said retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer of NEXCOM, in a March 12 Navy press release.

“In 2023, we were approached and asked what we could do to support rotational forces flying out of Keflavik. Our micro market was the perfect solution. Now, 3 years later, we have cut the ribbon to officially open our first expeditionary micro market,” Bianchi added.

Unlike larger military bases in other countries, the U.S. presence in Iceland is usually rotational. Units are deployed there for a specific period of time and return home once their mission is complete.

A New Military Way to Support Troops

In the past, large bases with permanent facilities were the norm. Today, many operations take place in smaller, remote locations around the world and can be completed in just a few months. That is where expeditionary micro markets are especially important, allowing military support systems to remain agile.

“NEXCOM’s core mission is to enable warfighter readiness and enhance Navy quality of life for our men and women in uniform,” Bianchi noted in the release.

“We are committed to delivering innovative concepts, like this micro market, to enhance the readiness of our Warfighters. We look forward to opening more expeditionary locations to support our warfighters wherever they are around the globe.”

For service members working long hours in Iceland for a limited time, this new market is a highly practical way to make life a little easier while on mission.

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