RAF Mildenhall to close. Lakenheath to get F-35 by 2020

[Proteus]

I think you will find that the “JAC” is staying at Molesworth.

[filmman]

USA defence policy was based on being able to fight 2 different wars simultaneously. Following the collapse of the USSR empire the West slashed defence spending and became fixated on a Globaal Economy. Unfortunately, China grew and following historic precedent started expanding militarily and dream of a foreign "Empire"like America's. Politicians have form, Roman/British Empires etc,. Simultaneously Putin started to resurrect Russian power. Washington, not just the President, is worried that they need to revert to a two War capability. As usual with drastic changes there is intense lobbying/arguing. However, money is being spent on bases, and no doubt the number and mix of planes and bases is being reconsidered (oh for F117 resurrection - ignore this delusion caused by drinking too much tea at home). Things might become clearer.late next year after the US elections. But remember the USA political system was designed to be "difficult" for "a King/President". The Hill often spends money contrary to USAF wishes. Have a happy Christmas, and make wishes to Santa Claus, care of the North Pole - currently not annexed by Putin.
Filmman

[skysearcher]

whilst not directly relevant to the closure of Mildenhall, or the F35 basing at LK, the US rescinding the open skies treaty, speaks to the wider context of worsening US / Russian relations and maybe highlighting closing US assests such as Mildenhall might not be the wisest of plans?

https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/07 ... om-treaty/

[quid21]

USA defence policy was based on being able to fight 2 different wars simultaneously. Following the collapse of the USSR empire the West slashed defence spending and became fixated on a Globaal Economy. Unfortunately, China grew and following historic precedent started expanding militarily and dream of a foreign "Empire"like America's. Politicians have form, Roman/British Empires etc,. Simultaneously Putin started to resurrect Russian power. Washington, not just the President, is worried that they need to revert to a two War capability. As usual with drastic changes there is intense lobbying/arguing. However, money is being spent on bases, and no doubt the number and mix of planes and bases is being reconsidered (oh for F117 resurrection - ignore this delusion caused by drinking too much tea at home). Things might become clearer.late next year after the US elections. But remember the USA political system was designed to be "difficult" for "a King/President". The Hill often spends money contrary to USAF wishes. Have a happy Christmas, and make wishes to Santa Claus, care of the North Pole - currently not annexed by Putin.
Filmman

China grew as a consequence of the global economy, just got to look at how much stuff is made in China. Could be argued that their speedy advance in technology was a direct result of making technological items for the western economies, and of course stealing plans through hacking.

Sad to say we are the reason China is advancing as a global power!

[acw367]

There is a big USAF briefing on the European Strategic Force Posture Review at 2pm UK time today. See here, the press conference should be streamed. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Today- ... 020-07-29/

[MRTT]

100th ARW & 352nd SOG will be remaining in the UK.

[f-4]

Woohoo!

[colt99]

100th ARW & 352nd SOG will be remaining in the UK.

Very nice

[F4JPhantomII]

480th FS to relocate to Italy (presume Aviano).

[thevulcan]

Presumably remaining in the UK means remaining at Mildenhall? And the RC-135's are still to move to fairford. With more Bomber Task Force missions to be carried out at fairford.

[page_verify]

The announcement said “ The 2,500 airmen based in Mildenhall, United Kingdom, who are responsible for aerial refueling and special operations, and who had been scheduled to re-base to Germany, will remain in the U.K., thus ensuring the uninterrupted readiness and responsiveness of these units.”

Who knows what’s in the detail but some good news to those with long term connections to RAF Mildenhall.

[Vulcan74]

Great news for us aircraft spotters!!

[Ian1963]

Even better news for the people who love working with these guys. And great news for the spotters who we love to see

[Spitfire88]

Remain in the U.K. could mean Fairford, is there clarification that mildenhall is staying open?

[hvaneupen]

If you live in the UK...

[Ian1963]

Spitfire look at the USAF news section big topic in there. They had a big press conference.

[thevulcan]

Do you happen to have a link Ian1963?

[MRTT]

Spitfire look at the USAF news section big topic in there. They had a big press conference.

The closure of Mildenhall wasn't specifically mentioned, the only reference was that the 100th ARW & 352nd SOG would be remaining in the UK.

However, I'd say it's a fair bet they'll remain at Mildenhall.

[city42]

Spitfire look at the USAF news section big topic in there. They had a big press conference.

The closure of Mildenhall wasn't specifically mentioned, the only reference was that the 100th ARW & 352nd SOG would be remaining in the UK.

cant see why they would move it all to Fairford

[Spitfire88]

Iv just watched it, it’s says remain in the U.K. no mention of whether that is Mildenhall or Fairford however it does mention an increase in BTF rotations and the RJs will still move to Fairford.