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

[Spitfire88]

That local talk .lol

Grow up

[Cranberry]

The RAF was offered the opportunity to move the RC-135 work it does at Mildenhall to Fairford when the USAF moves its RC-135s from Mildenhall to Fairford, but like Spitfire says the RAF wasn't quick at deciding whether to upgrade Waddington, stay at Waddington with a short runway, or move to Fairford. I've never heard anything since I heard the RAF hadn't decided. A 501CSW Lt Col told me a few years back that an extra 2000' of runway will allow the RC-135s to more than double the time they can spend over their European target areas and that ACC were given the budget to move its RC-135s to Fairford to operate from somewhere with a longer runway and newer intelligence facilities. The money was prompted by the Mildenhall closure but it wasn't part of the Mildenhall relocation budget.

[thevulcan]

Absolutely spot on cranberry the only reason work has not started sooner is because Congress pulled lots of funding from the European consolidation program to fund Trump's wall. Still those at the hall have at least 3 years to photograph and take serials of the rivert joints.

[BOLLO]

That local talk .lol

Grow up

Oh dear,here we go.I could say some thing to you chap but I know certain people are itching to ban me so keep it perlite hey.

[Nighthawke]

And then they will probably travel to Fairford - if and/or when a move takes place.

[thevulcan]

Let's all cool off a little bit clearly this wonderful heat is affecting some. The way I view it all should be happy Fairford will become more active Mildenhall is remaining open and Lakenheath is getting F35's. All in all everyone is a winner. even if it means a long drive for some to go to the desired base for spotting.

[Kurnass]

Quote from the DefSec yesterday:



The military has debated for years whether to keep Airmen at Mildenhall, the only permanent U.S. air refueling wing in Europe. The base hosts more than 4,200 Active-duty Airmen, according to Air Force Magazine’s 2020 almanac.

“[It] made obvious strategic sense in the wake of the [National Defense Strategy],” Esper said during an online Aspen Institute event. “We’re keeping 2,500 Airmen there.”

So it means 1700 airmen will leave Mildenhall? Can’t imagine a move of the RC-135’s will need 1700 airmen to leave Mildenhall. Any thoughts on this?

[thevulcan]

It was originally quoted in the glocestershire Gazette that 1,200 personnel were planned to move to fairford.

[Spitfire88]

Quote from the DefSec yesterday:



The military has debated for years whether to keep Airmen at Mildenhall, the only permanent U.S. air refueling wing in Europe. The base hosts more than 4,200 Active-duty Airmen, according to Air Force Magazine’s 2020 almanac.

“[It] made obvious strategic sense in the wake of the [National Defense Strategy],” Esper said during an online Aspen Institute event. “We’re keeping 2,500 Airmen there.”

So it means 1700 airmen will leave Mildenhall? Can’t imagine a move of the RC-135’s will need 1700 airmen to leave Mildenhall. Any thoughts on this?

The planning report states the usaf is looking into other uses for Fairford, I’m guessing this may account for the extra personal, of course Fairford’s primary purpose is the BTF mission so may be more personal for that as we know there will be an increase in the BTF mission rotational frequency.

[BOLLO]

It was originally quoted in the glocestershire Gazette that 1,200 personnel were planned to move to fairford.

Porberbly get a more accurate story out the Sunday Sport

[thevulcan]

Indeed Bollo I completely agree sources are limited and not very detailed which doesn't help.

[BOLLO]

Indeed Bollo I completely agree sources are limited and not very detailed which doesn't help.

Thats what I like,a man with a sence of humour,not like the other one at all.Respect

[Cranberry]

I know some of the USAF don’t have a sense of humour about some of the things they read on here

[Spitfire88]

It was originally quoted in the glocestershire Gazette that 1,200 personnel were planned to move to fairford.

Porberbly get a more accurate story out the Sunday Sport

Oh no I agree Gloucestershire live is a joke, better reporting in the Daily sport

[BOLLO]

Well they found Elvis on the Moon,Gloucersthire Gazzett missed that one lol

[Vulcan74]

Well at least wherever they get stationed it will be in the UK!!

[baz1]

Well at least wherever they get stationed it will be in the UK!!

I wonder were that could be??

[Vulcan74]

Leuchars!!

[page_verify]

Almost certain that the USAF doesn't know whether the RC-135s are going or staying right now which is why it hasn't yet said anything. A bit like when the USAF said it was closing Mildenhall and the press release just said "RC-135s are going somewhere TBC" etc.

[andrewn]

Almost certain that the USAF doesn't know whether the RC-135s are going or staying right now which is why it hasn't yet said anything. A bit like when the USAF said it was closing Mildenhall and the press release just said "RC-135s are going somewhere TBC" etc.

common sense alert