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

[POL]

prehaps they intend to withdraw the European deployed KC-135Rs back to the States to replace the KC-135Es

That would depend on if they are also planning of deploying them to September 2003 or earlier, as the last E-model was retired on 23 September 2003

[vinnyboy]

I want to swear but wont. I only just brought a new scanner to listen to the reach flights and mildenhall SOG. I cant believe this is happening and mildenhall would have been the best to keep open. Fairford should close as its just sitting there doing nothing most of the year except sitting on standby for the odd U-2 etc. Would be good to move the ac to LN but that's not happening. Sad times for us mil enthusiasts there soon wont be anything here.

[Unknown74]

Shocked and saddened but for some reason not surprised. Be interested to see the RAF/ Royal Navy F-35s operating close to each others bases.

So when does Mildenhall close? Also will the Eagles/ Strike Eagles from Lakenheath be moving elsewhere or retired?

[Skip]

It is sad news but its no great surprise i suppose but at least lakenheath is staying open, it wasn't that long ago there was a big panic about lakenheath shutting.

I just wish they would close all the assets in Germany and move it all here

[DanBeeden]

I wonder if there is an underlying re-organisation of the tanker force being planned underneath this - with the KC-46 coming on stream in the near future, prehaps they intend to withdraw the European deployed KC-135Rs back to the States to replace the KC-135Es, and forward deploy the KC-46s. Consolidating the tanker bases means that they have one less base to upgrade the infrastructure.

Dave, the stateside active and ANG/AFRC units all use either the KC-135R or T (the latter formerly the Q models that refuelled the SR-71s); so all of them have the big 'fan' engines now. You get the impression that 'base upgrades' bear no relationship to the longevity of the base in question; Mildenhall has seen much new infrastructure in the past few years; new taxiway link 'echo' amongst others - only to be listed for closure!

I wonder where a wing of KC-135s will go in Europe - Spangdahlem? Could Ramstein accommodate the additional traffic on top of its current activity levels (granted C-17 traffic falling with winding down of Afghan ops, etc)?

[vinnyboy]

Do you think LN would tale reach flights etc like mildenhall and rc-135s etc that go into the hall. That would make it quite interesting seeing some big boys at the Heath as well as just the F-15s assuming they stay. A statement is to be made later today apparently. I feel for the locals that work there and the personel.

[BOLLO]

Thats fecked Air Fete then.Enjoy it while its still operating,I know I will.

[page_verify]

My understanding was:

351st ARS KC-135s to Germany
352nd SOG to Germany
Lakenheath F-15s to disappear
Lakenheath to get F-35s

RC-135s may well use, rather than move to, Waddington given they weren't specific about where.

Ultimately, it looks like want to use the UK for the things other countries would be nervous about (bombers, recon, nuclear capable strike).
Everything else to Germany.

[Ronald Reagan]

Terrible news about Mildenhall and I feel for all those who work on base or depend on it in someway. The only positive is it would appear Lakenheath is safe with the F-35. Makes one wonder how long the F-15Cs/F-15Es will survive. Could see the Strike Eagles going back to the US. Hopefully nothing comes along to put at risk the F-35 decision for Lakenheath. With USAF F-35As at Lakenheath and UK F-35Bs at Marham they will be a the most numerous type we will see by far.

[Skip]

Thats fecked Air Fete then.Enjoy it while its still operating,I know I will.

Well said Bollo

[bigcrow]

Devasting news for all of us but I'm not surprised it makes sense to move your assets closer to your threats (i.e Ukraine, Middle East). Thought Lakenheath may go as well but I suppose they wanted to keep a US presence on UK soil. As for the RC fleet most likely Waddington but could well be Fairford maybe thats why its being re-activated this year?

[willow70]

If too much gets relocated to Fairford that could have a negative effect on RIAT.

[Rainbow 6]

In way not surprised at all by the closure of a UK base, US have been unhappy for sometime about UK cuts in their defence spending, I think this is the US showing that they aren't willing to put with any more.

The report doesn't say what will be happening with the F-15E's I wonder if they will be staying and the C's will be going and keeping the E's there. Or if the E's are going to somewhere else, the US have a basing agreement with Poland so wonder if they are going there?

A very sad day, for all concerned.......

[page_verify]

In way not surprised at all by the closure of a UK base, US have been unhappy for sometime about UK cuts in their defence spending, I think this is the US showing that they aren't willing to put with any more.

I disagree, the UK's defence spending has no relationship to the US's basing needs. The UK has always been and will continue to be the only country is this region that allows the US to base bomber and recon assets on its soil.

[sonicbenj]

The report it seems to suggest that the F-15s will be staying as they are moving an additional 1,200 personnel to LN to support the F-35. Unless they need an additional 1,200 people to support F-35?

[welshandy]

Terrible news about Mildenhall and I feel for all those who work on base or depend on it in someway. The only positive is it would appear Lakenheath is safe with the F-35. Makes one wonder how long the F-15Cs/F-15Es will survive. Could see the Strike Eagles going back to the US. Hopefully nothing comes along to put at risk the F-35 decision for Lakenheath. With USAF F-35As at Lakenheath and UK F-35Bs at Marham they will be a the most numerous type we will see by far.

I agree about the Hall. I assume it will be the 492nd & 494th that will transition to the F35A(as they did with the F111-F15) with the 493rd disbanding. I doubt the US won't do the same as UK do, disband the squadrons now & wait 5 years to reactivate them(capability gap!!). The Ukraine issue should keep the 493rd active for a while yet.

With the F35A's to LN & F35B's to RAF Marham will help with maintenance costs etc.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-30725366

[page_verify]

The report it seems to suggest that the F-15s will be staying as they are moving an additional 1,200 personnel to LN to support the F-35. Unless they need an additional 1,200 people to support F-35?

"The removal of 3,200 people from Mildenhall will be offset by the addition of 1,200 personnel at Lakenheath, who will be added to support new missions like the arrival of the F-35 fighters, according to the Pentagon."

[Twistedhicap]

Sad news as said before !

Shame the cant keep both going !

I'm Guessing this will increase the Heaths traffic to the point of opening at the weekends when it all happens ?

[POL]

I'm Guessing this will increase the Heaths traffic to the point of opening at the weekends when it all happens ?

Why would removing KC-135s and C-130s from Mildenhall mean F-15s and F-35s fly at weekends?

[Unknown74]

Thought the USAF had left Alconbury Years ago.