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

[jiminnorfolk]

I see there is some speculation about Fairford covering, to some extent Mildenhall operations.
I saw on local TV news some weeks ago that Rivet Joint Ops were going to Fairford.
Apologies to anyone who has already mentioned this but as yet I have not had time to read all.
Also being a "Newby" I can hide behind some ignorance!

[Windy57]

Confirmed yesterday by my Commander that the earliest that USAFE will be leaving Mildenhall is 2027

[paddyboy]

[tm74sqn]

Bad news - just put down a £50K deposit on a 4-bedroom detached house which is to be built on the ATC tower foundations. Hopefully I'll get it back, but slightly worried, or maybe will have to wait a while.

[Philwinward]

Noticed the other day that the field across the road from the old Mildenhall viewing area has a new fence with MOD security notices on it. Not certain how long they have owned this field, but if they are moving out why bother with new fencing and signs ?
Phil

[Windy57]

Noticed the other day that the field across the road from the old Mildenhall viewing area has a new fence with MOD security notices on it. Not certain how long they have owned this field, but if they are moving out why bother with new fencing and signs ?
Phil

The field was originally purchased to enable the A1101 to be diverted, and the old road to be used for a new entrance to the base - this was shelved after the original closure announcement; the new fence just replaces the dilapidated old wooden one.

[johnwayne]

Confirmed yesterday by my Commander that the earliest that USAFE will be leaving Mildenhall is 2027

Word of caution - flying may end well before the place is finally vacated.

[wezgulf3]

Confirmed yesterday by my Commander that the earliest that USAFE will be leaving Mildenhall is 2027

Word of caution - flying may end well before the place is finally vacated.

Was just about to say the same, think feet on the ground will outlast the Aircraft by a good few years.

Wes...

[Philwinward]

Thanks Windy57, it makes sense now.
Phil

[Gary]

They've started to demolish building at Lakenheath https://www.gov.uk/government/news/demo ... d7nas9ohIk

[Vulcan74]

Are they still going to have F-15S as well as F-35s at Lakenheath in 2020 onwards. Our are the F-15s been totally replaced by the F-35 at Lakenheath?

[James Cutting]

Yes, they will still have F-15s there

[Snoop 95]

The C model will go if I recall.

[Campbell89]

It’s probably in the thread somewhere but I’m assuming it will be F-35A based ast Lakenheath?

[James Cutting]

Yeah

[kenskyhawk]

Interestingly 495 FS reforming as first 48th F-35A Squadron maybe suggesting 492 with the C staying on a bit longer?
F-15X?

[James Cutting]

F-35's will be replacing the C/D's at 493rd, so 493rd and 495th should be 35 SQN's

[kenskyhawk]

My apologies should have been 493rd with C, slip of finger.
Still think shortage of air defence plus inability of 35 to carry some of the current C weaponry ( one of the reasons quoted for putting 15X into production with C's running out of fatigue life) will see changes in planning for future. We will have to wait and see.

[filmman]

The new definition of infinity is Mildenhall's closure date, it's slipped again to 2028. I detect, interestingly, some USAF sensitivity about the subject. Possible ongoing issues are upgraded security (possible need now for on base accommodation at Fairford?), noisy Ospreys not loved by Germany and possibly the delivery slippage of new tankers for German or Fairford basing? One does begin to wonder if Mildenhall will ever close. Is the USAF due for another budget/base/plane review by a new hierarchy who inevitably will make their own changes.
Filmman

[Spitfire88]

Latest release to the local population in Fairford is an increase in number of USAF personal moving to Fairford to about 2000 bringing it in line with the number of personal based at Fairford in the late 80's (kc-135s).
Interestingly only 10% will be housed on base with rest being housed in the local area.