More bombers heading to Fairford

[Spitfire88]

They probably said "RC135s in a couple of weeks" and left Spitfire's shop laughing (of course they are all briefed to be entirely open and honest with us locals about the USAF plans and operations from the base!)
Have to say I have still not seen any US plated vehicles or seen any of the families referred to, the folks I know on base have not seen them either. Perhaps they left under cover of darkness on the airlift over the last week or so?

Somebody’s getting a little bitter, are you implying that this is all make believe? Or maybe you should open your eyes more! Do you live in fairford or any of the villages around the base?

[bizfreeq]

If you read his post properly he refers to 'us locals' so I'd say there's a pretty good chance that's a yes!

[Supra]

For me, a little bit of Local Intel' is always welcome & to some extent still adds to the general plan of future events. Remember those halcyon days before the Interweb, when the best info' on Fairford happenings was broadcast in the 'Parish Pump' (Village Council Magazine!)
My one proviso is that the 'intel' remains factually based insofar as possible. All personnel of all countries are trained, threatened & entrusted under their individual OSA constraints not to divulge any information to those who have no authority or need to know!
Sometimes (often??) the apparently genuine 'nod' is total Disinformation given 'in confidence' with the full expectation that it will be all over the Interweb by lunchtime. Keep it real!
Heads-up! NOTAM for Fairford vicinity....Expect 1 POB. Delivery of some kind?
B) FROM: 17/12/24 22:30
C) TO: 17/12/25 07:00
D) AD AND RWY 09/27 OPEN. AVAILABLE FOR SCHEDULED MOVEMENTS ONLY.

[GummyBe4r]

I'm going to back Spitfire up as also a local and was chatting to a group of them in kebab house Thursday night.

[johnwayne]

I 'd say Supra's post is spot on . Re - the NOTAM heads-up 'Claw' callsign ?

[page_verify]

Generally speaking, the number of people who know what’s going to happen on a day by day or year by year basis is much much smaller than it was even five years ago. That happens to make it much much easier for those in charge to work out who’s told who when they shouldn’t have done. I suspect that’s related to the base becoming a front line AFGSC and reconnaissance base whereas before it was more of an excercise focused base. Who knows though, who knows?

[von_trippenhopf]

Somebody’s getting a little bitter, are you implying that this is all make believe?

Quiet isn't it?

[633 squadron]

yes

[633 squadron]

so i presume thats it until next year.

[von_trippenhopf]

Probably another U2 swap before Christmas, then back to sleepy hollow status until next year.

[page_verify]

Presumably the diggers, the bricklayers and the tarmac'ing men must all be due to start appearing next year as well.

[tm74sqn]

Presumably after RIAT 2018 but before RIAT 2019 - hopefully!
TM74

[Spitfire88]

More bombers will be back in January, all TDY staff have returned stateside until then.

[page_verify]

But what about their cars?

[StormsInAfrica]

More bombers will be back in January, all TDY staff have returned stateside until then.

Fingers crossed for some Beaks.....

[Knife 04]

Sorry - can you expand on 'Beaks' please? Familiar with 'Bone' & 'Buff' names but not 'Beak'

Many thanks

[sonicbenj]

I've heard beak used for B-2s before, due to the shape of the nose presumably.

[page_verify]

It’s a term used within the B-2 community for it’s aircraft as it considers Spirit too meh, commercial and not representative of the aircraft. Spirit reminds me more of a 1980s imported Japanese hatchback than a bomber! You won’t find a pilot that says “I fly the spirit” (outside of a media article). It may well have also been related to the name Spirit coming from the manufacturer rather than the USAF, crews tend not to like those names. For the same reason, some only ever call the Global Hawk the RQ4 as GH is actually a Northrop trademark.

[sabrejet]

I'd also guess the relevant crews wouldn't write 'B1', 'B2', 'B52' or 'U2' either, but all are regularly quoted here, rather than B-1, B-2 etc. Pedantic yes, but I can't see 'U2' without thinking of bl**dy Bono!

[page_verify]

Indeed - it’s always the U-2 or the Deuce. I suspect they’re the only people who keep the $2 bill in circulation!