RAF Lakenheath could close? EUCOM downsize

[Jumping_Jack]

Given what they do at Molesworth and Menwith Hill

Last I heard was that Molesworth as a physical unit was very much on the card for closure. The talk was to move Molesworth capability and remaining Alconbury staffs to co locate at Croughton (discussions have been had with the council that has responsibility for Croughton area to open a gate onto A43). Lost of money to off set the move with the full closure of two bases. It was also suggested that rather than having AFRICOM in theUK it might be an idea to have it in Africa!

[Ronald Reagan]

From what I heard and its only rumours are the total closure of Lakenheath, Aviano and Spangdahlem. The end of all USAF combat units in Europe. With the drawdown in Afghanistan and massed cuts to US Army units in Europe the AMC facilities at Spang won't be needed. Also this puts at risk the need for the based C-130s at Ramstein. Also with the loss of all USAFE fighter units and huge reduction in transient aircraft this will remove the need for a full USAFE tanker unit. There is talk of a small detachment of rotating stateside units to fill this role with maybe 4 to 6 tankers, not the current 15 based tankers which are at Mildenhall. Also the days of the 352nd SOG based in Europe seem to be rumoured to be coming to an end with talk of them returning to Florida. Talk about a lack of planning if this is true, as we speak they are being reequipped with MC-130Js and Osprey's! They don't have a full compliment of either yet! They have spent a fortune on Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Spangdahlem in recent years, many of the locals felt this guaranteed long term survival! In my opinion such a thing almost guarantees closure!

[chopper2004]

Ronnie,

Interesting - I was at the 352nd SOG Media Day last June, and the plans were all laid out until end of this year with numbers of airframes up to full scratch! Though like yourself, and this was rumors / spec I have heard on the grapevine around the local area and enthusiasts/spotters, that the 352nd would (liked or pressganged) move to the Med area to be closer to delicate areas

The same above would apply to the tanker force as well....to move down south.

However tbh the move back to Hulbert would not be beneficial as they still have to re deploy over the Atlantic on the way to potential conflicts out east.

I had seen something in the Huntingdon Post about relocation relocation of assets here to Croughton....personally why not move Croughton over this end and bung up the golfballs on Molesworth?

Cheers

[david44]

Well said

An pertinent an well made point.