US looks to joint RC-135 base with the UK
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Assuming this article is correct and Mildenhall is indeed closing, I don't see any other solution apart from relocating both forces Rivet Joints to either Fairford or Lakenheath. Lakenheath has the close proximity for airmen and support crew but will be full of fighter jets and does not have a runway of any more length than Waddington now. Fairford on the other hand does have runway suitability but infrastructure upgrades will be necessary for the additional 400 or so airmen and women.
Which location would you decide upon?
Which location would you decide upon?
In the late sixties the RAF 'woke up' Fairford to accommodate 30 and 47 with their new C130K a/c. We also had the pleasure of a Concorde prototype flying out of the base. IMHO no reason why it cannot be woken up again.
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Why not Ramstein? Mildenhall's core functions are going to be there anyway.
And if 51 Sqn move over to Germany, that frees up real estate for Poseidon at Waddington.
And if 51 Sqn move over to Germany, that frees up real estate for Poseidon at Waddington.
Arclite01,
And now they are moving out and closing it down.
And now they are moving out and closing it down.
stewyb,
Why your assumption that the 2 fleets should be colocated?
Waddungton has a new hq building and substantially rebuilt hangar as well as new ramp space all specifically built for 51Squadron.
Why your assumption that the 2 fleets should be colocated?
Waddungton has a new hq building and substantially rebuilt hangar as well as new ramp space all specifically built for 51Squadron.
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pr00ne,
I'm only going on the information provided from this article and elsewhere in the media that RAF/USAF might co-locate and Waddington is not a preferred option due to runway length. I do however agree that infrastructure has been improved there specifically for Rivet Joint and other ISTAR equipment so I guess only time will tell!
I'm only going on the information provided from this article and elsewhere in the media that RAF/USAF might co-locate and Waddington is not a preferred option due to runway length. I do however agree that infrastructure has been improved there specifically for Rivet Joint and other ISTAR equipment so I guess only time will tell!
FF is not actually asleep - it's dozing. It's on "Turn Key" status in support of B2, B52 and other activities. Be difficult to absorb two nations together with each requiring primacy and where would non-ac supporting staff and facilities come from? That would need additional personnel and funding.
