Originally Posted by
RAFEngO74to09
Incorrect - moving one squadron of F-16CJ from Spangdahlem to Aviano will make absolutely no difference.
Furthermore, keeping the KC-135Rs of 100 ARW at Mildenhall is beneficial to the RAF - especially when conducting exercises involving RAF F-35Bs with 48 FW F-15E/F-15C (and F-35A later) as seen recently.
What left the very big hole was successive closures of RAF Alconbury, RAF Bentwaters, RAF Upper Heyford. RAF Woodbridge, Bitburg AB, Hahn AB, Torrejon AB, Zweibrucken AB and withdrawal of fighters from Soesterberg, Keflavik and Ramstein over the last 25 to 30 years - along with all the HASs on those bases that would have been used for multiple reinforcement wings !
I am at Hahn right now and I can assure you all the HAS's are still here.