RAF Scampton goes to Leeming
MOD Press Release today:
Leeming home to new RAF communications hub
Published Tuesday 17th January 2006
RAF Leeming badgeThe teams that provide communications for the RAF when they deploy on operations will move to RAF Leeming under new plans announced by Adam Ingram, Minister for the Armed Forces, on 17 January 2006.
The move will see the RAF's Air Combat Service Support Units (ACSSUs) communications units, currently located in a range of bases across the UK, relocating to form a centre of excellence for RAF communications at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. Subject to Trades Union consultation more than 120 RAF Communications staff will move to RAF Leeming in 2006 with more joining them in 2007.
It was originally planned that RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire would become home to the communications hub. However, following substantial increases in estimated costs at Scampton, a review concluded that RAF Leeming will be a significantly more cost-effective option.
Adam Ingram, said:
"This is great news for RAF Leeming, which will continue to have an exciting future once the current Tornado F3 force leaves in 2008. This is the right decision for Defence, the RAF and for taxpayers. These deployable communications assets are excellent examples of the flexible, expeditionary capability that our Armed Forces need to meet modern defence challenges.
"I realise this is disappointing news for RAF Scampton and for Lincolnshire but I have to take the right decisions for defence as a whole and the taxpayer."
Group Captain Ian Morrison, RAF Leeming Station Commander, added:
"We are delighted by this news. The disbandment of XI(Fighter) Squadron in October last year, and the announcement that RAF Leeming was not an option for the Joint Combat Aircraft led to a huge amount of speculation about the future of the Station.
"However, we have always reported that further options were still being considered, and this news is good for both Defence and the Royal Air Force, who will maintain a significant presence in North Yorkshire. RAF Leeming does have a long-term future after the disbandment of our remaining Tornado Fighter Squadron in 2008, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues in April."
The MoD keeps the cost of all projects under review to ensure best value for money. The decision to review plans to relocate the ACSSUs to RAF Scampton was announced in December 2005 following considerable estimated cost increases. RAF Leeming offers best value for money by a margin of £55M over RAF Scampton.
The decision is subject to Trades Union consultation. It is expected that over the course of the next two years communications personnel from RAF Sealand, RAF Brize Norton and RAF High Wycombe will relocate to RAF Leeming.