Originally Posted by
Flatus Veteranus
It seems incredible that a key staging post like Akrotiri does not hold such basic items as spare wheels for transport aircraft.
Although it didn't at the time cater fully for Tristar, up until 1993 Akrotiri had a whole section of transport type trained engineers, with tools and spares including wheels, engines, propellors etc in theatre. Some of the older crews here may remember TASF. If TASF had still been going today the Tristar support
may have been in place, who knows.
TASF was reduced in status to a simple handling section (VAHS) due to differences of opinion between HQBFC or Strike Command over over who should pay for the 40 odd engineers to be stationed in Cyprus.
It does seem quite mad now, up to 1991 Akrotiri was relatively quiet with respect transport movements. Since then its seen umpteen ops, relief ops etc in support of Middle Eastern and African campaigns.