F15 CM
There is a tremendous amount of disgust about what's going on with this prosecution but, whilst no one can change anything, yet, it's worthwhile pointing out some of the anomolies which surround USAF flights in UK airspace.
Firstly, I well remember a USAF F4 calling me (Southern Radar which gives you a clue when it happened) to say that "My buddy's on fire. Request diversion to the nearest suitable airfield". When asked if he wanted to "declare an emergency?" the response was "Huh? No thanks!". Too much paperwork? In those days USAF crews were briefed by youngsters like me (I was, relatively speaking, in 1970) on UK military ATC procedures which took an hour or so. I never believed that that was sufficient because the aircrew found it immensely difficult to accept that we had such autonomy. After all, they were (are still?) used to procedural control - radar was something they didn't understand at home as it didn't exist in the transit phase of a flight. Perhaps it does today - I don't know - but I remain convinced that USAF crews are ignorant of what we can provide and what we expect in return.
Whatever the outcome of the CM, someone needs to ensure that USAF crews are made FULLY conversant with UK ATC procedures as it is vitally important that ATCO's, no matter their persuasion, have confidence that visitors are aware of what we do in the UK and what we expect of them in return.
Closer to home, Judge Advocates are clued-up people, and I'd be very surprised if the issue of managerial control - or the lack of it - wasn't questioned. It happened a couple of years ago. Let's hope it happens again in this case for the benefit of all.