UK MOD Copyright US Dept of Defense (DoD) has announced the European Infrastructure Consolidation (EIC) review aimed at realigning seve...
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| UK MOD Copyright |
Under the EIC, DoD will divest three installations in the U.K., including realigning missions from RAF Mildehnall to other installations in Europe, and consolidating intelligence centers at RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth to RAF Croughton, inactivating the 501st Combat Support Wing. The US facilities will be returned to the UK MoD.
Moreover, the RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk will become home to the first 2 US F-35 fighter squadrons in Europe with the first aircraft due to arrive in 2020.
The basing which is close to the RAF’s F-35 Lightning II jets – to be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk – will allow for better training between the two alies.
Upon completion of the realignment process, which is anticipated to occur after 2020, the USAF is estimated to save $125 million annually, primarily in infrastructure maintenance costs and facility upgrades.
The divestment is also projected to reduce approximately 1,300 military, civilian and local national positions. In addition, roughly 2,600 personnel are projected to be relocated to other locations in the U.K. as well as to Ramstein and Spangdahlem Air Bases in Germany.
In addition to the changes within the U.K., the 606th Air Control Squadron at Spangdahlem AB, will be relocated to Aviano AB, Italy. The move of the squadron and its 300 positions is expected to save the Air Force approximately $50 million in military construction funding.
Following the relocation of the 606th ACS, Spandgdahlem AB will receive the 352nd Special Operations Group, currently located at RAF Mildenhall. This move will include about 10 CV-22 Ospreys and 10 MC-130J Commando II aircraft, and associated personnel.
An exact timeline for EIC movements is still being considered, though some relocation efforts are expected to start within a year.
