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Brize norton: a brief guide to the uk's largest raf station.

Brize Norton has become the largest RAF base - home to all transport and refueling aircraft.

RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire is the largest RAF station in the UK. It is the main base today for the RAFs Air Mobility Force – including transport, logistics, parachuting, and air refueling operations. Today it is the home to the Airbus A400M, C-17 Globemaster, and Voyager (A330 MRTT) aircraft, but historically has seen many more types.

Opening in 1937, with extensive wartime operations

The Royal Air Force airfield at Brize Norton opened in August 1937 as a base for flying training. Notably, this was before the Second World War, when many of the other bases were developed.

Use expanded during the war, with both logistical and operational roles. Flight training operations remained at Brize Norton, and were joined by several other squadrons. This initially included the Bristol Blenheim bomber aircraft and the Hawker Hurricane fighter.

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Later on, aircraft at the base included the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle (used mostly for transport, glider operations, and parachuting) and the Handley Page Halifax bomber. These aircraft supported many wartime missions, including Operation Market Garden, D-Day operations, and the airborne landings at Arnhem. The Albemarle is pictured below at Brize Norton with an Airspeed Horsa glider.

Use by the United States Air Force

Military operations from Brize Norton obviously declined after the war, but other use for training and transport expanded, with several squadrons moving in. Brize Norton’s role changed dramatically in the early 1950s, with the United States basing aircraft there. It became a cold war base for US bombers , with the US Air Force taking operational control of the base in December 1952. This role saw significant infrastructure upgrades to the airport, including lengthening the runway to 9,000 feet (1,740 meters) and improvement of taxiways.

Aircraft based at Brize Norton (usually on rotations) during this time included Convair B-36 Peacemaker bombers, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, Boeing B-47 Stratojet, KC-97 Stratofreighter, KC-135 Stratotankers, and the B-52 Stratofortress (pictured below).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:B-52_Takeoff_Tinker_05.jpg

Expansion from the 1960s

Control of the base returned to the UK RAF in April 1965. The base was developed as a strategic transport airfield to support the operation of some of the large aircraft entering service at that time. The first UK squadrons to return to Brize Norton operated the Short Belfast turboprop freighter, the Vickers VC-10 jet transport aircraft (pictured below), and the Bristol Britannia .

The 1980s saw other squadrons formed (or re-formed) and other aircraft types at the base. This included the Boeing C-135 Stratotanker, C-130 Hercules, further Vickers VC-10 aircraft converted for air refueling operations (some ex-British Airways ), and the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar (taken on largely to support operations and expansion in the Falklands Islands).

Brize Norton’s miltary roles today

Brize Norton is firmly established today as the main strategic and air transport base in the UK. This tole was particularly expanded after the closure of RAF Lyneham in 2012. Lyneham had also been a major transport base, home to the entire C-130 Hercules fleet, amongst other aircraft.

Today, Brize Norton houses all the RAFs fixed-wing transport fleet, across several operational squadrons. This includes the Airbus A400M Atlas , the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, and the Voyager KC2/KC3 transport and tanker aircraft. The long-serving Hercules C-130 was retired in 2023.

These aircraft perform all of the passenger and equipment transport, refueling, and parachuting of the RAF. There are also several specialized units, including the parachute training school and the Falcons parachute display team.

Partial civilian use

Brize Norton stands apart from any other UK RAF base with a joint civilian role. It is the only military base that allows civilian flights and transportation, with regular flights to the Falklands Islands . These are operated by a private UK company ( AirTanker ) using the A330 Voyager aircraft.

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These flights usually operate two times per week, and each flight has a quota of tickets available for civilians wanting to visit the islands.

Other companies have operated this air link in the past – including UK airline Flyglobespan (in 2008 and 2009), and after it collapsed Air Tahiti Nui and Titan Airways for a short time.

Would you like to discuss more about RAF Brize Norton, its history, operational roles, or aircraft based there? Feel free to discuss in the comments section below.

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Raf upper heyford cold war airbase tour 21 april 2024.

• April 21, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF Upper Heyford Cold War Airbase Tour 21 April 2024”

RAF Upper Heyford Cold War Airbase Tour 28 April 2024

• April 28, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF Upper Heyford Cold War Airbase Tour 28 April 2024”

RAF Upper Heyford Cold War Airbase Tour 5 May 2024

• May 5, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF Upper Heyford Cold War Airbase Tour 5 May 2024”

RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 12 MAY 2024

• May 12, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 12 MAY 2024”

RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 19 MAY 2024

• May 19, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 19 MAY 2024”

RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 26 MAY 2024

• May 26, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 26 MAY 2024”

RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 2 JUNE 2024

• June 2, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 2 JUNE 2024”

RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 9 JUNE 2024

• June 9, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 9 JUNE 2024”

RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 16 JUNE 2024

• June 16, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 16 JUNE 2024”

RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 23 JUNE 2024

• June 23, 2024 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

A 3+ hour guided tour by mini-bus around the RAF Upper Cold War Airbase Flying Field including visits to the Victor Alert and the Weapons Storage (nuclear bomb store) areas. See http://upperheyfordheritage.co.uk/home-page/tours/ for more details. Registration at the RAF Upper Heyford Heritage Centre, 103 West Castle Street, Heyford Park, Bicester, OX25 5BX at 9:30 am (more…) “RAF UPPER HEYFORD COLD WAR AIRBASE TOUR 23 JUNE 2024”

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WW2 Airfield Tour

• Private car/minibus

TOUR PRICES

Prices include:.

Prices are per car/minibus not per person and include your private tour guide, collection and return to your central London hotel and tax but not entrance fees where applicable, parking or meals unless stated. Please add £20 for collections from London Train Stations.

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About The Tour

Airbases: Visit any one of the airfields listed below is reachable on a day tour from London with your expert British Tours driver-guide - please let us know which one you would like to visit. It is estimated that a minimum of 7 hours would be needed, 8hrs if London is required, and 9 to 10hrs if a brief visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford is to be included. With some of the more remote airfields more time would be needed and it may not be practical to incorporate Duxford.

The airfields sometimes had more than one name; where known the alternatives have been added in brackets. Also, their names do not necessarily match places that have those names today - eg. the airfield named 'Debden' is about 28 miles away from the real Debden!

Also note that every airfield in the UK had a station number - these are given and will be a useful check to ensure that we are going to visit the right place.

Alconbury - Station 102 Andrews Field (Great Saling) - Station 485 Atcham - Station 342 Attlebridge - Station 120 Bassingbourn - Station 121 Bodney - Station 141 Bottisham - Station 374 Bovingdon - Station 112 Boxted - Station 150 Bungay - Station 125 Bury St Edmonds (Rougham) - Station 468 Cheddington (Marsworth) - Station 113 Chelveston - Station 105 Chipping Ongar (Willingale) - Station 162 Debach - Station 152 Debden - Station 356 Deenethorpe - Station 128 Deopham Green - Station 142 Duxford - Station 357 Earls Colne - Station 358 East Wretham - Station 133 Eye - Station 134 Fowlmere - Station 378 Framlingham (Parham) - Station 153 Glatton (Conington) - Station 130 Goxhill - Station 345 Grafton Underwood - Station 106 Great Ashfield - Station 155 Great Dunmow - Station 164 Halesworth - Station 365 Hardwick - Station 104 Harrington - Station 179 Hethel - Station 114 Honington - Station 375 Horham - Station 119 Horsham St Faith - Station 123 Kimbolton - Station 117 Kingscliffe - Station 367 Knettishall - Station 136 Lavenham - Station 137 Leiston (Theberton/Saxmundham) - Station 373 Little Walden - Station 165 Martlesham Heath - Station 369 Mendlesham - Station 156 Metfield - Station 366 Molesworth - Station 107 Mount Farm - Station 234 North Pickenham - Station 143 Nuthampstead - Station 131 Old Buckenham - Station 144 Podington - Station 109 Polebrook - Station 110 Rackheath - Station 145 Rattlesden - Station 126 Raydon - Station 157 Ridgewell - Station 167 Seething - Station 146 Shipdham - Station 115 Snetterton Heath - Station 138 Steeple Morden - Station 122 Sudbury - Station 174 Thorpe Abbotts - Station 139 Thurleigh (Bedford) - Station 111 Tibenham (Tivetshall) - Station 124 Wattisham - Station 377 Watton - Station 376 Wendling - Station 118 Wormingford - Station 159

"...Sudbury was mentioned so there we headed, having arranged lunch at the Swan at Lavenham, but just prior to lunch we visited the town's 13th century church. Inside was a U.S. flag commemorating the funds by a U.S. wing for the organ refurbishment. The flag said 'from the 487th' and Mr Kelly commented that his wing was the '486th' so some inquiries with the person cleaning the church revealed that agricultural land a few miles south of the village had been a base during WW2. There it was, newly erected by the farm gate, 'in memory of those that served in the 486th' and along a track we found the very hut where Mr Kelly and his crew had slept their last night on English soil..." David Robinson, British Tours Ltd tour guide Read our guide Geoff's post on retracing footsteps in RAF Chalgrove and RAF Alconbury

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Imperial war museum duxford, overnight normandy from london, ww2 airbases flying tours, excellent ... an unbeatable, highly convenient way of getting to know this amazing city.

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RAF Valley is also known as Anglesey Airport though there are not many commercial flights. It opened as a Military base in February 1941.

It is primarily and RAF training base, home to the RAF No.4 Training School that teaches recruits how to fly fast jets before they move up to the modern fighter aircraft. The current training jet is the Hawk T2 Advanced Trainer.It is perfectly located to teach maritime and mountain flight skills, on the coast and close to the mountains of Snowdonia. The base operates training flights from Monday to Friday, it is also a base for the military’s all weather search and rescue training operation. It has a workforce of over 1500 personnel year round.

Commercial flights currently only serve 1 destination which is Cardiff Airport with only 2 flights a day. There is no control tower operational at weekend so no flight apart from the search and rescue helicopter.

RAF valley often has visits by fighter aircraft from around the world and the UK’s own Eurofighter Typhoons can be seen at times. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of American F15’s.

There is a viewing area close to the entrance which is free to park a watch the planes to your hearts content. Over in Rhosneigr you can watch from the dunes which border the airbase or sit literally underneath the flight path. Great pictures can be had from all locations.

In summer the RAF usually hold a families day on the base (no civilian entry), this has an airshow element which can be seen from any of the viewing points. In fact you get much closer to the action as the aircraft pass overhead, great fun and very noisy.

Quiet with little happening at the weekends, definitely worth a look during the week.

You can find RAF Valley (Anglesey Airport) at Valley, Holyhead LL65 3NX

For further information on RAF Valley, please visit https://www.valleyaviationsociety.co.uk/ for spotting enthusiasts or https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-valley/flying-info/

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2 thoughts on “ raf valley ”.

My mum was stationed at Valley during the 2nd WW. I believe she was a plotter. I would love to visit as it seems to have been an important time in her life. Once I get there, is there any information or museum to show how the RAF and particularly the WAAF would have lived during that time?

I don’t believe there is sorry

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spotters Day Out

Lossiemouth is home to one of the largest and busiest RAF bases in the UK and the only remaining fast jet base in Scotland.

Most weekdays you’ll be able to hear and see planes over the town, particularly if you’re walking on West Beach.

Access to the base is restricted to personnel, however, if you’re keen on aircraft, here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Before your visit

Check the RAF Lossiemouth Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/RAFLossiemouth ). Details of major exercises and visiting aircraft are often publicised in advance.

The RAF Lossiemouth Spotters Facebook group is an active group with plenty of discussion and photos from enthusiastic spotters.

Aircraft movements

Most weekdays will see Typhoon and P-8s taking off and landing throughout the day. Exact timings will vary and are not publicly shared. Busier times tend to be between 10am and 5pm, although some weeks the station will operate night flying. Be prepared to allow a few hours to increase the likelihood of seeing any activity.

Talk to the local spotters, they’re a friendly and knowledgeable group and are happy to share information.

Best places to watch

You can experience the thrill of aircraft from all over town. Some of the best spots to see the jets are:

      Covesea Lighthouse

      Twenty Nineteen Coffee

      Duffus Castle

For a close-up encounter, there are several points around the perimeter fence where it’s possible to get quite near to aircraft ground manoeuvres.  A detailed map on   https://www.spotterguide.net   will point you to the best spots.

Please remember:

Park off the road.

Do not drive across the golf course.

Don’t climb the fences.

Do not stand in front of the red and white striped fences at the end of the runway, it can be dangerous.

Observe signs and do not do anything that could distract or interfere with the aircraft.

Please behave responsibly and with consideration to residents, businesses, the RAF and other spotters.

RAF police monitor the area and will come off base to investigate any concerns.

Visit RAF & Fleet Air Arm Heritage Centre

www. covesealighthouse.co.uk The heritage centre was opened in 2018 and offers a fascinating insight into the history and heritage of RAF Lossiemouth, formerly known as RNAS Lossiemouth or HMS Fulmar. Open Saturdays and Sundays, from 1100-1600.  Other times by appointment. Free entry, donations welcome.

Covesea Lighthouse 

www.covesealighthouse.co.uk The best view in Lossie! You can go to the top of Covesea Lighthouse on a guided tour. Open every Saturday from April to October at 11am and then again at 12pm. Book in advance by calling 01343 810664 and leaving a message.  Alternatively email [email protected].

Also see Facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/LossieLighthouse

Eating and drinking

Lossiemouth has plenty of places to eat and drink, see here for details: https://www.lossiemouth.org/eat-drink/

There is a café, Twenty Nineteen Coffee, near the lighthouse offering takeaways and eat-in food.

Windswept Brewing on the Coulardbank Industrial Estate just outside the gates of the base has a tap room where you can enjoy award-winning craft ales brewed onsite (other drinks available). Pizzas are served at weekends.

There’s a large Co-op, not far from the RAF base, for stocking up.

The aircraft

There are two main aircraft operating out of Lossie, the Typhoon jet and the Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.

Typhoon FGR4

The original ‘Eurofighter’, the Typhoon is an advanced multi-role combat aircraft. It’s used in overseas missions and is also

RAF Lossiemouth is one of two stations providing quick reaction alert (QRA) service in the UK, the other being RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. Typhoon jets are on constant state of readiness to provide air defence.

Find out more about the Lossie Typhoons here – https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/typhoon-fgr4/

Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A)

Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) is a maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions.

There are nine P-8s stationed at Lossiemouth across two squadrons.

Find out more here: https://www.raf.mod.uk

Useful links

RAF Lossiemouth official website –

https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-lossiemouth/

RAF Lossiemouth Facebook page –   https://www.facebook.com/RAFLossiemouth

Lossiemouth Royal Air Force Base Spotting Guide –   https://www.spotterguide.net

RAF Lossiemouth Spotters Facebook Group –   https://www.facebook.com/groups/239452936627405

RAF & Fleet Air Arm Heritage Centre- http://covesealighthouse.co.uk/

directory of services

Follow the link below to find a full listing of all LBA member businesses across every sector.

In time, this will be expanded to include a brief listing of non-member businesses to provide a complete information resource for our visitors.

If the service that you require is not listed in this directory, use your preferred search engine to find them.

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Getting Here

Lossiemouth is on the Moray coast, approximately 40 miles east of Inverness and 70 miles northwest of Aberdeen. The A96 is the main road between these two cities. 

Travelling by bus or train, head to Elgin for a connecting bus service to Lossiemouth.

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Military Bases

RAF Alconbury

The area consists of the 423rd Air Base Group and the JIOCEUR Analytic Center (JAC) and is composed of RAF’s Alconbury, Molesworth, United Kingdom, and the 426th Air Base Squadron in Stavanger, Norway.

Located 3 miles northeast of Huntingdon and 60 miles north of London, England. The base operator number is DSN 314-268-1110 or Commercial from the US 011-44-1480-84-1110.

RAF Molesworth

Located 14 miles west of RAF Alconbury and 11 miles northwest of Huntingdon. The base operator number is DSN 314-268-1110 or Commercial from the US 011-44-1480-84-1110.

Stavanger, Norway

Stavanger is situated on the Southwestern coast of Norway (in the county of Rogaland); 600km from Oslo, the capital of Norway and lies on a line of latitude level with the Southern tip of Alaska. The automated base operator number is DSN 314-224-0500 or Commercial from the US 011-47-5195-0500.

History Land for an airfield at Alconbury was first acquired in 1938 as a satellite landing ground for RAF Upwood, and, when war broke out, it was used by Blenheims from RAF Wyton. In the beginning facilities were rudimentary comprising a briefing room and bomb stores; in 1941 three runways were laid, and it was subsequently used by Stirlings and Wellingtons to mount raids against Germany. In August 1942 Alconbury became an American base for Liberators flying bombing missions. In December 1942 the Liberators were replaced by B-17s and Alconbury became known as Station 102. As part of the US 8th Air Force it fulfilled a variety of roles until being handed back to the RAF in November 1945.

On 1 June 1953 the airfield was reactivated as one of the bases for the US 3rd Air Force, and by 1954 major reconstruction work was underway to lay a new extended runway and construct other infrastructure, including hangars and bomb stores. The first aircraft arrived in September 1955; B-45s of the 85th Bomb Squadron, this squadron remaining until August 1959 by which time it had been re-equipped with B-66Bs. Following this departure Alconbury assumed what was to be its principal Cold War role as the home to various reconnaissance squadrons. The first to arrive were the 1st and 10th Squadrons of the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, flying at first RB-66s until they were replaced by RF-4C Phantom IIs in 1965. In 1976, the airfield acquired an additional role as the home of a tactical fighter training squadron flying Northrop F-5E Tigers. Soon after the airfield was substantially remodelled with the construction of twenty-eight hardened aircraft shelters. ‘Hush Houses’ were also built in the early 1980s to minimise engine noise during static test runs.

RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth are the last World War II-era Eighth Air Force bases in England that are still actively in use and controlled by the United States Air Force.

Ready to fight and postured to respond anywhere while providing superior services to the world-class men and women serving in USAFE. 501st Motto “One Family – Mission Focused “; 501st Cheer is “501 Git-R-Done”.

RAF Alconbury – The 423 ABG Commander and his Support Staff, as well as many of the support units and recreational facilities for the Tri-Base area, are located here. The Airman and Family Readiness Center, Lodging Office, Commissary, BX, concessionaires, theater, DoDDS schools and some base housing are also located here. Also located on RAF Alconbury is the 501st Combat Support Wing. This wing ensures four UK-based Air Base Groups (RAF Fairford – 420th, RAF Menwith Hill – 421st, RAF Croughton – 422nd, and RAF Alconbury – 423rd) are resourced, sustained, trained and equipped to exacting command standards in order to provide mission support that enables US and NATO war fighters to conduct full spectrum flying operations during expeditionary deployments, theater munitions movements, global command and control communications to forward deployed locations, support for theater intelligence operations and joint/combined training.

RAF Molesworth – Based here are the JIOCEUR Analytic Center (JAC), NATO’s Intelligence Fusion Center (IFC), Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO), National Imaging and Mapping Agency (NIMA), government contractors, National Imaging and mapping Agency (NIMA), Africa Command (AFRICOM) and other organizational units.

Stavanger, Norway – The mission of the 426 Air Base Squadron is to provide Top-Notch professional support to the Joint Warfare Center (NATO) and DoD personnel assigned to Norway. Stavanger is situated on the Southwestern coast of Norway (in the county of Rogaland); 600km from Oslo, the capital of Norway and lies on a line of latitude level with the Southern tip of Alaska.

Population Served

We are a joint-services base with a military population of approximately 7,000 and 2,100 family members. Civilian contractors at the JIOCEUR Analytic Center (JAC) represent Anteon, Titan, General Dynamics, Computer Sciences Corporation, MITRE, and Northrop Grumman to mention a few.

Sponsorship

A sponsor will be assigned to you by your gaining unit. If you have not heard from your sponsor within a reasonable time after being notified of your assignment, please contact your Orderly Room to ask if a sponsor has been assigned. Everyone arrives and leaves via London Heathrow or Gatwick. As a general rule, your sponsor will arrange a courier to meet you at the airport and transport you to the base. This is an important aspect of your arrival and must be discussed fully. If a courier is used, you will be responsible for that expense, which ranges from $160 + depending on the number of travelers and baggage.

Contact your sponsor to set up your PO Box. General Delivery mail will not be accepted without prior arrangement. Alternatively, you can contact the RAF Alconbury Post Office for RAF Alconbury personnel (011-44-1480-82-3539 or DSN Fax 314-268-3288) or the RAF Molesworth Post Office for RAF Molesworth (011-44-1480-84-2991 or DSN Fax 314-268-2332) assigned personnel to set up your post office box yourself. If you cannot reach the post office via phone (due to time difference) you may fax the post office. Please include a copy of your orders with the fax, along with your anticipated arrival date, and a reliable way to contact you (i.e. mailing address, DSN number, e-mail).

Temporary Lodging

It is imperative that you make your Lodging reservations as soon as possible. Lodging does have three pet rooms. If you have a pet and these rooms are not available, please check with your sponsor for options for pet sitting or kennels in the local area or call Airman and Family Readiness Center, 011-44-1480-82-3557 or DSN 314-268-3601 for more information. Lodging reservations can be made by calling the Lodging Office, 011-44-1480-82-6000 or DSN 314-268-6000.

Relocation Assistance

Newcomer‘s Orientation is held twice monthly. It is mandatory for incoming permanent party members, reservists, civilian employees, contractors, NIFC members. Military members should arrive in uniform, and bring copy of their orders and their medical records. Several of the mandatory in processing briefings will be provided during this orientation. Spouses are encouraged. If you have children who are not in school or day care the only portion they will be allowed to attend will be the Local Driving Condition Brief at the end of the day, which begins at 1320.

You will receive the Local Driving Conditions briefing which is a pre-requisite for receiving the UK Driving License. The UK Highway Code Book is online and will be helpful in learning the signs and terms. You can take the drivers examination on line at several locations across the base, A&FRC, Library, and Billeting, and bring a copy of your passing verification to the Newcomers Orientation. You will be able to secure your license that day: if you have not completed the test prior to Newcomers Orientation instructions will be provided on the process. Family members will also need to attend this Local Driving conditions briefing before they can obtain their Drivers License. The computer test can be completed at the locations mentioned above. Studying the UK Highway Code Book online can help tremendously in identifying signs and terms. REMEMBER Even if you pass the on-line driving test, you still must complete the Local Driving Condition Briefing before you can secure the license. At this time, the only place to obtain that briefing is at the Newcomers Orientation. Household items such as linens, dishes, pots and pans, small electrical appliances, etc. are all available to borrow for 30 days. Bring a valid ID and a copy of your orders.

For information on the Loan Locker, contact the Relocation Assistance Program Manager by calling 011-44-1480-82-3557 or DSN 314-268-3557.

Critical Installation Information

Telephone Access

DSN prefix is 314-268-XXXX. The 314 indicates the DSN phone system in Europe. All commercial dialing in this file is listed with the international dialing numbers when dialing from the US to the UK (hence the 011-44- prefix which is the International code dialing from the US to the UK). When dialing within the UK, drop the 011-44 designators and add a 0. For example: 011-44-1480-82-3557 from the US becomes 01480-82-3557 within the UK.

Although the service member technically does not need to have a passport to arrive here, they will need one to go on leave and return. They should buy a tourist passport. There are cheap, cheap flights (roundtrip to Dublin for under $40) but the ONLY ID the airline will accept is a tourist passport.

Active Duty Members do not need a VISA to enter the U.K. The following individuals do need a VISA to enter and live in the U.K.: Dependents of Active Duty Members, DoD Civilian Employees, DoD Contractors, and family members of indicated personnel. An “Official No-Fee Passport”, along with information on how to obtain a “Residence Permit” Visa prior to entering the U.K can be obtained from your local Military Personnel Flight. The Visa will cost approximately $460.00 (prices subject to change) and is a reimbursable expense. For additional information, you can visit the U.K. VISA Website.

Passports and Visas

Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential, members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

In order for pets to come into the United Kingdom with little or no quarantine, a certain procedure must be followed. Details on this procedure can be obtained from the DEFRA website or local military veterinarian. It is advised to check the website on a regular basis as the procedure sometimes changes. Members are responsible for their pet’s travel. TMO will make reservations for pets on commercial flights; however, they cannot guarantee that the pets will fly. Only the airlines can make that determination (based on space-availability and weather). All expenses incurred are the responsibility of the member and members are advised to confirm expenses for pets travel once reservations are made. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact TMO Passenger Travel at your current location or DSN 314-268-3175. or commercial at 011-44-1480-84-3175. Furthermore, Veterinary Services are available at RAF Feltwell DSN: 314-226-7097 or commercial 011-44-1638-52-7097. Services are provided at RAF Alconbury community monthly.Childcare

RAF Alconbury CDC provides services for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Children must be registered prior to admission and all immunizations will be verified. You may register in advance by sending a completed DD Form 2606 and a copy of yours orders one month prior to date of arrival via fax at DSN 314-268-3210 or commercial at 011-44-1480-84-3210. If you have any questions please call DSN: 314-268-3527 or commercial at 011-44-1480-84-3210

Middle East latest: 'Unknown airstrike' on Iraqi military base; Iranian minister downplays Israeli attack

Injuries and "material losses" have been reported after a large explosion at a military base in Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister dismissed the apparent Israeli attack as ineffective in an interview with Sky News' US partner NBC News.

Saturday 20 April 2024 13:15, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Airstrike on Iraqi base from 'unknown source'
• Iraqi security force claims explosion was result of attack
• Iranian minister compares 'drones' in attack to 'children's toys'
• Six children among nine killed in Israeli airstrike, hospital says
• What we know so far about Israel's apparent attack on Iran
• Iran has 'no plan for immediate retaliation'
• Analysis: Iran isn't biggest threat to the coalition right now
• Live reporting by Narbeh Minassian

As we reported earlier, an Israeli air strike in the southern Gazan city of Rafah has killed nine people, according to authorities (see our 11.22am post).

Here is a look at the latest images from the city after the attack yesterday.

Egypt's foreign minister has urged Iran and Israel to show restraint as tensions rise in the Middle East.

Sameh Shoukry spoke after meeting Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, who said the pair discussed a "grave situation" in Gaza during in a meeting in Istanbul today.

Mr Fidan said they looked into how to increase humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.

"We have discussed what more we can do to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and what can be done in the long run for a two-state solution," he said at a joint news conference with Mr Shoukry.

Two people have died during a raid in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Israeli forces launched the raid on Friday and say they killed a number of militants and arrested more, with four of its own soldiers wounded.

The raid is in the Nur Shams area, where 1948 war refugees and their descendants are housed near the Palestinian city of Tulkarm.

One of the dead was identified by Palestinian sources as a gunman, while officials say the second was a 16-year-old schoolboy.

Tulkarm Brigades group, which includes militants from numerous Palestinian factions, said its fighters are still exchanging fire with Israeli forces today.

At least three drones were seen hovering above Nur Shams, where Israeli military vehicles were gathered and bursts of gunfire were heard.

There are regular clashes and riots in the West Bank, aggravated by Israeli settlers both threatening and inflicting violence on Palestinians if they do not give up their land - which has been condemned by even the strongest international supporters of Israel, like the US.

A huge US aid package worth $95bn (£76.8bn) is expected to pass today after months of political wrangling in Washington and resistance from Republicans.

The four-bill package would share the support between Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

While the bulk of the funds are reserved for Ukraine, a total of $26.38bn (£21.2bn) would be provided to support Israel and reimburse US military operations in response to recent attacks.

How that breaks down:

About $5.2bn will go toward replenishing and expanding Israel's missile and rocket defence system, with $3.5bn going towards purchasing advanced weapons systems.

Another $1bn would enhance weapons production and $4.4bn would boost other supplies and services provided to Israel.

The bill would also give $9.1bn for humanitarian needs.

Gaza's need for aid

It would prohibit funds to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides support to Palestinian refugees.

Yesterday, UN chief Antonio Guterres said Israel's commitments to improve aid access in Gaza have had limited and sometimes no impact.

"To avert imminent famine, and further preventable deaths from disease, we need a quantum leap in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza," he said.

Nine people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in southern Gaza, according to hospital authorities, including six children.

According to Gaza's civil defence, the strike hit a residential building late yesterday in a western suburb in the city of Rafah, where Israel has repeatedly said it will target remaining Hamas militants.

Abu Yousef al Najjar Hospital's records show the bodies of the six children, two women and a man were taken there.

Relatives cried and hugged the bodies of the children, wrapped in white shrouds, at the hospital.

Among those killed were Abdel-Fattah Sobhi Radwan, his wife Najlaa Ahmed Aweidah and their three children, his brother-in-law Ahmed Barhoum said.

Mr Barhoum also lost his wife, Rawan Radwan, and their 5-year-old daughter, Alaa.

"This is a world devoid of all human values and morals," Mr Barhoum told The Associated Press on Saturday morning, crying as he held Alaa's body in his arms.

"They bombed a house full of displaced people, women and children. There were no martyrs but women and children."

No casualties have been reported from a second alleged overnight strike in the city.

Rafah, which lies on the border with Egypt, currently hosts more than half of Gaza's total population of about 2.3 million people, the vast majority of whom were displaced by fighting further north.

Despite calls for restraint, including from staunch ally the US, Israel has insisted for months it intends to push on into the city, where it says many Hamas militants are located.

We reported last night London's Met Police apologised twice after an officer was recorded preventing a Jewish man from crossing a road by a pro-Palestinian march because he is "openly Jewish".

Video showed the police officer telling him: "You are quite openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march, I'm not accusing you of anything but I'm worried about the reaction to your presence."

The officer also warned he could arrest Gideon Falter, who is the chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism and was wearing a kippah skull cap.

The home secretary, James Cleverly, has now written to the Met and Mayor of London regarding the incident last Saturday.

While the contents of the letter remain private, a Home Office spokesperson said: "We welcome the Met Police's apology, and recognise the complexities of policing fast-moving public protests, but simply being Jewish - or of any other race or religion - should never be seen as provocative.

"Anyone of any religion should be free to go about their lives and feel safe doing so."

Hamas has condemned what it described as a strike on Kalsu military base in Iraq.

"We consider it an assault and violation of Iraq's sovereignty and security," the militants said in a statement.

"We also hold the administration of US President Biden responsible for the escalation in the region."

One member of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces was killed in the blast, which the pro-Iran group says was the result of an attack.

Security sources had earlier told Reuters news agency an air strike caused the explosion.

Hamas said the incident is an "embodiment" of Israel's "barbarism".

"We renew our affirmation that the region will not witness stability or peace except by ending the Zionist occupation of our occupied Palestinian and Arab lands," the statement adds.

There is no confirmation of Israeli involvement.

Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces has said the explosion at its Kalsu base was the result of an attack.

It's not yet clear who the group may believe was behind the alleged attack, but the US has already denied any role in the incident.

In a statement, the PMF said its chief of staff Abdul Aziz al Mohammedawi had visited the location and "reviewed the details of the investigative committees present in the place that was attacked".

The Iraqi military said a technical committee is looking into the cause of the explosion, which it said happened at 1am on Saturday (10pm on Friday UK time).

The military said there were no warplanes in the sky at the time.

The PMF includes Iran-backed groups which, operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have attacked US troops in the region and targeted Israel since the eruption of the Gaza war.

Details remain unclear around the explosion at the Iraqi military base, which houses a group sponsored by Iran.

The blast at the Kalsu base, which killed one member of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces, is under investigation.

Speaking from Tel Aviv, Sky's international correspondent Alex Rossi noted it is "interesting" the US has already denied any responsibility.

The blast comes one day on from an attack on Iran - widely believed to be from Israel.

"I think what it really speaks to is the fact that although the direct confrontation that we've seen in this phase between Iran and Israel may be over, there are still significant tensions in the region," Rossi said.

"In terms of that direct confrontation, I think the indications we're getting from both sides is that they don't want this to escalate anymore and that's reflected in the language that they are using."

There are still "significant flashpoints", he added, with daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah and the ongoing offensive in Gaza.

But it is unclear if the incident in Iraq is related to a so-called shadow war between Iran and Israel.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reports 34,049 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since 7 October, with 76,901 wounded.

The new figures come as the health ministry claims 37 Palestinians have been killed and 68 injured in the past 24 hours.

The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its reports, but says most of those killed are women and children.

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