European military force

[Knife 04]

Is this thread for real? A spotter said this, my mate said that, my uncle's brother's auntie said something else, what complete and utter crap! I thought for a moment I'd been asleep for several months and woken up on April 1st...

-Dazza

Totally agree Dazza! Heard a lot of these type things at the fence at both bases over the years - was once informed (along with others) that there were 5 F-22s at the base (long before their first visit to the UK) in the sheds. The informant continued he had this heard from a woman he knew in a burger van near the base and she had been informed by a friend who 'worked' on base (unfortunately he was quite serious). Some of these things just need to be ignored

Found this post from the originator of this thread from back in 2014! -

Heard today from a good source at Lkn.that f-15 aircraft to cease flying in uk by Dec.2014, also that spec.ops at Mld. may be moved back to florida. a cargo carrier has already shown an interest in Lkn.with 1000 jobs being offered

[The Phantom]

Yes i'm afraid there's some complete bull gets sprouted by so-called 'people in the know' at these bases.
They seem to make these things up to make themselves feel important.

[reheat]

Didn't Trump pledge to increase the U.S.military, not deplete it?

[skysearcher]

Lajes is a Portugeuse Military base, not sure how it's related to this?

Hi there, Lajes is portugese mil, but also used by USAF, 65 Air Base Group (for trans-atlantic refuelling and emergencies). For some in the US government It is also the favoured alternative destination for the Eucom / Africom JAC (currently slated to move from molesworth to Croughton). https://www.airforcetimes.com/story/mil ... /74620118/

[skysearcher]

US EUCOM is definitely planning to beef up presence in Poland, I think the 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, CO is deploying to Poland next year, under the ERI plans, as are multinational NATO forces, under which some of the 2nd Cav stryker forces from Vilseck are also moving East. I don't think that is permanent re-basing, but rotational (like the 52nd FW detachment at Lask AB in Poland is currently).

I have not heard anywhere else other than this forum of any current plans to close LK or Aviano. Any one else? Thanks in advance.

[Skip]

it looks as though Google Maps has had large amounts of its UK satellite imagery refreshed in the last few months.

I was just looking at the bases on street view and they did a good job of catching an RC landing https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.36317 ... 6656?hl=en

[Knife 04]

Good find Skip -

Don't think Lakenheath has been updated recently though (or parts of it) on Google Earth or maps - looks like the old tower is still on there currently as a building (cannot remember when it went completely) plus the 493rd Squadron building is still not on there (don't know when it went up but was there on a visit in March 13)

Cheers

Darren

[page_verify]

Yeah, it looks as though they've changed all of the dates for the satellite imagery to be the copyright date (2016) whereas for Street View it still shows the capture date.

[thommg]

I don't think we have any idea what US defence policy will be yet and beyond the bluster I doubt DJT has any real plan either.

My best guess is that that the Republican leadership will ensure it's fairly conventional posture and any sort of draw-down from NATO is highly unlikely.

There would be tremendous kick-back from the Pentagon and such trouble means less time for golf.

Of course it remains to be seen what would happen if he appoints a Defence Secretary and national security team with some radical vision. Worth having a look what Stephen Bannon has said/written on the military in the past as it may give some clues.

And now we know a wall means a fence. Although I'm sure 100 yards of wall will be added in time for a press photocall with the President next year...

[Stroudy]

Slightly off topic but Google maps is so out of date for Brize Norton it still shows VC-10's and Tristar's there.. and the Herc's are still at Lyneham!

[Andy_99]

I'm sure that I heard on TV that Mr Trump was going to boost Defence Spending in order to stimulate the economy.
I would also have thought that retaining Airbases in the UK is high on the list of priorities as he need's troops to protect his golf courses

Would expect Lakenheath to be around for a good few years yet & I wouldn't be surprised if Mildenhall were eventually retained in some form also.

[filmman]

Speaking from a historical point of view the Romans are famous for walls, and a wall sounds great as a sound bite. But, in fact, Roman frontiers were often porous. They positioned forces to dominate frontier areas and control free trade across it. Only in small choke points were walls like Hadrians wall built. With modern technology you can fence, scan and detain in depth. Although immigration is a Fedeal responsibility, local law enforcement could be encouraged with money. Obama seemed content with 800,000 illegals and drugs across the Mexican border on an industrial scale. Trumps seems prepared to spend money to reduce it. Would we accept 160,000 illegals (800,000/5) in addition to legal immigration?

Filmman

[page_verify]

The headline on this morning's FT is: "Putin seeks improved US ties in call with Trump - Russian leader discusses co-operation over Syria and economic ties with US president-elect". "In the course of his campaign, Mr Trump praised Mr Putin as a strong leader while elements of the Russian media backed the Republican candidate. After his stunning victory, Mr Trump said the US should co-operate with Russia and suggested his priority in Syria would be fighting Isis, not seeking the removal of President Bashar al-Assad."

Not sure how that view aligns with building or maintaining a large European military presence?

[tm74sqn]

Rather afraid that a European Force is more likely to become a European farce - just joking, I think!
TM74