Is Marham also under threat?

[Unknown74]

Hi guys, I'm just wondering have there been any stories around the Base surrounding Marham's Future? I was spotting at Lossie this week and there have been stories in the Scottish Media surrounding Lossie's and indeed the GR.4s future, just wondered what the story was with Marham. I really can't see what good it would be to close one base and not the other.

[garethbrum]

Absolutely nothing has been decided yet - not for Marham, Lossie or even for the GR.4.

If Lossie were to close that would presumably mean the end of JSF as it is the only named base as yet!

[Phoon]

I wouldn't say anywhere is safe, stories inthe media today suggest the RAF is considering grounding the entire Tornado force to save 7.5billion, and now the Mod has to fund a Trident Missle replacement from it's own funds (up to half it's total budget) a lot could be slashed.

I've heard all sorts of rumours, but the ones that keep cropping up are the closure of RAF Kinloss and moving the 9 Nimrod MR4's to Waddington. Regarding the Tornado force, and RAF Marham the feeling is that two squadrons (most likely 14 from Lossiemouth and 31 from Marham) will dispand as a direct result of the Strategic Defence Rview in October, with longer term plans to concentrate the RAF's remaining Tornados at Marham, possibly leaving Lossiemouth clear for the JSF if and when this happens. I would think the reason that Marham will get the nod over Lossiemouth is that the BAE heavy maintanance facility is located at Marham which currently overhauls all the GR4's, to move this to Lossiemouth would be costly.

As the Tornado GR4 force shrinks it will easily be accomodated on one base. Again all of the above is only rumour, so none of it may actually happen!

[Gary]

. Regarding the Tornado force, and RAF Marham the feeling is that two squadrons (most likely 14 from Lossiemouth and 31 from Marham)

Without trying to much to speculate I personally think 14 could possibly been spared due to the fact they are sixth (?) most senior squadron. But seniority probably won't mean a thing come October and the SDR. Also not sure how much seniority plays a part when looking at squadron future... But nothing has been decided yet so its all a guessing game.

[vinnyboy]

On anglia news the other night it said the station will close should the tornado be grounded but the stn commander said we dont know whats happening yet but we cant rule anything out so i guess its wait and see.It would be a shame should it close though.