Location
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.
RAF Alconbury
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.
Mission
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.
Passports
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.
Visas
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.
Pets
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
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