Overseas bases

Question 1

Where are RAF oversees bases?

Answer 1

RAF Akotiri, RAF Mount Pleasant, RAF Gibraltar, RAF Ascension Island.

Question 2

RAF Akotiri?

Answer 2

Opened in 1955. 903 Expeditionary Warfare group is currently based here after moving from Camp Bastion in 2014 using the base as a staging post for operation Shader. The group is composed of 9 typhoons, 2 voyagers and a hercules. 84 search and rescue squadron also based here now operating the PUMA.

Question 3

Mount Pleasant

Answer 3

Located in the Falkland Islands 8000 miles away from the UK opened 1985 3 yrs after Falklands war. 905 Expeditionary Warfare group based here operating 4 typhoon FGR4s in a QRA role, a voyager and a A400m atlas. This base is important for projecting the UKs airpower and protecting the Falkland Islands which is British territory.

Question 4

Ascension Island

Answer 4

Based half way between the UK and Falkland islands 4000 miles either side. Jointly operates RAF and USSF. Acts as a staging post for military operations and to deter aggression to South Atlantic UK territories. Key in 1982 Falkland Island War, bombing port stanley operation Blackbuck. Although minimal damage to runway drew forces away from Falkland Islands to Mainland Argentina as it showed UK’s ability to reach them.

Question 5

RAF Gibraltar

Answer 5

Historically used for maritime aircraft Shackleton and Nimrod. Used as a staging post for operations. Also functions as civilian airport.

Question 6

Why does the RAF have oversees bases?

Answer 6

The RAF has oversees bases to conduct expeditionary warfare and project the military power and influence of the RAF. They also allow the RAF to protect the oversees territories such as the Falkland Islands previously invaded by the Argentinians in 1982.