View source for RAF Fairford

{{Short description|Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox military installation
| name                   = RAF Fairford
| ensign                 =[[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|90px]]
| native_name            = 
| partof                 = 
| location               = 
| nearest_town           = [[Fairford]], [[Gloucestershire]]
| country                = England
| image                  = File:EGVA - Boeing B-52H Stratofortress - United States Air Force - 60-0024 (48998551597).jpg
| caption                = A [[United States Air Force|US Air Force]] [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress|B-52H Stratofortress]] at RAF Fairford in 2019
| image2                 = [[File:United_States_Air_Forces_in_Europe.svg|100px]]
| alt2                   = 
| caption2               = 
| pushpin_map            = Gloucestershire
| pushpin_label          = RAF Fairford
| pushpin_label_position = top
| pushpin_map_caption    = Location in Gloucestershire
| coordinates            = {{Coord|51|40|56|N|001|47|24|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| gridref                = SP150990{{sfn|Birtles|2012|p=89}}
| type                   = [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] station ([[United States Air Force in the United Kingdom|US Visiting Forces]])
| code                   = 
| site_area              = {{convert|514.2|ha|acres}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Alex |date=21 March 2023 |title=Question for Ministry of Defence – RAF Fairford (UIN 166355) |url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-03-15/166355 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=UK Parliament}}</ref>
| height                  = 
| ownership               = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
| operator                = [[United States Air Force|US Air Force]]
| controlledby            = [[United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa|US Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa]]
| condition               = Operational
| built                   = {{Start date|1943}}
| builder                 = 
| used                    = 1944–1950 ([[Royal Air Force]])<br>1950 – present ([[United States Air Force|US Air Force]]) <!--{{End date|df=yes|1946}} -->
| materials               = 
| fate                    = 
| battles                 = 
| events                  = [[Royal International Air Tattoo]] (RIAT)
| current_commander       = <!-- current commander -->
| past_commanders         = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison                = 
| occupants               = *[[99th Reconnaissance Squadron|99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron]]
*420th Air Base Squadron
*420th Munitions Squadron
| elevation               = {{Convert|87.1|m|0}}
| IATA                    = FFD
| ICAO                    = EGVA
| FAA                     = 
| TC                      = 
| LID                     = 
| GPS                     = 
| WMO                     = 036440
| r1-number               = 09/27
| r1-length               = {{Convert|3046|m|0}}
| r1-surface              = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| website                 = 
| footnotes = '''Source''': UK Military Aeronautical Information Publication<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/ad/EGVA-Fairford-Textual.pdf|title=AD 2-EGVA-1-3, Fairford, UK MIL AIP|date=23 January 2025|website=UK Military AIP|publisher=No. 1 Aeronautical Information Documents Unit|access-date=3 February 2025}}</ref>
}}
'''Royal Air Force Fairford''' or more simply '''RAF Fairford''' {{Airport codes|FFD|EGVA}} is a [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) [[List of Royal Air Force stations|station]] in [[Gloucestershire]], United Kingdom. While being an RAF station, Fairford hosts [[United States Air Force]] personnel. Since 2019, the base has played host to a [[Lockheed U-2]]S Dragon Lady detachment from the [[99th Reconnaissance Squadron|99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron]]. It is the USAF's only European airfield for heavy bombers and routinely supports [[Bomber Task Force]] (BTF) operations.<ref>USAF Yearbook 2000 p.13</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ac.nato.int/archive/2022/bomber-task-force-europe-strategic-bombers-soar-through-natos-eastern-flank--complete-successful-2month-rotation-2 |title=BOMBER TASK FORCE EUROPE: STRATEGIC BOMBERS SOAR THROUGH NATO'S EASTERN FLANK, COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL 2-MONTH ROTATION |website=Allied Air Command |date=18 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2023}}</ref> Its most prominent use in recent years has been as an airfield for [[United States Air Force]] [[B-52]]s during the 2003 [[2003 invasion of Iraq|Iraq War]], [[Operation Allied Force]] in 1999, and the first [[Gulf War]] in 1991. 

RAF Fairford was the only [[TransOceanic Abort Landing]] site for [[NASA]]'s [[Space Shuttle]] in the UK. As well as having a sufficiently long runway for a shuttle landing (the runway is {{Convert|3045|m|abbr=on}} long), it also had NASA-trained fire and medical crews stationed on the airfield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/Organisation/KeyFactsAboutDefence/DidYouKnow.htm|title=Key Facts About Defence: Did You Know.....|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]|access-date=2016-07-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913152819/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/Organisation/KeyFactsAboutDefence/DidYouKnow.htm|archive-date=13 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The runway is rated with an unrestricted load-bearing capacity, meaning that it can support any aircraft with any type of load.

RAF Fairford is also the home of the [[Royal International Air Tattoo]] (RIAT), an annual air display. RIAT is one of the largest airshows in the world, with the 2003 show recognised by [[Guinness World Records]] as the largest military [[Air show|airshow]] ever, with an attendance of 535 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest military air show |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-military-air-show}}</ref>

==History==

===Second World War===
[[File:Operation Market I - 02.jpg|thumb|Soldiers boarding planes for [[Operation Market Garden]]|alt=|left]]
Construction started in 1943 as part of a programme to open fourteen airfields in southern England to be used by British and American troop carrier transports and [[Military glider|gliders]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Historic England Research Records – Raf Fairford|url=https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=2be1af17-f150-4b97-b282-57de178989fc&resourceID=19191|access-date=19 February 2022|website=Heritage Gateway|publisher=Historic England}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Balch|first=Adrian M|date=19 March 2020|title=RAF Fairford: An illustrious history|url=https://www.key.aero/article/raf-fairford-illustrious-history|access-date=19 February 2022|website=Key.Aero|publisher=Key Publishing|language=en}}</ref> The station opened on 18 January 1944.<ref name=":2" /> Initially intended to be operated by the United States forces, the first occupants arrived on 18 March when the [[Royal Air Force|Royal Air Force's]] [[No. 620 Squadron RAF|No.620 Squadron]] equipped with the [[Short Stirling|Short Stirling Mk.IV]] moved from [[RAF Leicester East]], soon to be accompanied on 25 March by [[No. 190 Squadron RAF|No. 190 Squadron]] also operating the Stirling. The aircraft were used for [[airborne forces]] operations, performing [[parachute]] drops of [[paratrooper|troops]] and [[airdrop|supplies]] and towing [[Airspeed Horsa]] assault gliders.<ref name=":2" /> Troop carriers and gliders from Fairford were used for the [[D-Day]] invasion of [[Normandy]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Woolfoot |first1=Andy |title=Timeline of the history of RAF Fairford |url=https://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/4631893.timeline-of-the-history-of-raf-fairford/ |access-date=17 July 2020 |work=Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard |date=16 September 2009}}</ref> The RAF used it to lift British troops for [[Operation Market Garden]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Arnhem: The Surprise Survivor |url=https://www.britainatwar.com/2017/09/29/arnhem-the-surprise-survivor/ |publisher=Britain at war |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112153131/http://www.britainatwar.com/2017/09/29/arnhem-the-surprise-survivor/ |archive-date=12 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The following units were also here at some point:<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/fairford/ |title=Fairford |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=7 October 2023}}</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* [[No. 3 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 4 Flying Training School RAF]]
* [[No. 10 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 22 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 27 Group RAF|No. 27 Group Communication Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 53 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 113 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 204 Advanced Flying School RAF]]
* [[No. 241 Operational Conversion Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 283 Wing RAF|No. 283 (Airborne Forces) Wing RAF]]
* [[No. 295 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 297 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 1528 (Radio Aids Training) Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 1529 (Beam Approach Training) Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 1555 (Radio Aids Training) Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 1556 (Radio Aids Training) Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 2706 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[Central Flying School]]
}}

=== Cold War ===
In the early years of the [[Cold War]] the British and American governments reached an agreement under which elements of the USAF [[Strategic Air Command in the United Kingdom|Strategic Air Command]] (SAC) would be based in the UK. Bases had already been established in East Anglia, at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, but they were considered to be vulnerable to bomber attack and airfields further behind the RAF fighter defences were sought. Four RAF airfields were selected to receive SAC units: [[RAF Brize Norton]], RAF Fairford, [[RAF Greenham Common]] and [[RAF Upper Heyford]]. In 1948 the Americans occupied RAF stations including Fairford, Brize Norton, [[RAF Burtonwood|Burtonwood]], Greenham Common, [[RAF Mildenhall|Mildenhall]], [[RAF Lakenheath|Lakenheath]] and [[RAF Woodbridge|Woodbridge]] to build up a deterrent in Europe against the Soviets.<ref name=airforcetechnology>{{cite web |title=RAF Fairford |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/raf-fairford/ |publisher=Airforce Technology |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703180746/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/raf-fairford/ |archive-date=3 July 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:RAF Fairford - 2 Dec 1943 Airphoto.jpg|thumb|Aerial photograph of Fairford airfield, the bomb dump and ammunition dump are east (top) of the perimeter track, the technical site and barrack sites are on the north (lower left), 2 December 1943.|alt=|left]] [[RAF Lyneham]]'s position as the primary tactical transport base for the RAF was emphasised in February 1971 when Nos. 30 and 47 Squadrons were transferred from their old base at RAF Fairford. In 1965, RAF Fairford was the first home base of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team [[The Red Arrows]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Red Arrows |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/red-arrows/the-team/ |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628105151/https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/red-arrows/the-team/ |archive-date=28 June 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1950, as a result of the beginning of the [[Cold War]], the airfield was transferred to the [[United States Air Force]] for strategic bomber operations. A {{convert|10000|ft|adj=on}} runway was constructed for long-range bomber operations.<ref name=airforcetechnology/>

The runway was completed in 1953, and served as a forward airbase for the first [[Convair B-36 Peacemaker]] aircraft from [[Carswell AFB|Carswell Air Force Base]], [[Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=RAF Fairford, UK |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/fairford.htm |publisher=Global Security |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119193442/https://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/fairford.htm |archive-date=19 January 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The airfield later received [[B-47]]s which were maintained at a heightened state of alert because of increased tensions with the [[Soviet Union]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Hopkins |first=Robert S. III |title=Strategic Air Command in the UK: SAC Operations 1946–1992 |publisher=Hikoki Publications |year=2019 |location=Manchester |isbn=978-1-902109-58-9 |oclc=1149748553 }}</ref>

Due to the long runway Fairford was chosen in 1969 as the British test centre for the [[Concorde|Concorde aircraft]] until 1977.<ref>{{cite web |title=The story of Concorde |url=https://aerospacebristol.org/the-story-of-concorde |publisher=Aerospace Bristol |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024200105/http://aerospacebristol.org/the-story-of-concorde |archive-date=24 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The U.S. Air Force returned with [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker]]s deployed on rotation from the many KC-135 bases in the USA. On 15 November 1978 the [[11th Strategic Group]] (11 SG) was activated at RAF Fairford.  It was not manned until the following February and used KC-135 aircraft and crews from SAC, Air National Guard, and AF Reserve units until the 11 SG received its own aircraft in September 1979. It soon began aerial refueling support for all USAF operations, deployments and redeployments, as well as participating in [[NATO]] exercises.<ref>11th Strategic Group Lineage,8th AF History Office,7 Apr 1982</ref>

[[File:Boeing 747-123(SCA), NASA AN1281660.jpg|thumb|The Shuttle Carrier carrying ''Enterprise'' on its way to the [[Paris Air Show]] in 1983|left]]

Operations staff and maintenance personnel were permanently assigned, but aircraft, aircrews and crew chiefs were temporarily assigned to the 11th Strategic Group for the European Tanker Task Force on rotation.  Aircraft and crews operated from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Keflavik, Iceland; Zaragosa, Spain; Lajes Field, Azores; Sigonella NAS, Italy; and Hellenikon, Greece. The unit retained the 11th Strategic Group designation, but was inactivated on 7 August 1990.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jba.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/11th-Wing-History/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123094315/http://www.jba.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/11th-Wing-History|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 November 2016|title=11th Wing History|publisher=Joint Base Andrews|access-date=26 November 2021}}</ref>

KC-135 and KC-10 tankers deployed to Fairford supported [[Operation El Dorado Canyon]] against Libya in 1986. The KC-135s and KC-10s were withdrawn in 1990 and the station was returned to standby status, upgraded to 'limited use' in the mid-1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=USAF Visiting Forces in the UK |url=https://www.mildenhall.af.mil/Portals/9/documents/welcome/AFD-130117-006.pdf?ver=2016-04-19-142646-083 |publisher=USAF |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215163501/http://www.mildenhall.af.mil/Portals/9/documents/welcome/AFD-130117-006.pdf?ver=2016-04-19-142646-083 |archive-date=15 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Due to RAF Fairford's location and infrastructure, the airfield is designated as a forward operating location for the US Air Force. It was used in the first [[Gulf War]] in 1991, with B-52s and KC-135s from [[Eaker AFB]] in Arkansas. It was later used during [[Operation Allied Force]] in 1999 when B-52s from [[Barksdale AFB]], [[B-1B]]s from [[Ellsworth AFB]] and KC-135s from [[Mountain Home AFB]] were used.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/303224.stm|title=UK countdown to air strikes|date=25 March 1999|publisher=BBC|access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref>

=== 21st century ===
[[File:Defense.gov News Photo 990504-F-1312M-001.jpg|thumb|Crew members loading [[Mark 82 bomb]]s onto a B-52|alt=|left]]

In the 2003 [[Iraq War]], Operation Iraqi Freedom included B-52s based at [[Minot AFB]] but flying from Fairford. In recent years the airfield has been occasionally used by American [[B-2 Spirit]] stealth bombers and is frequently visited by [[Lockheed U-2|U-2 aircraft]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Norris |first1=Phil |last2=Chipperfield |first2=Daniel |title=Why U-2 spy plane from the USA has been seen flying over the South West |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/u-2-spy-plane-usa-3363772 |access-date=17 July 2020 |work=Bristol Post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930230513/https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/u-2-spy-plane-usa-3363772 |archive-date=30 September 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Due to the deteriorating airfield facilities and its unique NATO heavy bomber mission, RAF Fairford underwent a $100 million upgrade of its runway and fuel systems in the largest NATO funded airfield construction project within a [[NATO]] country since the end of the [[Cold War]]. This work lasted from May 2000 through May 2002.<ref name=airforcetechnology/> Additional improvements continued until 2008, including the construction of two climate-controlled hangars for B-2 stealth bombers and a low-observability maintenance dock.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/b-2-bomber-shelter-at-raf-fairford/view/google/|date=17 December 2004|publisher= Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (Air Force Print News)|title=The B-2 Spirit now has a new home away from home|access-date=26 November 2021}}</ref>

On 14 January 2004, the 420th Air Base Group (420 ABG) was established at RAF Fairford to improve the control of its geographically separated units (GSUs) that had been aligned beneath the [[100th Air Refueling Wing]] at [[RAF Mildenhall]]. These units are assigned to airfields at RAF Fairford, [[RAF Croughton]], [[RAF Alconbury]], and [[RAF Molesworth]]. The 420 ABG reported directly to [[Third Air Force]] until 26 May 2004, when the 38th Combat Support Wing (38 CSW) was established at [[Sembach Annex]], Germany.<ref>{{cite web |title=RAF Fairford takes next step in its rich history |date=7 October 2009 |url=https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/437248/raf-fairford-takes-next-step-in-its-rich-history/ |publisher=501st Combat Support Wing |access-date=17 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121023346/http://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/437248/raf-fairford-takes-next-step-in-its-rich-history |archive-date=21 November 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The construction of two climate-controlled hangars was completed in December 2004. At a cost of £{{From USD|19|GBR|year=2009|cur=}} million ($19 million), the hangars were designed to accommodate the B-2A Spirit and allow for maintenance of its specialist [[Stealth technology|low-observable]] coating.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gulick |first=1st Lt. Ed |date=17 December 2004 |title=New hangars establish bomber deployment option |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/135377/new-hangars-establish-bomber-deployment-option/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603190113/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/135377/new-hangars-establish-bomber-deployment-option/ |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=United States Air Force |publisher=509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 12 May 2005, USAFE activated the [[501st Combat Support Wing]], with headquarters at [[RAF Alconbury]], to provide support to its GSUs in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/436431/501st-combat-support-wing/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106230619/http://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/436431/501st-combat-support-wing |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 November 2016 |title=Fact Sheet|publisher= 501st Combat Support Wing|access-date=26 November 2021}}</ref>

In 2010 USAF withdrew all its uniformed staff from the station by September 2010 leaving a civilian operating unit to maintain the base on a "care and maintenance" basis. However the base remains a designated standby airfield for heavy bomber operations, capable of immediate reactivation within 24–48 hours and it continues to host the Royal International Air Tattoo every July.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/8257452.stm|title=US Air Force to pull out of base|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=15 September 2009|access-date=2011-02-25}}</ref>

In September 2014 Fairford was used as the staging base for US [[Barack Obama|President Obama]]'s trip to the NATO conference held in Newport, Wales.  [[VC-25A]] "Air Force 1" (AF1) aircraft carrying the President and his entourage and support aircraft arrived on 3 September, the US Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] also arrived in his own USAF [[Boeing C-32|C-32]] aircraft.  Air Force One with President Obama departed for Washington 5 September after an 'impromptu' visit to Stonehenge on his way from Newport back to RAF Fairford.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/11449932.updated-president-obama-has-landed-at-raf-fairford/|title=President Obama has landed at RAF Fairford|date=3 September 2014|newspaper=Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard|access-date=26 November 2021}}</ref>

[[File:U.S. AIR FORCE LOCKHEED U-2S 68-10329 (52240909803).jpg|thumb|[[Lockheed U-2|Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady]] ''68-10329'' at RIAT, 2022. This aircraft was on detachment with the 99th ERS.]]
Since June 2014 RAF Fairford has seen regular heavy bomber exercises return with B-52H, B-2A and in September 2016, B-1B aircraft for short duration exercises by Air Force Global Strike Command and US Air Force Reserve units from Barksdale, Minot, Whiteman and Dyess Air Force Bases.  These exercises include participation in NATO exercises Baltops, Saber Strike and Ample Strike. Baltops, mainly a maritime exercise, takes place off the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, while Saber Strike saw the B-52s flying close air support missions in Poland. Taking advantage of B-52 deployment in 2014 were two flights of two B-2 Spirits, which made brief visits to Fairford as part of Global Power training flights. The Ample Strike exercise in September 2016 was the first time that US Air Force Reserve had deployed two types of heavy bombers (B-1Bs and B-52Hs) under the same parent operating Wing (307BW).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://aviationweek.com/blog/bombers-britain?NL=AW-05&Issue=AW-05_20150623_AW-05_979&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_3_b&elq2=c1bebb2ec32c45288c2b2ab5e471a194|title=Bombers in Britain|publisher=[[Aviation Week]]|date=22 June 2015|access-date=22 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910040456/http://aviationweek.com/blog/bombers-britain?NL=AW-05&Issue=AW-05_20150623_AW-05_979&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_3_b&elq2=c1bebb2ec32c45288c2b2ab5e471a194|archive-date=10 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> March 2019 saw the largest deployment of B-52Hs to RAF Fairford since Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, when six bombers arrived from the [[2nd Bomb Wing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_164725.htm |title=US B-52 bombers conduct training in Europe |publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization |date=14 March 2019 |access-date=20 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320201318/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_164725.htm |archive-date=20 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1785036/us-air-force-b-52s-deploy-to-raf-fairford/ |title=U.S. Air Force B-52s deploy to RAF Fairford |publisher=Ellsworth Air Force Base |date=14 March 2019 |access-date=20 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320201314/https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1785036/us-air-force-b-52s-deploy-to-raf-fairford/ |archive-date=20 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2018, it was announced that the [[95th Reconnaissance Squadron]] and 488th Intelligence Squadron would relocate to Fairford by 2024. The squadrons, based at [[RAF Mildenhall]] in Suffolk, are both part of the [[55th Operations Group]] and support [[Boeing RC-135]] surveillance aircraft when forward deployed on temporary duty to the UK from the United States. The move, part of the US [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense's]] [[European Infrastructure Consolidation]] programme, was expected to see 500 personnel and RC-135 operations transfer to Fairford.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Howard|first=William|date=19 November 2018|title=US Air Force surveillance mission moving to RAF Fairford by 2024|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/us-air-force-surveillance-mission-moving-to-raf-fairford-by-2024-1.557227|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214063057/https://www.stripes.com/news/us-air-force-surveillance-mission-moving-to-raf-fairford-by-2024-1.557227|archive-date=14 February 2019|access-date=13 February 2019|website=Stars and Stripes}}</ref> However, in December the proposal was cancelled and it was confirmed that Mildenhall would be retained as the RC-135's UK operating location.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 December 2020|title=USAF To Maintain Rivet Joint Operating Location At UK's Mildenhall {{!}} Aviation Week Network|url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/budget-policy-operations/usaf-maintain-rivet-joint-operating-location-uks-mildenhall|access-date=19 December 2020|website=Aviation Week Network}}</ref>

In September 2019, the [[99th Reconnaissance Squadron|99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron]] (99th ERS) began a [[Lockheed U-2|Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady]] detachment from [[Beale Air Force Base]], California.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Press-Releases/Article/1970405/us-air-force-u-2-dragon-lady-aircraft-deploy-to-raf-fairford/ |title=U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft deploy to RAF Fairford |publisher=U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa |website=usafe.af.mil |date=25 September 2019 |access-date=20 April 2023}}</ref>

On 22 August 2020, six [[B-52H]] bombers from the [[23rd Bomb Squadron]], [[5th Bomb Wing]], [[Minot AFB]] deployed to RAF Fairford for a series of exercises with [[NATO]] and allied countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2321940/us-air-force-b-52s-return-to-europe-for-ally-partner-training/|title=U.S. Air Force B-52s return to Europe for ally, partner training|publisher=501csw.usafe.af.mil|date=24 August 2020|access-date=19 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/usafs-5th-bw-takes-part-in-b-52-training-mission-at-raf-fairford/|title=USAF's 5th BW takes part in B-52 training mission at RAF Fairford|publisher=airforce-technology.com|date=27 August 2020|access-date=19 September 2020}}</ref> On 28 August 2020, in a single-day mission dubbed 'Allied Sky', B-52Hs overflew all 30 NATO countries; four of the six B-52Hs deployed at RAF Fairford flew the European portion whilst two Minot-based B-52Hs flew over the United States and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2329997/us-bombers-allied-aircraft-integrate-to-fly-over-all-30-nato-nations-in-a-day/|title=U.S. Bombers & Allied Aircraft Integrate to Fly Over All 30 NATO Nations in a Day|publisher=thecaterer.com|date=31 August 2020|access-date=19 September 2020}}</ref>

The [[Defence Infrastructure Organisation]] (DIO) acquired {{Convert|43.87|hectare|acre}} of land to north east of RAF Fairford in November 2000. Planning permission was granted August 2021 to allow the land to be incorporated into the station boundary. Previously part of Horcott Quarry, the land forms part of the [[Cotswold Water Park]] lake system which is designated as a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|site of special scientific interest]]. The DIO indicated that the land would be used to enhance station security and improve [[Bird strike|bird hazard management]], as well as for military exercises and recreation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Aug 2021 |title=21/01818/FUL {{!}} Change of use of land to military airbase {{!}} Lakes And Land South And West Of Totterdown Farm Totterdown Lane Fairford Gloucestershire |url=https://publicaccess.cotswold.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=QSBL7FFIICG00 |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=Cotswold District Council}}</ref>

Between December 2021 and December 2022, work was undertaken to resurface taxiways and aircraft parking stands located in the north eastern part of the airfield. Over 1,200m of taxiway surfacing was replaced, with two parking stands removed and eleven replaced. Drainage infrastructure and airfield ground lighting were also upgraded.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2022 |title=£25m final stage of RAF Fairford airfield surfaces refurbishment complete |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/25m-final-stage-of-raf-fairford-airfield-surfaces-refurbishment-complete#:~:text=The%20Defence%20Infrastructure%20Organisation%20(DIO,Air%20Force%20at%20RAF%20Fairford.&text=While%20it%20is%20owned%20by,a%20bomber%20forward%20operating%20base. |access-date=5 February 2025 |website=GOV.UK |publisher=[[Defence Infrastructure Organisation]] |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2022, four B-52H bombers from the [[69th Bomb Squadron]] were deployed to RAF Fairford for six weeks.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fisher|first=Lucy|date=2022-02-11|title=Ukraine crisis: American B-52 'Stratofortress' bombers land in UK|language=en-GB|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/02/11/ukraine-crisis-american-b-52-stratofortress-bomber-planes-land/|access-date=2022-02-19|issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

In August 2024, a [[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk]] deployed to and operated from RAF Fairford for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |first=John A. |last=Tirpak |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/first-usaf-rq-4-global-hawk-england/ |title=In a First, USAF RQ-4 Global Hawk to Operate from UK |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=22 August 2024 |access-date=26 August 2024}}</ref>

== Role and operations ==
[[File:B-2s demonstrate global reach 150607-F-QW945-719.jpg|thumb|A [[United States Air Force|US Air Force]] [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2A Spirit]] taxis after landing at RAF Fairford in June 2015]]

=== Ownership and administration ===
RAF Fairford is owned by the British [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]. Although designated as an RAF station, it is made available to the [[United States Department of Defense|US Department of Defense]] under the 1951 NATO [[Status of forces agreement|Status of Forces Agreement]] and other arrangements. The use of the station for combat operations is a joint decision between the British and US governments.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Brooke-Holland |first=Louisa |date=3 February 2025 |title=US Forces in the UK: legal agreements |url=http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN06808 |access-date=29 June 2017 |website=Parliament.uk |publisher=[[House of Commons Library]]}}</ref>

=== Security ===
Security outside the perimeter of the station is the responsibility of the [[Ministry of Defence Police]], whereas security within the station is provided by the US Visiting Forces.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Our locations |url=https://www.mod.police.uk/our-locations/ |access-date=3 February 2025 |website=Ministry of Defence Police |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204152921/https://www.mod.police.uk/our-locations/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 1 April 2006, RAF Fairford was designated as a protected site for the purposes of Section 128 of the [[Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005]]. The effect of the act was to make it a specific criminal offence for a person to [[Trespass in English law|trespass]] into the station.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 December 2005 |title=The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Designated Sites) Order 2005 |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3447/contents/made/data.htm |access-date=3 February 2025 |website=www.legislation.gov.uk |publisher=The National Archives |language=en}}</ref>

=== Operations ===
RAF Fairford is a [[Forward operating base|Forward Operating Location]] made available to the United States by the [[Government of the United Kingdom|UK Government]]. It is the only bomber forward operating location in Europe and is predominately used by US Air Force deployments of the [[Rockwell B-1 Lancer|B-1B Lancer]], [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2A Spirit]] and [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress|B-52H Stratofortress]] aircraft taking part in [[Air Force Global Strike Command|Air Force Global Strike Command's]] [[Bomber Task Force]] missions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 August 2020|title=B-52H Bomber Missions Begin at RAF Fairford|url=https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2325151/b-52h-bomber-missions-begin-at-raf-fairford/|access-date=16 December 2020|website=Royal Air Force Mildenhall|publisher=US Air Force|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=420th Air Base Squadron|url=https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/Units/422nd-ABG/420th-ABS/|access-date=16 December 2020|website=501st Combat Support Wing|publisher=US Air Force}}</ref>

The [[United States Air Force|US Air Force's]] 421st Air Base Squadron provides Menwith Hill with base and mission support services. The squadron is part of the [[423d Air Base Group|423rd Air Base Group]] which in turn is part of the [[501st Combat Support Wing]], both of which have their headquarters at [[RAF Alconbury]] in [[Cambridgeshire]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=421st Air Base Squadron |url=https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/Units/423rd-ABG/421st-ABS/ |access-date=29 February 2020 |website=501st Combat Support Wing |publisher=US Air Force}}</ref>

Since September 2019, Fairford has hosted a detachment of [[Lockheed U-2|U-2S Dragon Lady]] reconnaissance aircraft, operated by the 99th ERS.<ref name=":1" />

Base and mission support is provided by the 420th Air Base Squadron, a Geographically Separate Unit of the [[501st Combat Support Wing]] based at [[RAF Alconbury]] in [[Cambridgeshire]].<ref name=":0" />

==Based units==
Notable units based at RAF Fairford.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/Units/|title=Units|website=501st Combat Support Wing|access-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214061500/https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/Units/|archive-date=14 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Oliver|first=Senior Airman Eugene|date=14 July 2020|title=U-2 Dragon Lady supports U.S, NATO objectives|url=https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2274206/u-2-dragon-lady-supports-us-nato-objectives/|access-date=16 December 2020|website=Royal Air Force Mildenhall|publisher=US Air Force|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== United States Air Force ===
'''[[United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa]] (USAFE-AFAFRICA)'''

* [[501st Combat Support Wing]]
** 422nd Air Base Group - originally constituted and activated January 1942 as 22 Air Depot Group<ref>{{cite web|author=USAFUnitHistory |title=422nd Air Base Group |url=https://usafunithistory.com/PDF/0400/422%20AIR%20BASE%20GP.pdf}}</ref>
*** 420th Air Base Squadron
*** 420th Munitions Squadron
'''[[Air Combat Command]] (ACC)'''

* [[Sixteenth Air Force]]
** [[9th Reconnaissance Wing]]
*** 9th Operations Group
**** [[99th Reconnaissance Squadron|99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron]] – [[Lockheed U-2|Lockheed U-2S Dragon Lady]]

== Royal International Air Tattoo ==

{{Main|Royal International Air Tattoo}}
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), is held annually at Fairford over the third weekend in July. RIAT is held in support of The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and has attracted an attendance of up to 185,000 spectators over the weekend, with several hundred military aircraft belonging to air-arms from around the world taking part in static and flying displays.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airtattoo.com/airshow|title=The Airshow|website=Royal Air Force Charitable Trust|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217222701/http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow|archive-date=17 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Former RAF Fairford unit emblems ==
{{Gallery
|align=center
|File:420th Air Base Group.png|420th Air Base Group
|File:7020 air base gp fairford.jpg|7020th Air Base Group
|File:11th Strat Group.jpg|alt=|11th Strategic Group
}}

==See also==
* [[List of Royal Air Force stations]]
* [[Strategic Air Command in the United Kingdom]]
* [[United States Air Forces in Europe]]
* [[United States Air Force in the United Kingdom]]

==References==
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}

===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last1=Birtles|first1=Philip|title=UK Airfields of the Cold War |year=2012 |publisher= Midland Publishing|isbn=978-1-85780-346-4}}
* Maurer, Maurer. ''Air Force Combat Units of World War II''. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office 1961 (republished 1983, Office of Air Force History, {{ISBN|0-912799-02-1}}).
* Ravenstein, Charles A. ''Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947–1977''. [[Maxwell Air Force Base]], [[Alabama]]: Office of Air Force History 1984. {{ISBN|0-912799-12-9}}.
* Fletcher, Harry R. (1989) Air Force Bases Volume II, Active Air Force Bases outside the United States of America on 17 September 1982. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. {{ISBN|0-912799-53-6}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|RAF Fairford}}

* [https://www.501csw.usafe.af.mil/Units/ 501st Combat Support Wing]

* [https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/ad/EGVA-Fairford-Textual.pdf UK Military Aeronautical Information Publication – Fairford (EGVA)]

* [https://www.raf-fairford.co.uk/ History of RAF Fairford]

{{USAF Air Forces in Europe}}
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