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Strike Command has responsibility
for all RAF bases overseas.
RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus
The RAF use the airfield at Akrotiri as a staging post for transport aircraft,
and as a temporary operating base for aircraft carrying out Armament Practice
Camps. RAF Akrotiri is the permanent base of 84 Squadron who perform Search and
Rescue duties as well as a support role for the UN peacekeeping forces on the
island. In addition, a detachment of the RAF Regiment is stationed at RAF Akrotiri
to assist with airfield defence.
RAF
Gibraltar
Although aircraft are no longer stationed at RAF Gibraltar, Hercules and Nimrod
and Tornado aircraft make regular visits.
RAF Ascension Island
Situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and over 700 miles from its
nearest neighbour, Ascension Island was used extensively as a staging base
during the Falklands War. This is still the major role for the Station, which it
performs for both the RAF and the USAF. (United States Air Force)
RAFU
Goose Bay, Canada
A team of RAF personnel is stationed at Goose Bay in Labrador to support RAF
fast jet aircraft carrying out low-level flying training over Labrador. The fast
jets are usually accompanied by VC-10s, Tristars or Hercules aircraft, providing
AAR or transport support.
Mount
Pleasant, Falkland Islands
Mount Pleasant was opened in 1984 to establish a fighter and transport presence
in the Islands following the Falklands War. Currently based at Mount Pleasant
are No 1435 Flight with 4 x Tornado F3s, No 1312 Flight, with 1 x VC10 tanker
and 1 x Hercules C1, as well as No 78 Squadron with 1 x Chinook and 2 x Griffin.
Ground units include Signals Units and a Rapier surface to air missile
detachment.
Mobile
Air Movement Squadron (MAMS)
During operations and exercises, aircraft often visit overseas airfields where
no regular RAF ground handling organisation exists. For this purpose, Strike
Command has a Mobile Air Movement Squadron (MAMS) at RAF Lyneham, which provides
teams who are expert in all aspects of loading and unloading aircraft.
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