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Air 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. 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
Akrotiri to assist with airfield defence.
RAF Ascension Island
Situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and over 700 miles from its
nearest neighbour, Wideawake Airfield on 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.
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.
RAF Gibraltar
Although aircraft are no longer stationed at RAF Gibraltar, Hercules and
Nimrod and Tornado aircraft make regular visits.
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, as well as No 1564 Flight with 2 x Sea King HAR3.
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, Air
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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