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24/04/2008
Relocation! Relocation! For RAF Aldergrove
Ninety years after they first arrived, RAF personnel are to be relocated away from Northern Ireland - leaving behind just the Army Air Corps.
Armed Forces Minister, Bob Ainsworth said that 230 troops based at RAF Aldergrove will be moved to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.
Mr Ainsworth commented: "This will establish a coherent Puma force on a single site, enabling the improvement of Puma force capability."
As well as the relocation, about a third of the existing civilian staff will lose their jobs.
The Ministry of Defence also intends to close Massereene Barracks in Antrim after transferring 38 Engineer Regiment to a new home at RAF Aldergrove in their place.
It is expected that the move will be completed by the end of 2010.
Mr Ainsworth added that the changes will "not impact" on the force's Northern Ireland commitments in support of the civilian authorities and that Aldergrove will "remain a military flying station for the Army Air Corps for the foreseeable future".
He also said that the RAF would continue to use Northern Ireland airspace for training.
It is not believed that the changes are a response to overall 'Peace Process' reductions in troop levels.
The Royal Air Force has had a base at Aldergrove for the organisation's entire existence - 'to defend the UK and its interests and strengthen international peace and stability' - since the organisation was established on 1 April, 1918.
RAF Aldergrove was also set up in 1918 but was not designated as an operational RAF station until 1925.
Aldergrove’s location made it an important station during the Second World War of RAF Coastal Command in the Battle of the Atlantic.
From the base long-range reconnaissance aircraft were able to patrol the Eastern Atlantic for U-Boats.
(DS)(BMcC)
Armed Forces Minister, Bob Ainsworth said that 230 troops based at RAF Aldergrove will be moved to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.
Mr Ainsworth commented: "This will establish a coherent Puma force on a single site, enabling the improvement of Puma force capability."
As well as the relocation, about a third of the existing civilian staff will lose their jobs.
The Ministry of Defence also intends to close Massereene Barracks in Antrim after transferring 38 Engineer Regiment to a new home at RAF Aldergrove in their place.
It is expected that the move will be completed by the end of 2010.
Mr Ainsworth added that the changes will "not impact" on the force's Northern Ireland commitments in support of the civilian authorities and that Aldergrove will "remain a military flying station for the Army Air Corps for the foreseeable future".
He also said that the RAF would continue to use Northern Ireland airspace for training.
It is not believed that the changes are a response to overall 'Peace Process' reductions in troop levels.
The Royal Air Force has had a base at Aldergrove for the organisation's entire existence - 'to defend the UK and its interests and strengthen international peace and stability' - since the organisation was established on 1 April, 1918.
RAF Aldergrove was also set up in 1918 but was not designated as an operational RAF station until 1925.
Aldergrove’s location made it an important station during the Second World War of RAF Coastal Command in the Battle of the Atlantic.
From the base long-range reconnaissance aircraft were able to patrol the Eastern Atlantic for U-Boats.
(DS)(BMcC)
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18 November 2009
RAF Flies Away From Aldergrove
The last RAF squadron based in Northern Ireland has left Aldergrove, the Ministry of Defence has said. Yesterday, 230 'Tiger' Squadron took off in a helicopter diamond formation from Aldergrove for their new base at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. The flight of the Pumas marked the end of the RAF's 91-year history of flying from Northern Ireland.
RAF Flies Away From Aldergrove
The last RAF squadron based in Northern Ireland has left Aldergrove, the Ministry of Defence has said. Yesterday, 230 'Tiger' Squadron took off in a helicopter diamond formation from Aldergrove for their new base at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. The flight of the Pumas marked the end of the RAF's 91-year history of flying from Northern Ireland.
08 May 2008
MoD 'Snub' Over RAF Aldergrove Jobs
A leading Northern Ireland politician has tackled the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) decision to pull all RAF personnel from the Province's only such base. South Antrim MP William McCrea said at Westminster that the decision had been taken in a "cavalier fashion". The DUP representative said the move would leave many people out of work.
MoD 'Snub' Over RAF Aldergrove Jobs
A leading Northern Ireland politician has tackled the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) decision to pull all RAF personnel from the Province's only such base. South Antrim MP William McCrea said at Westminster that the decision had been taken in a "cavalier fashion". The DUP representative said the move would leave many people out of work.
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21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
