United States Air Force’s (USAF) presence in East Anglia during the Cold War

The United States Air Force’s (USAF) presence in East Anglia during the Cold War was driven by a combination of strategic, political, and military factors rooted in post-World War II geopolitics and the emerging East-West divide.

Over four decades, the USAF maintained a significant and strategic presence in East Anglia, primarily due to the region’s proximity to mainland Europe and the Soviet Union, making it ideal for rapid deployment and surveillance operations. Here's a summary of the USAF’s presence and role. This glossary also offers explanation for some of the terminology used here and across the website. 

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Key aspects of USAF presence in East Anglia

1. Strategic importance

• East Anglia’s flat terrain and location on the eastern edge of the UK made it ideal for large airbases and quick access to the European theatre.

• Bases in East Anglia served as part of NATO's forward defense strategy.

  
  

2. Major air bases

Several key USAF bases were located in East Anglia, including:

• RAF Lakenheath: Home to tactical fighter squadrons (e.g. F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and later F-15 Eagles).

• RAF Mildenhall: Served as a major transport, refueling, and reconnaissance base. Hosted aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotanker and RC-135 Rivet Joint.

• RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge: Operated as twin bases and home to the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, flying A-10 Thunderbolt IIs and previously F-4 Phantoms.

  
  

3. Mission roles

• Nuclear deterrence: Many of the aircraft were capable of delivering nuclear weapons, aligned with the US strategy of deterrence.

• Reconnaissance and intelligence: Aircraft like the U-2 and RC-135 operated from the region, gathering critical intelligence on Soviet activity.

• Air refueling and logistics: East Anglia supported USAF mobility through aerial refueling and transatlantic operations.

• NATO collaboration: These bases were integrated into NATO command and control systems.

  
  

4. Troop presence and infrastructure

• Thousands of American airmen and their families lived in East Anglia, contributing to local communities.

• American schools, hospitals, and amenities were established on or near base grounds.

• The bases were on 24-hour readiness during high-tension periods such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and later the Euromissile crisis in the 1980s.

  
  

5. End of Cold War transition

• With the Cold War ending around 1991, some of the bases were downsized or closed (e.g. RAF Bentwaters closed in 1993).

• Others, like RAF Lakenheath and Mildenhall, remain active and still host USAF units today, as they are still of major strategic importance outside of the USA. Currently, around 10,000 American airmen live in the area.

• During the Cold War local people and the airmen would mingle freely. In the earlier part of the Cold War, the African American airmen integrated with local people in East Anglia, while the air force was racially segregated under the racist laws.

• In fact, it is said that many of these experiences influenced the American Civic Rights movement in the ‘50s and ‘60s. The work of people including Rosa Parks, Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X led to the passing of civil rights acts and Supreme Court rulings to end segregation. 

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Legacy

• The Cold War USAF presence in East Anglia left a lasting imprint on local communities and the broader UK-US military relationship.

• Many Cold War-era bunkers, aircraft shelters, and base infrastructure still remain—some repurposed or abandoned, others used for NATO or RAF purposes.

Specific info on the main US airbases:

RAF Lakenheath was originally established in 1941, during World War II.

Key Dates in RAF Lakenheath's History

• 1941: Opened as RAF Lakenheath by the Royal Air Force as a satellite airfield to RAF Mildenhall. Initially used by RAF bomber squadrons flying aircraft such as the Vickers Wellington.

• 1948: The United States Air Force began using the base as part of the growing postwar NATO presence. It was formally turned over for exclusive USAF use in the early 1950s.

• 1950s–1990s: Lakenheath became a major Cold War hub for USAF tactical fighter and strike aircraft, including the F-100, F-111, and later the F-15.

• 1992–present: After the Cold War, the F-15E Strike Eagle took over the base’s main combat role. Lakenheath remains one of the largest USAF bases in Europe.

• 2020s: RAF Lakenheath became the first USAF base in Europe to host F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

RAF Mildenhall was officially established in 1930 and has played a significant role in both British and American military aviation history.

Key Dates in RAF Mildenhall’s History

• 1930: Established by the Royal Air Force as part of the RAF expansion in the interwar period. Originally designed for long-range bomber operations.

• 1934: Hosted the MacRobertson Air Race, a major international air competition, enhancing its early prestige.

• World War II (1939–1945):

  • Used by RAF Bomber Command for operations with aircraft like the Short Stirling and Avro Lancaster.

  • Played a key role in missions over Germany and occupied Europe.

• 1950: The United States Air Force began operations at Mildenhall as part of NATO's post-war buildup.

  • Officially designated a USAF base in 1951.

• Cold War Era (1950s–1990s):

  • Became a major hub for air refueling (KC-135), reconnaissance (RC-135/U-2), and transport missions.

  • Hosted the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron and 100th Air Refueling Wing, among others.

• Post-Cold War to Present:

  • Continues to serve as a key support base for US operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

  • Although closure was announced in 2015, plans were later reversed, and USAF operations remain ongoing.

RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge were both established during World War II, and later became key United States Air Force bases in East Anglia during the Cold War.

RAF Bentwaters

• Established: 1944

• Original Purpose: Built for the Royal Air Force but handed over almost immediately to the USAAF (United States Army Air Forces) during WWII.

• Postwar: Used briefly by the RAF, then returned to USAF control in 1951 for the Cold War buildup.

• Cold War Role:

  • Became home to the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, which later flew aircraft such as the F-84 Thunderjet, F-101 Voodoo, F-4 Phantom II, and finally the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

  • Played a major role in NATO’s frontline air defense and tactical nuclear strike capabilities.

RAF Woodbridge

• Established: 1943

• Original Purpose: Constructed as an emergency landing airfield for damaged aircraft returning from missions over Europe. Featured an extra-long runway.

• Postwar: Transferred to USAF control in the early 1950s.

• Cold War Role:

  • Operated jointly with Bentwaters as part of the Bentwaters-Woodbridge complex.

  • Also hosted elements of the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing and supported a variety of USAF units.

Bentwaters-Woodbridge Complex (1950s–1990s)

• Operated together as twin bases under USAF command.

• Hosted nuclear-capable aircraft during periods of heightened Cold War tension.

• Notably involved in one of the most famous UFO incidents in UK history—the Rendlesham Forest Incident in December 1980, near Woodbridge.

Deactivation and Legacy

• 1993: USAF closed both bases following the end of the Cold War and realignment of US forces in Europe.

• Today, parts of the sites are used for civilian aviation, business parks, and heritage preservation (e.g. Bentwaters Cold War Museum).