New home of the Red Arrows is announced to be RAF Waddington
The Red Arrows will not be moving to RAF Wittering after their new home was revealed to be in Lincolnshire once more.
The aerobatic display team will be based at RAF Waddington, between Lincoln and Sleaford, when their home for the past 20 years, RAF Scampton, closes.
Scampton's closure, due in 2022, is part of a series of changes to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) estate over the next 10 years.
MP for North West Cambridgeshire, Shailesh Vara, had pressed for the Red Arrows to move to Wittering and had most recently outlined his case in the House of Commons, shortly before the coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Vara's reaction to this morning's news can be read here.
Similarly, senior commanders at RAF Wittering felt their base 'had what it takes' to house the team.
RAF Wittering was one of three bases shortlisted; the other contender was RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. A public consultation on the proposal to bring the team to Cambridgeshire was held in April last year.
Speaking after the disappointing news for RAF Wittering was announced, its station commander, Gp Capt Jo Lincoln, said: “This decision has been made on operational safety grounds which RAF Wittering absolutely supports.”
She added that the A4 Force based at Wittering, which provides engineering and logistic support for RAF operations around the world, would not be affected and the future of the base was secure.
From June 1, RAF Wittering will also pilot the Future Accommodation Model for the MoD , which provides more flexible accommodation choices for service personnel.
Kelham Cooke, leader of South Kesteven District Council, who lives in Casewick, near Stamford, conversely described the decision as 'fantastic news'.
He said: “Lincolnshire has a long and proud aviation heritage, so it is fantastic news that the Red Arrows are to continue to be based in the county.
"No matter what your age or level of interest in aviation, a Red Arrows flypast lifts spirits, brings joy, and inspires a sense of pride.
"Having such a globally renowned and recognised team on our doorstep adds to the many attractions of Lincolnshire, and can only be good news for our local economy.”
The Red Arrows formed in 1964 and comprises nine pilots who fly Hawk jets, reaching speeds up to 645mph.
On the 75th anniversary of VE Day this month, they flew over Rutland on their return flight from a display over London.
Defence minister Jeremy Quin said: “As we saw during the recent VE Day celebrations, the Red Arrows have a proud and prominent place in British culture and have long demonstrated the best of what the UK Armed Forces offer with their world-renowned skills, discipline and teamwork.
“It is good news that we have an excellent base for them at RAF Waddington, and I am delighted that they will be able to continue to practice their extraordinary aerobatic talents above RAF Scampton in their home county of Lincolnshire.”
