21st July 2004

On 21st July 2004, the Minister for Armed Forces, Mr Adam Ingram MP, announced the drawdown of RAF Boulmer resulting in the relocation of all Service personnel from RAF Boulmer, with the exception of those employed in support of the Search and Rescue (SAR) tasks and some personnel to maintain the remote radar head at Brizlee Wood, to RAF Scampton by 2012.

Number 1 Air Control Centre has already moved to RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey; however, in January 2006, due to an increase in estimated implementation costs, the Minister for the Armed Forces decided not to develop RAF Scampton as an RAF communications hub. Although it remains the intention to relocate the School of Fighter Control and the Control and Reporting Centre from RAF Boulmer, the longer term basing strategy for these units is now under review with a decision expected in Spring 2007.

The Station will remain an enclave site for A Flight 202 Sqn at least until the introduction of a new SAR helicopter.

10 January 2008

It was announced that RAF Boulmer's long-term future had been secured.

A study into where to base elements of the Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) concluded that the best option - in both financial and operational terms - was to retain RAF Boulmer as the ASACS hub.

Group Captain W J Millington, Station Commander at RAF Boulmer and ASACS Force Commander said:

"We are delighted that the Station will remain as the ASACS hub. This is welcome news, not only for the personnel based here, but also for the local community who have shown us great support over the years."

During the course of the ASACS Basing Study it became clear that the retention of RAF Boulmer as a core site for the ASACS hub was the best option, and RAF Boulmer will not draw down in 2012, but should remain the ASACS hub.

28 October 2008

It was confirmed that the re-location of the ASACS satellite units to RAF Coningsby was the best option in financial and operational terms. It was decided that the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at RAF Scampton and No 1 Air Control Centre (No 1 ACC) at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey will collocate at RAF Coningsby. The relocation is due to complete by the end of 2014.

Following the relocation, it is intended that RAF Scampton will be drawn down to only those facilities deemed necessary to support the RAF Aerobatic Team's activities within the reserved airspace above the airfield. RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey will be closed once the No 1 ACC has relocated to RAF Coningsby. Service and civilian personnel at RAF Scampton and Kirton-in-Lindsey will be briefed on the progress of the study.