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Bomber County '99 by Mike Kerr
These iron bomb missions have been used against airfields, fuel depots and factories, in an attempt to slow the Serbian war machine. There is little doubt that the introduction of the B-1 to the conflict has seen an escalation in NATO's efforts to return stability to the Balkans.
B1s seen at Fairford recently include 85-073/EL, 85-074/-, 85-075/EL, 85-083/EL, 85-091/EL & 86-102/EL.
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"Razor
Two-One, you are cleared for take-off". The fully loaded Lancers
thunder down the runway using massive amounts of afterburner, heading
west into the darkening evening. As they formate after take-off, a
radio message states "Razor Two-One, we are holding hands"
before they turn onto a north-easterly heading, taking them towards
the east coast. Later, turning south, they pass over East Anglia and
head out over the North Sea towards Europe, just like their predecessors
in B-17s had done some fifty-five years earlier from the many airfields
in Suffolk and Essex.
These twilight departures
happen most evenings as I write, the normal load being the Mk82 500lb free-fall bomb seen
loaded earlier from flat bed trailers. Bomb loading has not been without incident, one
Mk82 was seen to part company with the winch and drop some eighteen inches onto the
ground; the area was swiftly evacuated and the bomb disposal unit called into action to
render the weapon safe. Such are the hazards of warfare, it is not just those who fly the
aircraft that are at significant risk. Later, a spokesperson for the air force said that
the Mk82 requires a velocity of at least 200 knots in order to arm itself, something which
was a relief no doubt to the armaments crew!
B-52s
continue to operate most nights, departing the airfield shortly after
dusk. Cruise missiles have been seen being loaded, but as yet none
have been seen to be carried externally under the wings. Airframes
are being rotated on a regular basis, as the time of occupation of
the airfield increases. C-5 Galaxys continue to make regular supply
runs, and KC-135s are also occasional visitors.
Fairford has
inevitably become a popular destination for aircraft spotters and enthusiasts, but a word
of caution; do not park near any police cones or a £20 fixed penalty ticket will appear
on your windscreen. I speak from personal experience! Police presence will undoubtedly
increase following the on-base protest by three women on 16 April. The BBC stated that the
women gained entrance during the night by climbing the perimeter fence using a ladder and
made their way to the B-52 area, where they daubed slogans onto one aircraft and staged a
protest against the bombing missions. They were very swiftly escorted from the base by
security personnel.