Pembrey Spitfire base taking off again

THE former Spitfire fighter base that is now Pembrey Airfield is enjoying a renaissance by refuelling military aircraft.

Since 1998 their airfield has been providing logistical support to military and emergency services aircraft including air sea rescue aircraft.

Because of the escalation of support since armed forces have deployed overseas the level of refuelling from Pembrey has risen from 2,000 litres of fuel supplied month to military aircraft to 23,000litres a week.

The airport is on call 24/7 and has been used by the French Air Force, the United States Air Force and RAF.

Pembrey Airport also contributed to the military training exercises about RAF Pembrey’s Bombing Range day and night. Owner of Pembrey airfield Captain Winston Thomas said: “Because of the semi-isolated location of the airfield local residents are unaware of the night-time activities.

“Air Sea Rescue aircraft have frequently refuelled with us out of hours following emergency call outs.

“The range of aircraft visiting at all times is proving a huge attraction with visitors never knowing what is going to turn up at any time.”

Following a joint exercise between the French and United States Air Force the USA Commander Captain Andrew Karas has made a request to operate C130 Hercules on a regular basis using Pembrey.

The Mildenhall based Chinooks and C130’s have also been operating off Cefn Sidan within the military boundaries of the beach.

In a letter Captain  Karas said: “Pembrey is very appealing to us. The runway loading having been Geotec tested shows it is capable of supporting 70 tons.

“My squadron commander and operations commander have a desire to use the Pembrey Range in the future to ease the logistical troubles we currently have of finding a suitable facility within close proximity.”