A former airman has blasted the decision to close RAF Leuchars, branding it “daft” and suggesting it was taken for political rather than strategic reasons.
Garry Morrison, who served at the Fife base for several years and has now settled in the area, warned the defence of the nation has come a poor second to the machinations of power-hungry MPs.
The decision to remove the RAF from Leuchars, establishing an army garrison in its place, has sparked massive controversy.
Mr Morrison, who served with 56(R) Squadron before a back injury forced him to leave the service, is baffled by the move and warns it is a waste of taxpayers’ money and crucially heightens the risk faced by citizens.
The former avionics technician pointed out that tens of millions of pounds have been spent at Leuchars in recent years, ensuring it is at the cutting edge and suitable as an RAF base for many years to come.
“I moved to Leuchars in 2003 and we set up base here, firstly in portable cabins while the hangar was fitted to suit the Tornado F3 force from RAF Coningsby,” the 30 year-old told The Courier.
“This took nearly 18 months and cost over £32 million just for the runway to be resurfaced.
“Quite a few million more was spent for new buildings to house air crew and ground crew, plus equipment.”Move ‘very hard’ on familiesAs campaigners fought to save RAF Leuchars, much was made of its proximity to potential terrorist targets including Faslane nuclear submarine base and the Grangemouth oil refinery.
Typhoons from Fife could also reach the Torness nuclear power station in less than 90 seconds’ flying time.
Campaigners insisted this rapid reaction in the face of any potential terror attack provided the base with a critical advantage over its main rival, RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.
Mr Morrison said, “In my time at Leuchars I learned that there were huge changes taking place.
“I saw the end of the F3 fleet (to be replaced by Typhoons)… but the location of the base remained vital for the QRA (quick reaction alert) service.”
He added, “I cannot understand why the Ministry of Defence is going to spend millions and millions of pounds to move an entire new fleet of aircraft and all of their equipment.”
Mr Morrison, who served a secondary role as an air cadet liaison team co-ordinator, warned of hard times ahead for local service people and their families, many of whom have settled well in Fife.
He said, “I have seen a full base move in the past and it is very hard on families and the local economy.
“I have friends down at RAF Coningsby who suffered as a result of the move to Leuchars in 2003.”Not a ‘military’ decisionWhile he can understand the rationale for moving Tornados from Lossiemouth to Marham in Norfolk, he cannot understand why Leuchars has been axed.
He said, “To refit Lossiemouth and re-role it all is, as many have said over the past week, just daft.
“It was clearly a decision taken behind a desk on the political front and not one taken on military, strategic grounds.”
He added, “If they had sense they would realise that RAF Leuchars generates money to the local community by way of private jets landing and paying fees for golf.
“It also raises revenue through the air show, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland.”
Mr Morrison believes Leuchars is in the right place to protect the northern half of the UK and is ill-suited for an army barracks.
He said, “Can you imagine St Andrews as a garrison town?’Waste of taxpayers’ money'”The army would also be an easier option for Lossiemouth as there are already garrisons in the north.
“The Tornado fleet is almost at its end as the jets are way over on flying hours and are currently getting scrapped.”
He added, “Moving Lossie to Marham is a good idea as Marham is already a Tornado base and it is therefore a low-cost option.
“Leuchars is already fitted out for Typhoons so retaining it would not rack up any further costs.
“I think Lossiemouth is staying open because MPs are frightened of losing votes if it closes.
“What has been decided is clearly a waste of taxpayers’ money.”