Lyneham
plays vital role again
Wiltshire Times Opinion
www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk
21st July 2006
Crews from RAF Lyneham have been taking part in one the biggest
mass evacuations since Dunkirk this week. The base's Hercules
aircraft have been brought in to help rescue British people
caught up in the bloody conflict in Lebanon.
It is a hugely important mission in the short term but also
one that could have good long-term ramifications for Lyneham.
The future of the base has been uncertain since it was announced
that the Hercules aircraft will be relocated by 2012. Surely
the role played by our RAF troops this week shows that Lyneham
is important and should play a key role in the future of the
military.
More than 16,000 people signed a petition to try and stop
the relocation of the Hercules and now the hope is that the
base will be reborn as the home to a fleet of military helicopters.
If Lyneham is chosen as a helicopter super-base, two existing
helicopter stations would be closed, and a mix of Chinooks,
Merlins and Pumas would become a regular sight above the Wiltshire
sky.
Wiltshire is a county with a proud military history and
many people would be saddened if these links were not kept
up.
Events in Lebanon show a base like Lyneham with the ability
to respond fast and effectively, is still a vital resource
for our country. |
