United States Air Force in France
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2013) |
Former bases of the United States Air Force in France | |||||||
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Part of the Cold War | |||||||
Map of former NATO air bases in France. | |||||||
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From 1951 to 1966 the
Due to the vulnerability of
Between 1950 and 1967 the United States Air Force operated 11 major air bases in France. There were other communications sites, NATO Dispersed Operating Bases, Sub-Depots and minor facilities at several French Airports, such as Orly Airport and Marseille Provence Airport. The United States Army also established a significant presence in France, and was responsible for much air base construction and maintenance.
France was a founding member of NATO which came into existence on 24 August 1949. The first non French NATO tenant in France was the 1630th Air Base Squadron of the USAF
After 15 years of U.S. Air Force presence, French President Charles de Gaulle decided to evict non French NATO forces from France. On 7 March 1966, he announced that France would withdraw from NATO's integrated military structure. He gave foreign NATO forces one year to depart France. Prior to this he refused to store nuclear weapons from other countries on French soil.
The
During 1966-67 all USAF offices and facilities in France were closed and personnel and equipment moved. The last USAFE activities were the 1630th Air Base Squadron at Orly Airport and the Paris Administration Office. Both were closed in June 1967.
On 23 October 1967, all foreign flags were furled and after 17 years the last foreign NATO forces departed France.
Today most of the old USAF air bases in France are being used by the French military and are not accessible to tourists.
References
- ^ Jerry McAuliffe, The USAF in France 1950-1967
Further reading
- Endicott, Judy G. (1999) Active Air Force wings as of 1 October 1995; USAF active flying, space, and missile squadrons as of 1 October 1995. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. CD-ROM.
- McAuliffe, Jerome J. (2005). US Air Force in France 1950–1967. San Diego, California: Milspec Press ISBN 0-9770371-1-8.
- Menard, David W. (1998) Before Centuries: USAFE Fighters, 1948–1959. Howell Press Inc. ISBN 1-57427-079-6
- Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947–1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-12-9.
- [1] USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers—1908 to Present