NATO Dispersed Operating Bases: Difference between revisions
added base names of USAF DOBs in France |
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'''NATO Dispersed Operating Bases''' (DOBs) were developed to improve air power survival when [[NATO]] began planning for tactical air bases and aircraft in western [[Europe]] during the early [[Cold War]] years of the 1950s. Dispersal tactics and protective measures were very common during [[World War II]] and practiced by all nations. The [[United States Army Air Forces|USAAF]] was less concerned than its allies about base defence and dispersal due to the total air superiority and unlimited resouces of aircraft, aircrews and ground personnel to replace combat losses. |
'''NATO Dispersed Operating Bases''' (DOBs) were developed to improve air power survival when [[NATO]] began planning for tactical air bases and aircraft in western [[Europe]] during the early [[Cold War]] years of the 1950s. Dispersal tactics and protective measures were very common during [[World War II]] and practiced by all nations. The [[United States Army Air Forces|USAAF]] was less concerned than its allies about base defence and dispersal due to the total air superiority and unlimited resouces of aircraft, aircrews and ground personnel to replace combat losses. |
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After [[D-Day]] as allied tactical air forces moved rapidly across [[France]], investment in base and aircraft survival was impractical. It was quicker and cheaper to use captured [[Luftwaffe]] facilities. By [[1948]] these small airfields had been abandoned and most structures removed or were in a state of disrepair. |
After [[D-Day]] as allied tactical air forces moved rapidly across [[France]], investment in base and aircraft survival was impractical. It was quicker and cheaper to use captured [[Luftwaffe]] facilities. By [[1948]] these small airfields had been abandoned and most structures were removed or were in a state of disrepair. |
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USAFE DOBs in France |
Beginning in [[1953]] USAFE DOBs were constructed in France at: |
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* Chalons-Vatry AB |
* Chalons-Vatry AB |
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* Vitry-Brienne AB |
* Vitry-Brienne AB |
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All of these facilities were completed in about two years, each having a 7,900' runway, at least one hangar and parking for about 30 aircraft. Each had a few permanent buildings serviced with utilities and space for a tent city to house personnel. |
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No [[USAFE]] flying units were permanently assigned to these bases, and they were used for dispersal training only. By [[1959]] due to the reduction of NATO/USAF tactical fighter and bomb wings in France, the need for these DOBs was virtually eliminated. |
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An additional 10 small airfields were developed by the French government as unmanned 'bare bones' facilities, consisting of a runway with minimal facilities intended for use by all NATO air forces to disperse their aircraft in case of war. |
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No [[USAFE]] flying units were permanently assigned to these bases, and they were used for dispersal training only. However, they did require the same level of equipment as a standard air base. In addition, security personnel were required to control base access, guard equipment, munitions and supplies stored on the facility, as well as prevent vandalism. |
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By [[1959]] due to the reduction of NATO/USAF tactical fighter and bomb wings in France, the need for these DOBs was virtually eliminated. Three were transferred to the [[United States Army|U. S. Army]] to reduce the cost of maintaining them and the other was turned over to the French Government. |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 17:22, 11 May 2006
NATO Dispersed Operating Bases (DOBs) were developed to improve air power survival when NATO began planning for tactical air bases and aircraft in western Europe during the early Cold War years of the 1950s. Dispersal tactics and protective measures were very common during World War II and practiced by all nations. The USAAF was less concerned than its allies about base defence and dispersal due to the total air superiority and unlimited resouces of aircraft, aircrews and ground personnel to replace combat losses.
After D-Day as allied tactical air forces moved rapidly across France, investment in base and aircraft survival was impractical. It was quicker and cheaper to use captured Luftwaffe facilities. By 1948 these small airfields had been abandoned and most structures were removed or were in a state of disrepair.
Beginning in 1953 USAFE DOBs were constructed in France at:
- Chalons-Vatry AB
- Luneville-Chenevieres AB
- Vouziers-Sechault AB
- Vitry-Brienne AB
All of these facilities were completed in about two years, each having a 7,900' runway, at least one hangar and parking for about 30 aircraft. Each had a few permanent buildings serviced with utilities and space for a tent city to house personnel.
An additional 10 small airfields were developed by the French government as unmanned 'bare bones' facilities, consisting of a runway with minimal facilities intended for use by all NATO air forces to disperse their aircraft in case of war.
No USAFE flying units were permanently assigned to these bases, and they were used for dispersal training only. However, they did require the same level of equipment as a standard air base. In addition, security personnel were required to control base access, guard equipment, munitions and supplies stored on the facility, as well as prevent vandalism.
By 1959 due to the reduction of NATO/USAF tactical fighter and bomb wings in France, the need for these DOBs was virtually eliminated. Three were transferred to the U. S. Army to reduce the cost of maintaining them and the other was turned over to the French Government.
References
- McAuliffe, Jerome J: U.S. Air Force in France 1950-1967 (2005), Chapter 17, Dispersed Operating Bases