RAF Greenham Common reunion in Florida marks 40 years since building of base’s missile wing

United States ex-servicemen gathered to mark 40 years since they served at RAF Greenham Common.

The six earth-covered GAMA shelters at former RAF Greenham Common echo a time when NATO and the Warsaw Pact Allies were locked in a heated international nuclear standoff.

But a group of US ex-servicemen are dedicated to keeping the memory of this period alive.

US troops of the 501st Tactical Missile Wing arrived at Greenham Common in 1982 to build the Ground Launched Cruise Missile shelters to house 96 cruise missiles.

Four years ago, a group of US veterans pondered the idea of holding an annual reunion to remember their service at Greenham Common.

Veteran Rob Boothe went ahead and set this up.

And the reunion has taken place on the second weekend of May in Pensacola, Florida, ever since – growing bigger each year.

Mr Boothe explained it takes several trailers to set up the gathering.

Speaking about this year’s reunion, he said: “At sundown, a brother played tap, and we toasted the ones who have past before us.”

“We had people attend from many states, including a couple from North Dakota.

The GAMA shelters were operational by late 1983, but it was not until 1986 that all 96 missiles were stored at Greenham Common.

In 1980, the base was chosen as one of six bases in Europe to house the missiles ready to counter feared Soviet aggression.

The decision sparked outrage and led to internationally-recognised peace protests at the base over fears the development would make the UK a prime target for enemy attack.

The missiles were removed between 1989 and 1991 after the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty in 1987.

USAF then vacated the base, which closed in 1992.

Nowadays, the shelters are privately owned and are sometimes used for filming.

Past productions at the site have included Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fast & Furious 9 and an episode of Top Gear.