disused American cold war airbase that closed in the early ninetes,amazing place a must visit,would of love to have been there when it was operational.
Was a Firefighter there from 88-91, what a great base, great aircraft, mission and will never forget the people and surrounding towns. The FD was a very close knit family, we did a lot together both on and off base, whether it was pub crawling, paintball or inviting all the surrounding British firefighters for a day of American BBQ and then a night at the club. Thanks Upper Heyford for giving me memories that I will never forget.
I was stationed there from 1977 to 1979. Music was changing in the late 70s and I got to it see happen in London over the course of two different summers. I saw Van Halen as an opening act for Black Sabbath. Iron Maiden performed at the NCO club on base in April of 1979 for $350, beer and pizza. ELO, David Bowie, Queen and the Sex Pistols concerts are some of my best memories. Punk was going strong. New Wave wasn't called that yet. And God Bless the Luftwaffe pilots. Those officers treated us USAF junior enlisted with more respect that we got out of our own officers. My liquor ration card was always empty when the german pilots went home. Good times in a previous life.
I spent two tours there for a total of almost six years, and I loved it. The British were great, and I had so much fun. I visited again in 1999 and the base was just a ghost town. So sad.
I was a medic there from 1980 to 1982. This was when the hospital was a single story brown brick building just the other side of the hospital enlisted barracks. Just the opposite side of that was the NCO club. It was real convenient. I hung out with Robb, Jack, Tim, Allan, Derrick, and a few others. I recall they called themselves the "degenerates". We often went to The Barley Mow pub just off base for a drink of warm bitter and a taste of the local scene. I saw AC/DC Back in Black tour at the Hammersmith Odeon and Pink Floyds The Wall at Earls Court, London. English girls often came to the club and the Air Force girls I worked with were really great. I saw a lot of England and wish I could have stayed. It was a great time. I've always wanted to go back but life intervenes. I haven't forgotten any of it or any of the people. It was quite an experience.
For those of us who served at Upper Heyford, the memories will live on in technicolor! The paint on the buildings will always be fresh. We will smell the smells of an F-111 until we die. The mission still runs thru our veins and the roar of afterburners still reverberates thru our bodies. Always we will remember this saying. Sleep tight tonight, Heyford is on alert! Best duty this ex Vark fixer ever had. 1973-1977
Supported the Skykings football team from 1973-1993. Best time of my life. Made many friends over the years. Always remember Nolan of the FD. Greatest cheerleader of all times!
I was passing there last October and just popped in,as it happened they were just starting a tour so i was very lucky.A must visit so much history from the Cold War shame its decaying so much.I asked if i could return at a later date as there is so much to see,all you have to do is book over the phone.Good luck a must visit you will not be dissapointed.
Was a Firefighter there from 88-91, what a great base, great aircraft, mission and will never forget the people and surrounding towns. The FD was a very close knit family, we did a lot together both on and off base, whether it was pub crawling, paintball or inviting all the surrounding British firefighters for a day of American BBQ and then a night at the club. Thanks Upper Heyford for giving me memories that I will never forget.
I was stationed there from 1977 to 1979. Music was changing in the late 70s and I got to it see happen in London over the course of two different summers. I saw Van Halen as an opening act for Black Sabbath. Iron Maiden performed at the NCO club on base in April of 1979 for $350, beer and pizza. ELO, David Bowie, Queen and the Sex Pistols concerts are some of my best memories. Punk was going strong. New Wave wasn't called that yet. And God Bless the Luftwaffe pilots. Those officers treated us USAF junior enlisted with more respect that we got out of our own officers. My liquor ration card was always empty when the german pilots went home. Good times in a previous life.
Was stationed there from 1988 to 1990. Best times of my life with the greatest people. Thompson-LE/K9.
Fantastic slideshow. I went to have a look at RAF Upper Heyford last summer. I was shocked at how most of the buildings have just been left to rot
I spent two tours there for a total of almost six years, and I loved it. The British were great, and I had so much fun. I visited again in 1999 and the base was just a ghost town. So sad.
I was at Heyford 78-80. First assignment. It was a good time, but would have been better if I were a few years older. Great memories!
I was there 89-92. By far the best assignment I ever had.
I was a medic there from 1980 to 1982. This was when the hospital was a single story brown brick building just the other side of the hospital enlisted barracks. Just the opposite side of that was the NCO club. It was real convenient. I hung out with Robb, Jack, Tim, Allan, Derrick, and a few others. I recall they called themselves the "degenerates". We often went to The Barley Mow pub just off base for a drink of warm bitter and a taste of the local scene. I saw AC/DC Back in Black tour at the Hammersmith Odeon and Pink Floyds The Wall at Earls Court, London. English girls often came to the club and the Air Force girls I worked with were really great. I saw a lot of England and wish I could have stayed. It was a great time. I've always wanted to go back but life intervenes. I haven't forgotten any of it or any of the people. It was quite an experience.
For those of us who served at Upper Heyford, the memories will live on in technicolor! The paint on the buildings will always be fresh. We will smell the smells of an F-111 until we die. The mission still runs thru our veins and the roar of afterburners still reverberates thru our bodies. Always we will remember this saying. Sleep tight tonight, Heyford is on alert! Best duty this ex Vark fixer ever had. 1973-1977
Supported the Skykings football team from 1973-1993. Best time of my life. Made many friends over the years. Always remember Nolan of the FD. Greatest cheerleader of all times!
I was passing there last October and just popped in,as it happened they were just starting a tour so i was very lucky.A must visit so much history from the Cold War shame its decaying so much.I asked if i could return at a later date as there is so much to see,all you have to do is book over the phone.Good luck a must visit you will not be dissapointed.
yeah such allot of aviation history.......thanks
The QRA.. I remember it all so well on swings and mids.
Been there ? It was my first base in 1990 and 1991. 20 CES Fire department Met my wife there.
I've never been there thanks to you guys great video great sound track :))
victory through Valor!!
good vid......how do u get permission to go on the base please?
my uncle was based there working on the f-111's
cousin born in the hospital
thanks