TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO Friday November 18, 1994

US Navy confirms Machrihanish pull-out

The United States Navy has confirmed that it is planning to pull out of Machrihanish.

A spokesman for United States European Command in Germany confirmed this week the Ministry of Defence has been notified that it planned to withdraw its 80 naval commandos from RAF Machrihanish by next spring.

Naval Special Warfare Unit No2 has been stationed at Machrihanish since 1980.

As well as the 80 commandos at the base, there are also around 40 family members who will be with them.

The pull-out could have an effect on local schools which have American children on their rolls. Campbeltown Grammar School already has 20 pupils fewer than expected because of the rundown of the RAF base. Last month rector William Crossan said staffing levels were being reviewed and two teaching posts could be lost at the school. On Monday Lieutenant Commander Mark Farley of the US Navy told the Kintyre Working Group that there was only a ‘remote possibility’ that a pull-out would be cancelled. He added: ‘But you can be sure of our desire to stay.

‘An outstanding relationship has been built up with the local people, and it is a perfect location, with great training facilities.’

It is understood that no alternative location for the unit has been identified yet.

An RAF spokesman said there had been talks with the US military about the withdrawal.

‘The future of the base is under continuing review and the departure of the US Navy is not the only factor to be taken into account.’

In June, RAF Machrihanish was reduced to ‘care and maintenance’ status.