RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth

The 501st Combat Support Wing provides world-class combat support to enable intelligence, communications and global strike operations. The diverse mission portfolio of the 501st CSW includes the maintenance and operation of a bomber forward operating location; theater munitions movements and storage capabilities, global command and control communications capabilities to three combatant commanders, a communications access site, and support for theater intelligence operations. Supporting mission partners from the NATO Joint Warfare Centre at Stavanger, U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and NATO intelligence analysis units at RAF Molesworth, and Air Force Global Strike Command at RAF Fairford and RAF Welford, the Wing provides support to nearly 70 different U.S. military and government agencies throughout the United Kingdom and Norway.

Due to the current world situation (COV-ID 19) it is best to check out the AF Connect app (downloadable from any app Store) for the most current office hours and openings. Guidelines are being followed from the Department of Defense and host nation. You will need to locate the 501 CSW and bookmark as favorite.

It is imperative that you make your lodging reservations as soon as possible. Reservations can be made by calling the Lodging Office, 011-44-1480-826000 or DSN 314-268-6000, or by email. If you are sending an email, please send to 423fss.svml@alconbury.af.mil. You will need to provide the following information: name, rank, date of stay, how many adults, children (and ages), pets, reason for staying, contact information phone number and email address, and credit card number to secure availability.

The currency used in the United Kingdom is Sterling Pounds. The pound is divided into 100 pence. Paper money comes in 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pound notes. Pence (similar to what we call coins) are 5, 10, 20, 50 or the 1 or 2 pound coin. Money can be exchanged from dollars to pounds (or vice versa) at the bank or credit union.

Active Duty members do not need a visa to enter the U.K. Dependents of military members moving to the United Kingdom as part of a permanent change of station do not have to apply for a visa before PCSing unless they are nationals on the U.K. visa nationals list. For more information on visa requirements for military dependents moving to the U.K., please visit the RAF Mildenhall Passport/Visa Information page.

In order for pets to come into the U.K. with little or no quarantine, a certain procedure must be followed. Details on this procedure can be obtained from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-animals-plants-into-uk

Defense Service Network Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the DOD. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a U.S. installation to another U.S. installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 719-567-1110. Please note that long-distance charges may be incurred.

Telephone Access

DSN prefix is 314-268-XXXX. The 314 indicates the DSN phone system in Europe. All commercial dialing in this file is listed with the international dialing numbers when dialing from the U.S. to the U.K. (hence the 011-44- prefix, which is the international code dialing from the U.S. to the U.K.). When dialing within the U.K., drop the 011-44 designators and add a 0. For example: 011-44-1480-843557 from the U.S. becomes 01480-843557 within the U.K.

Passports and Visas

Military dependents must have valid no-fee passports, PCS orders and dependent identification cards to enter the U.K. Effective May 30, 2015, dependents of military members assigned to the U.K. do not have to apply for a visa before PCS unless they are nationals of nations on the U.K. visa nationals list. Visas and no-fee passports are not required for military members. Military members accompanied by dependents on their tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visa in hand for their dependents. DOD civilian employees and their dependents must have no-fee passports and a five-year visa (if staying in country for more than six months) prior to arrival in country. DOD-sponsored contractors and their dependents must have passports and visas reflecting their contract terms. Please use the following websites for more passport and visa information:

• DoD Electronic Foreign Clearance Guide
• GOV.UK

These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.

You are also encouraged to obtain fee passports (tourist) because the no-fee passports will not allow entry into some European countries. To travel freely within Europe, you and each family member should obtain a tourist passport at your own expense.

You can apply for a tourist passport before or after your arrival. If you apply after you receive a no-fee passport, you can use the no-fee passport as proof of citizenship; however, you may not be able to travel as freely initially.

Pets

In order for pets to travel to the U.K. with little or no quarantine, certain procedures must be followed. Specifics can be obtained from the U.K. government website or local military veterinarian. It is advised to check the website on a regular basis as the procedure sometimes changes. Pet travel is the responsibility of the military member. The Travel Management Office will make reservations for pets on commercial flights; however, they cannot guarantee that the pet will fly. Only the airline can make that determination (based on space availability and weather). All expenses incurred are the responsibility of the member. Members are advised to confirm expenses for pet travel once reservations are made. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact TMO Passenger Travel at your current location.

Childcare

RAF Alconbury Child Development Center provides services for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Children must be registered prior to admission and all immunizations will be verified. If you have any questions, please see the Child and Youth section of this site or call 011-44-1480-843527 or 314-268-3527.