RAF Croughton
RAF Croughton PCS Guide
Military Base History
U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Fleming, 423rd Air Base Group commander, and Royal Air Force Sqn. Ldr. Tina Sheeran, RAF commander of RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton and RAF Molesworth, receive folded flags from honor guardsmen during a Ceremony of Remembrance at Stanwick Lakes, England, Feb. 14, 2025....
RAF Croughton began as a Royal Air Force bomber base in 1938, built to support the United Kingdom’s expanding air defense needs before World War II. The base’s original mission centered on training and operational support for RAF bomber squadrons, and it featured three runways plus a range of support facilities.
During World War II, the base hosted several RAF and USAAF units, including the 96th Bombardment Group, which used Croughton as a satellite airfield. The base played a key role in the Allied air campaign by providing a launch point for bombing missions over Europe.
After the war, RAF Croughton transitioned to a communications and logistics hub. In the early Cold War, the United States Air Force took over operations, shifting the base’s focus to communications and intelligence. The site expanded significantly, including the construction of advanced communications infrastructure.
Today, RAF Croughton serves as a major communications center for the USAF in Europe. It supports global defense operations, secure communications, and intelligence sharing between the US and its NATO allies, remaining a vital link in transatlantic military coordination.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul Moga, Third Air Force commander, poses with leaders from the 501st Combat Support Wing (CSW) on RAF Croughton, March 18, 2025. The visit provided a comprehensive look at the 501st CSW’s operations, showcasing the dedication of Airmen across all units and...
Major Units
422nd Air Base Group
Provides installation support, communications, security, and operational support for U.S. and NATO missions at RAF Croughton. It ensures the base's infrastructure and services enable critical communications and intelligence operations.
501st Combat Support Wing
Serves as the parent wing for the 422nd Air Base Group and oversees support operations at multiple geographically separated units throughout the UK, ensuring mission readiness and sustainment.
Arrival & In-Processing
Duncan Fossey, 422nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter crew chief, smiles into the camera during the 501st Combat Support Wing Readiness Exercise 20-01 at RAF Croughton, England, Feb. 12, 2020. The exercise tested the wing’s preparedness and response capabilities to an emergency situation....
Welcome to RAF Croughton! Arriving at a new base is an exciting step, and being prepared will help your check-in go smoothly. Review the following steps to ensure you have everything you need for a successful arrival. For more detailed information, visit the official RAF Croughton website.
RAF Croughton's main gate is the primary entry point for all personnel and visitors. The main gate operates 24/7 to support arrivals at any hour. Be ready to show your Military ID or Common Access Card (CAC) at all times. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act for unescorted access. All vehicles are subject to 100% ID checks and may undergo random inspections as part of base security. If you are bringing family or visitors, they must be sponsored and obtain a pass at the Visitor Control Center. Always follow posted security instructions and cooperate with gate personnel for a safe entry experience.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Dependent/Family Member ID Cards
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates for dependents
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
RAF Croughton offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. Contact your gaining unit or the Military Personnel Flight to request a sponsor before your move. Your sponsor can answer questions, provide local information, and assist with in-processing.
In-processing at RAF Croughton takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the main gate for easy access. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday, 0800-1600. During in-processing, you will visit key offices such as Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical. Unit check-in is also required. Most newcomers complete in-processing within 2-3 business days, depending on documentation and scheduling.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the main gate at RAF Croughton. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 0700-1700. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorships. All visitors must check in here before entering the base.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Clifford Roberts, 325th Contracting Squadron contracting officer, and his family, pose for a photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 21, 2022. Roberts and his family recently moved into base housing after a permanent change of station to Tyndall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anabel Del Valle)
RAF Croughton, while located in the UK, is considered a CONUS installation for PCS purposes. Start your move by reviewing your official orders and contacting your base’s Transportation Office. Decide if you’ll use a Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY). Many families choose HHG for ease, but PPM offers more control and possible reimbursement if you stay under weight limits. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to schedule, track, and manage your move. This system is required for all DoD HHG and PPM moves.
Check your entitlements early. You may qualify for Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), which helps cover lodging while you wait for housing, and the Dislocation Allowance (DLA), which helps with upfront moving costs. Review allowances and rates to avoid surprises. RAF Croughton’s base support staff are familiar with CONUS-to-CONUS PCS rules and can answer questions specific to moves here. Contact your sponsor for local insights and arrival guidance.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early for local insights and smoother arrival.
- Keep orders, passports, and key documents with you during travel.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Take photos of high-value items before packing.
- Contact the Base Transportation Office for HHG shipment status updates.
- Plan pet travel and quarantine requirements well ahead.
- Review UK driving and electrical requirements before arrival.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to schedule and manage your move.
Official DoD site for per diem, TLE, and DLA rates.
Guidance, checklists, and support for all PCS moves.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance.
Official base information and newcomer resources.