"These EIC [European Infrastructure Consolidation] actions will also generate efficiencies by reducing excess or outdated infrastructure that our host nations can benefit from having returned," Wright said.
On Thursday, the US Department of Defense announced the so-called European Infrastructure Consolidation Actions, envisaging the review of US forces and facilities in Europe.
The Pentagon spokesperson added that the EIC process was designed to "absolutely minimize operational and force structure impacts on the US military and our [US] allies in Europe."
According to the Pentagon’s statement, the restructuring will allow the US government to save $500 million annually.
Royal Air Force (RAF) Mildenhall will be the largest base to be closed and transferred to the UK command. Some 3,200 US personnel from the base will be re-stationed elsewhere.
At the same time, according to the the Defense Department's Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations & Environment John Conger, the move will be "partially offset by the addition of about 1,200 personnel that will support the F-35s being stationed in RAF Lakenheath."
MT @HQUSAFEPA: RAF Lakenheath selected to host first F-35s in USAFE. http://t.co/gBHs3PRqCT #F35 #ForwardReadyNow pic.twitter.com/X3YUAo4OnZ
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) 8 января 2015
The stationing of F-35s, single-engine advanced fighter planes combining air-to-ground and air-to-air operational capability with stealth technology, in the United Kingdom in 2020 also falls within the guidelines of the EIC.
