RAF Croughton and RAF Fairford are active United States Air Force sites in England. RAF Croughton is near Brackley, while RAF Fairford is in Gloucestershire. This guide covers access, housing, schools, services, medical contacts, and arrival tips.

Base Overview

Official name RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Main phone number +44 (0)1280 708000
Visitor Center phone +44 (0)1280 708877
Official website 501st Combat Support Wing

Location and Directions

RAF Croughton is near Brackley in Northamptonshire, about 20 miles north of Oxford and 70 miles northwest of London. RAF Fairford is about 47 miles southwest of RAF Croughton in Gloucestershire.

Sponsors may be able to arrange airport transportation. Travelers should coordinate transportation details with their sponsor before arrival.

Visitor Information

Visitors without military identification, Department of Defense civilian or contractor identification, or an active installation access pass must enter through the visitor control center. At RAF Croughton, the Pass and ID office is open Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1200 and 1300 to 1600 at +44 (0)1280 708611. It can also be reached at 422sfs.s5p@us.af.mil.

The RAF Croughton Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 0700 to 1200 and 1300 to 1400 at +44 (0)1280 708877. Eligible sponsors may sponsor up to four visitors for up to 30 days, subject to visitor-control rules. Confirm current access rules before traveling.

Housing and Lodging

Government housing is available through the RAF Croughton Military Housing Office. Housing areas include RAF Croughton, RAF Bicester, and Caversfield. Eligibility and availability depend on a person’s status and assignment. The office is open Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1500, closing from 1200 to 1300, at +44 (0)1280 708951 or 422ces.ceih@us.af.mil.

Temporary lodging is available at Shepherd's Rest Inn. The phone number is +44 (0)1280 708394. The inn is open Monday through Friday from 0700 to 1600 and is closed on weekends and holidays. Housing guidance says not to bring American-size refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, or washers and dryers because appliances are provided during the tour.

Facilities and Services

RAF Croughton has the main support services used by personnel at both sites. RAF Fairford personnel use RAF Croughton for available installation services.

Service or unit Location or detail
Military and Family Readiness Relocation, financial readiness, employment help, and information and referral
Commissary and exchange Available through installation support services
Education Center Education counseling and testing services
Other support Finance, legal, communications, civil engineering, security forces, and visitor control

Schools and Childcare

There is no Department of Defense Education Activity school at RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, or RAF Welford. Children may attend an off-installation British private or state school, or be homeschooled. The Non-Department of Defense Schools Program may provide funding support.

The School Liaison office can help families with school questions at +44 (0)1280 708097 or 422abg.sloschoolliaisoncroughton@us.af.mil, Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1630. Families may ask the Child Development Center about PCS childcare at +44 (0)1280 708420; eligibility and space should be confirmed directly.

Medical Services

The 422nd Medical Squadron is based at RAF Croughton. The Health Benefits Advisor can be reached at +44 (0)1280 708303, Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1600.

The reviewed information does not provide a full current list of clinic services, appointment steps, or emergency-care arrangements. Contact the installation before relying on the clinic for a specific need.

Recreation and Amenities

Morale, Welfare and Recreation services are available through the installation support structure, but programs and hours may change. Military and Family Readiness also offers relocation help, financial-readiness support, employment assistance, information and referral, and related family programs.

Things to Know

  • Personnel moving to the United Kingdom must travel in civilian clothing.
  • The United Kingdom uses pound sterling.
  • Coordinate airport transportation with your sponsor.
  • A local conditions course and test are required for personnel driving in the United Kingdom.
  • Do not bring American cordless devices that do not meet United Kingdom or European frequency rules.
  • RAF Fairford has limited independent support services compared with RAF Croughton.
  • Active-duty personnel must report to the Unit Military Personnel Flight in Building 201 on their first duty day.
  • New arrivals should report to the RAF Croughton Housing Office within two duty days.
  • Access rules and operating information can change, so confirm details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What branch operates RAF Croughton and RAF Fairford?

Both sites are supported by the United States Air Force.

Where is RAF Croughton?

RAF Croughton is near Brackley in Northamptonshire, about 20 miles north of Oxford.

Where do RAF Fairford personnel get installation services?

RAF Fairford personnel use RAF Croughton for available installation services.

Is there a DoDEA school at either site?

No. There is no DoDEA school at RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, or RAF Welford.

Who can help with housing?

The RAF Croughton Military Housing Office can help with government housing questions at +44 (0)1280 708951.