Deployments to RAF Machrihanish are very rare, but when they do occur, it is usually something special. Within the last five years, there have only been three deployments to the base.

The first of these took place in the summer of 2001 for Operation Springbank. This consisted of members of the USAF Special Operations Group deploying on a two week long exercise. Aircraft deployed included 4xMH53 Pave Low helicopters, and these were supported by Combat Talons and Shadows who made regular flights up from their home station at RAF Mildenhall.

The next action the base seen was in July 2004, when eight RAF Harrier aircraft deployed from their home station of RAF Cottesmore. The aircraft were on an operational readiness exercise and taking part in the Joint Maritime Course, the largest multi national naval exercise in the world.

More recently, in September 2005, members of the 352nd Special Ooperations Group USAF deployed back to the base on an operational readiness exercise. This involved the full deployment of 3xMH53 Pave Low helicopters, 2xMC130 Combat Shadows and 1xMC130 Combat Talon and all crews and required equipment and personnel. The exact specifics of the exercise are unknown, but it is beleived that alot of night flying was conducted and parachute drops conducted.

Finally after several years of trying, including one failed parachute drop, we finally managed to aquire images of military hardware on the base. With rumours of more activity taking place within the next few months, no doubt another visit or two will be taking place.