In Afghanistan, for instance, analysts at the base used the VSAT surveillance to help track down suspected members of the Taliban, which led to approximately 30 enemy killed during one series of attacks that were mentioned in a top-secret July 2011 report. Stratford has previously warned that if British officials have facilitated covert U.S. drone strikes outside of declared war zones, they could even be implicated in murder. According to top-secret documents obtained by The. Add office telephone number 262-7886 (01423 777886) For more information about your OHA and MIHA, visit the Defense Travel Management Office website. [14] At the time, eight radomes were now present at Menwith Hill, connecting it with other sites in the NSA's satellite communications network and alleged to allow the surveillance of communications in foreign countries. Members should use HEAT when preparing to transfer to their new assignment. The MHO can assist you by: The base's multimillion-pound expansion, Project Phoenix, is "one of the largest and most sophisticated high technology programs carried out anywhere in the UK over the last 10 years". Our programs include activities as diverse and challenging as membership clubs, bowling centers, family care facilities (youth, infant, and child), lodging . The terminal was swiftly located, and within an hour an MQ-9 Reaper drone was dispatched to the area, presumably to launch an airstrike. Any reference to satellites being operated or any connection to intelligence gathering is strictly prohibited.. It was also expanded. [26][27], Extension of the site means that it now covers 605 acres (245ha). It now appears that this was far from the truth.. Housing Early Assistance Tool (HEAT)creates an easy on-line experience to connect you, the Service Member, with your future destination and offers an on-line venue to obtain housing assistance prior to a PCS transfer. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. TLA is an entitlement to partially . The NSA National Security Agency decided to take over the base. [17], On 19 February 1996, the station was renamed RAF Menwith Hill, an administrative change to align the base with other sites made available to the United States by the United Kingdom. But Menwith Hill is focused on a different kind of surveillance: eavesdropping on communications as they are being transmitted through the air. [18], Planning permission was granted in August 2019 for the construction of three new radomes at the site, bringing the total number to thirty-seven. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Initially named Field Station 8613, the site was renamed 13th USASA Field Station on 1 January 1957 and again renamed on 1 January 1959, as Menwith Hill Station. The 70s saw a new round of updates. A U.S. Air Force spokesperson told the military newspaper Stars and Stripes that the decision was based on technological advances, which he declined to discuss, though he mentioned improvements in server capacity to the hardware that were using; were doing more with less., The documents provided by Snowden shine light on some of the specific technological changes. [9], Construction of the station on behalf of the United States Army Security Agency (USASA) began in April 1956. Jemima Stratford QC, a leading British human rights lawyer, told The Intercept that there were serious questions to be asked and serious arguments to be made about the legality of the lethal operations aided from Menwith Hill. Menwith Hill school to close within two years | Stars and Stripes [29], The US Air Force's 421st Air Base Squadron provides Menwith Hill with base and mission support services. - Assisting in establishing utility services [7] Security at the station was provided by a US Army military police detachment and the British Air Ministry Constabulary. Only a few specific examples are given, but those cases give a remarkable insight into the extraordinary power of the technology. Find all the transport options for your trip from Hatton Cross Underground Station to RAF Menwith Hill right here. Copyright 1998 MilitaryBases.com Not affiliated with any government agencies. RAF Menwith Hill - Air Force Housing Store Phone: 01423 777759/777758. Retrieved 18 April 2020. But the lethal use of the surveillance data does not appear to have been restricted to conventional war zones such as Afghanistan or Iraq. Civilian Personnel: Directory - Royal Air Force Mildenhall Menwith Hill eavesdropping base undergoes massive expansion The NSAs documents describe GHOSTHUNTER as a means to locate targets when they log onto the internet. It was first developed in 2006 as the only capability of its kind and it enabled a significant number of capture-kill operations against alleged terrorists. The site acts as a ground station for a number of satellites operated by the US National Reconnaissance Office,[3] on behalf of the US National Security Agency, with antennae contained in a large number of highly distinctive white radomes, and is alleged to be an element of the ECHELON system.[4]. Transfer to the National Security Agency (1966 1996), US Army Intelligence and Security Command, Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, Temporary Committee on the ECHELON Interception System, United States Air Force in the United Kingdom, "Unknown territory: America's secret archipelago of UK bases", "Technology led to decision to cut Menwith Hill personnel", "Interception Of Communications - Hansard", "Menwith Hill Station (Hansard, 12 July 1995)", "RAF Menwith Hill (Hansard, 13 May 1996)", "BT condemned for listing cables to US sigint station", "Spanning the GlobeMisawa to Menwith Hill: Part 1", "Lifting the Lid on Menwith Hill: The Strategic Roles & Economic Impact of the US Spy Base in Yorkshire", "Menwith Hill eavesdropping base undergoes massive expansion", "GCHQ intercepted foreign politicians' communications at G20 summit", "Spy base 'golf ball' radar shelters approved", "Report on Planning Application 19/02389/FUL", "Spy base plans for extra radar antenna shelters", "RAF Menwith Hill:Written question - 112002", "The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Designated Sites) Order 2005", "Report on the existence of a global system for the interception of private and commercial communications (ECHELON interception system)", "Menwith Hill - The Campaign of Opposition", "From Greenham to Menwith: The women's peace campaign at Menwith Hill", "Menwith Hill protests continue for second day", "Why has the US base at Menwith Hill created such a political storm? Yet the British government has steadfastly refused to comment, citing a longstanding policy not to discuss matters related to national security. Housing Allowance Calculator Find BAH, PCS, TLA, & ETS Military Housing near Hill AFB. Featured Links There is always a good selection of rental homes in local towns and villages. S-1702-02/03/04* School Age Program Assistant: RAF MENWITH HILL POSITIONS ONLY Must be over 18 and be able to read, write and speak English fluently and must meet qualification standards. [34], On 1 April 2006, RAF Menwith Hill was designated as a protected site for the purposes of Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. The World's Most Secret Places: RAF Menwith Hill, England Before purchasing your insurance, please consult the MHO for more information about coverage. It is said to be the widest and most important monitoring site in the world. A plan for extra radar shelters at Menwith Hill communications and intelligence base have been approved. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, United States Air Force in the United Kingdom, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6916262.stm, "Lifting the Lid on Menwith Hill: The Strategic Roles & Economic Impact of the US Spy Base in Yorkshire", http://www.natowatch.org/sites/default/files/liftingthelid.pdf, "Menwith Hill eavesdropping base undergoes massive expansion", http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/01/menwith-hill-eavesdropping-base-expansion, "Occupy 'spy base': UK activists cry espionage over US surveillance center", http://rt.com/news/protesters-occupy-menwith-base-429/, "GCHQ intercepted foreign politicians' communications at G20 summit", http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jun/16/gchq-intercepted-communications-g20-summits, http://www.duncancampbell.org/menu/journalism/newstatesman/newstatesman-1988/They%27ve%20got%20it%20taped.pdf.+Retrieved, "Report on the existence of a global system for the interception of private and commercial communications (ECHELON interception system)", http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+REPORT+A5-2001-0264+0+DOC+PDF+V0//EN&language=EN, http://www.cyber-rights.org/interception/stoa/interception_capabilities_2000.htm.+Retrieved, http://www.nickyhager.info/secret-power-new-zealands-role-in-the-international-spy-network/, "Menwith Hill - The Campaign of Opposition", "From Greenham to Menwith: The women's peace campaign at Menwith Hill", http://www.thefword.org.uk/features/2003/09/from_greenham_to_menwith_the_womens_peace_campaign_at_menwith_hill, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1422426.stm, "Menwith Hill protests continue for second day", http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/jul/04/3, "Why has the US base at Menwith Hill created such a political storm? School Information The expansion of the capability to the other bases meant that it now had near-global coverage. But Menwith Hill remained its most important surveillance site. Menwith Hills unique ability to track down satellite devices across the world at times placed it on the front line of conflicts thousands of miles away. Menwith Hill See Stores Near You. "In response to the heightened risk of terrorist activity in the wake of 9/11, security regulations for both UK and US military operations have been tightened considerably.". Rapporteur Gerhard Schmid (11 July 2001). It is not clear precisely how many communications Menwith Hill is capable of tapping into at any one time, but the NSAs documents indicate the number is extremely large. An individual involved in passing that information is likely to be an accessory to murder., GCHQ refused to answer questions for this story, citing a long standing policy that we do not comment on intelligence matters. A spokesperson for the agency issued a generic statement asserting that all of GCHQs work is carried out in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework, which ensures that our activities are authorised, necessary and proportionate, and that there is rigorous oversight. The spokesperson insisted that U.K.s interception regime is entirely compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.. Once known only by the code name Field Station 8613, the secret base now called Menwith Hill Station is located about nine miles west of the small town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire. Intercepted conversations were recorded on Ampex tape recorders, Bird noted in his published 1997 account, with some transcribed by analysts in real-time using typewriters. Serving RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Menwith Hill, RAF Mildenhall and Stavanger, Norway. Local Weather Local Community Schools are available, Support Services In the late 1980s, international communication networks were revolutionized by new fiber-optic undersea cables. RAF Menwith Hill Air Force Housing Welcome to RAF Menwith Hill Housing The Military Housing Office (MHO) is ready to support you in the transition to your new home and community. Thats the basis of our Parliament, its the basis of our whole democratic system. It hosts a few massive satellite grounds, not to mention about some missile warning services. [24], During the 2009 G-20 London Summit NSA intercept specialists based at Menwith Hill attempted to target and decode the encrypted telephone calls of the Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. Over the last years, the hate towards the Americans reached new limits, as many demonstrators stormed the fence around the military bases. Royal Air Force Menwith Hill or more simply RAF Menwith Hill is a Royal Air Force station near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England which provides communications and intelligence support. At the same time, the garrison hosted here is the 451-st Intelligence Squadron. Who would hold party elites accountable to the values they proclaim to have? The MHO provides up-to-date listings of available economy units, translation services, and landlord/tenant mediation. Read about our approach to external linking. When you arrive in the UK your sponsor should show you around the area and help you find local realtor services. On 18 October 2008 the unit, under the command of a Lieutenant Colonel, was re-designated as the 307th Military Intelligence Battalion, subordinate to the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade headquartered at Wiesbaden, Germany. Plans submitted to Harrogate Borough Council would see major changes to the entrance, The listening base plays a role in US and UK intelligence gathering. Below is a list of installations that are supported by the Automated Housing Referral Network. This mission protects our nation and others around the world.. Although the American influence in the area was always pretty important, the natives have never agreed with such bases on their territories. Both units operate in a very tight collaboration to fulfill the mission of the base. Where will my children go to school at my new location? The other two sites are located in America and Australia, having similar roles and working together with RAF Menwith Hill to develop knowledge around American, British and Australian interests. Contact the MHO as soon as you know you are moving. [Menwith Hill] still supplies about 99% of the FORNSAT data used in GHOSTHUNTER geolocations, noted a January 2008 document about the program. HQ Air Force Housing has successfully implemented HEAT across the AF Enterprise so members can reach out to installations when preparing for transition. Michael Cook/RAF/PA Wire. In February 2014, the U.S. Department of Defense announced after a review that it was planning to reduce personnel at Menwith Hill by 2016, with about 500 service members and civilians set to be removed from the site. Leeds Station to RAF Menwith Hill - Rome2rio Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. See Furnishings Management for a list of the Duration of Tour Items available. Use the resources provided to become familiar with the housing options and support services available to you. "[10] During the early 1970s, the first of what became more than eight large satellite communications dishes were installed at Menwith Hill. Rome2rio makes travelling from RAF Menwith Hill to Harrogate easy. The cheapest way to get from Queensway Underground Station to RAF Menwith Hill costs only 70, and the quickest way takes just 3 hours. [4], The site acts as a ground station for a number of satellites operated by the US National Reconnaissance Office,[5] on behalf of the NSA, with antennas contained in numerous distinctive white radomes, locally referred to as "the golf balls", and is alleged to be an element of the ECHELON system.[6]. What is clear, however, is that the base has targeted countries such as Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia as part of location-tracking programs like GHOSTHUNTER and GHOSTWOLF which were created to help pinpoint individuals so they could be captured or killed suggesting it has played a part in drone strikes in these countries. There are only 10 RAF personnel at Menwith Hill but there are around 1,000 US military and civilian personnel. The files reveal for the first time how the NSA has used the British base to aid a significant number of capture-kill operations across the Middle East and North Africa, fueled by powerful eavesdropping technology that can harvest data frommore than 300 million emails and phone calls a day. "It seems likely that its name is in fact ECHELON." The selection includes modern properties on housing estates, in apartment blocks or old cottages and conversions of older buildings like barns. Investigations found that during the early 1960s, Menwith Hill was integrated into the General Post Office's microwave relay network known as 'Backbone', via a high-capacity underground cable link to the Hunters Stones communications tower, located approximately 3 miles (4.8km) to the south of the station. RAF Menwith Hill: 01638 544138: RAF Mildenhall: 01638 545704 01638 544138 01638 543071 01638 543074: Stavanger: 01638 543074: Support Team : 01638 543540: Allowances: 01638 546101 01638 543065: Local National Direct Hire (LNDH) EMAIL APPLICATIONS TO: 01638 545036 01638 542677 01638 542292 01638 543662 100fss.fsmc3@mildenhall.af.mil: The NSA referred a request for comment to the Director of National Intelligences office. We route it sometimes to the UK and sometimes to the US". Below is a list of installations that are supported by the Automated Housing Referral Network. The Intercept is an independent nonprofit news outlet. The base is in an area of outstanding natural beauty (but officially left out in the early 1990s despite some of us trying to include it! Hidden away for years, Britons have until now never had the thrill of seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the intelligence world. Menwith Hill is eight miles west of Harrogate on the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales, known for its distinctive large white golf ball domes housing radar equipment. The MHO will assist you every step of the way to help you find your new home in the local community. [17][18] and to demands in 2007 from Labour MPs for a full debate about missile defence and Menwith Hill. Personal Property Insurance These cables were capable of transmitting over 100,000 phone calls simultaneously. [21] Notwithstanding, the US Army retained a presence and in place of the 109th Military Intelligence Group, INSCOM formed a provisional battalion designated as the Menwith Hill Battalion (Provisional). 44 Raf Menwith Hill Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 44 Raf Menwith Hill Premium High Res Photos Browse 44 raf menwith hill photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. How many covert wars, miscarriages of justice, and dystopian technologies would remain hidden if our reporters werent on the beat? For years, Reprieve and others have sought clarification from the British government about the role of U.K. bases in the U.S. covert drone program, which has killed large numbers of civilians in countries where we are not at war, she told The Intercept. Though the base is officially called RAF Menwith Hill, most of the staff there are US employees of the NSA. According to documents lodged by the MoD the proposed additions are "required to meet the operational output of the station". Situated right at the hub of Britain's world-beating telecommunications system, Menwith Hill is one of the secret treasures of American heritage. [18], In 1995, the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) became the executive agent for Menwith Hill on behalf of the National Security Agency. The revelations are yet another example of the unacceptable level of secrecy that surrounds U.K. involvement in the U.S. targeted killing program, Kat Craig, legal director of London-based human rights group Reprieve, told The Intercept. Read about our approach to external linking. [43], Objections to the Strategic Defense Initiative have led to demonstrators storming the perimeter fence,[44][45] and to demands in 2007 from Labour MPs for a full debate about missile defence and Menwith Hill. The Committee raised concerns about the incompatibility of the interception of private and commercial communications with the fundamental right to respect for private life (Article 8 of the ECHR). The site contains an extensive satellite ground station and is a communications intercept and missile warning site. [40], On 3 November 1999, the BBC reported that they had confirmation from the Australian Government of the existence of a powerful "global spying network" codenamed Echelon, that can eavesdrop on every single phone call, fax or e-mail, anywhere on the planet" with Britain and the United States as the chief protagonists. Hamilton, who represents the Labour Party, has doggedly attempted to find out basic information about the base, asking the government at least 40 parliamentary questions since 2010 about its activities. NSA/USAF Menwith Hill | Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign In another case in 2007, GHOSTHUNTER was used to identify an alleged al Qaeda weapons procurer in Iraq named Abu Sayf. California king size bed. Snowden Documents Reveal NSA's Quiet Presence at Base in England This visit is necessary to obtain housing, verify your eligibility for Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA), and receive counseling and guidance before entering into any written lease or rental/sales contract for housing.