Cold War

When the United States Air Force (USAF) returned to RAF Wethersfield, several significant construction projects were undertaken to support the base’s operational requirements.

The main runway at RAF Wethersfield was extended and reinforced to accommodate the heavier and faster jets that the USAF was operating. This was necessary to support aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre

 Hardened aircraft shelters were constructed. These structures were designed to shield aircraft from bomb blasts and other forms of attack, ensuring that the base could maintain operational capability

RAF Wethersfield was equipped with special storage facilities for nuclear weapons. These were highly secure and included vaults and bunkers specifically designed  for the task.

Support buildings were constructed or upgraded to facilitate the operations of the USAF. This included maintenance hangars, fuel storage facilities, and administrative buildings. Additionally, housing and amenities for USAF personnel and their families were expanded.

The strategy behind arming U.S. Air Force F-100 Super Sabre fighters with nuclear weapons during the Cold War was part of a broader doctrine known as “tactical nuclear warfare.” This approach was designed to provide NATO forces with the capability to counteract a Soviet invasion of Western Europe by using smaller, battlefield-level nuclear weapons rather than relying solely on strategic, long-range nuclear missiles. NATO aimed to deter Soviet aggression by demonstrating that they could respond to any level of threat, from conventional to nuclear.

The tactical nuclear bombs carried by the F-100s, such as the Mark 7 or later the B43 nuclear bomb, were designed for specific, limited targets rather than widespread destruction. This allowed for more precise attacks, which could theoretically minimize collateral damage and escalation to a broader nuclear conflict.

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) has had a significant presence in the UK, during the Cold War, with various protests and demonstrations at military bases like RAF Wethersfield. The presence of American nuclear weapons at such bases often attracted CND protests. Media coverage during this period was influenced by the broader geopolitical tension between the West and the Soviet Union.

The demonstrations at RAF Wethersfield received varying degrees of media attention. While some national newspapers covered the events, local media in Essex provided more detailed accounts of the protests. Coverage often focused on the number of participants, the involvement of prominent figures in the peace movement, and the response from military and law enforcement.The U.S. Air Force (USAF) at Wethersfield employed several strategies to influence public opinion. These efforts were part of a broader campaign to counter the growing anti-nuclear sentiment in the UK and maintain public support for the American military presence. and the nuclear policies of the United States and NATO during a period of intense Cold War tensionsThis included hosting open days at the base, community events, and fostering relationships with local officials and the media.