Flintshire site becomes key repair hub for US Air Force in Europe
US Air Force operations across Europe are benefiting from faster and more cost-effective repairs of aircraft components through a partnership with DE&S Deca at MOD Sealand in Deeside.
DE&S Deca has become a forward repair hub for US Air Force capabilities, receiving components at RAF Mildenhall before transporting them to the Flintshire facility for expert diagnosis, repair, and reconditioning.
This initiative allows critical parts used in C-130 Hercules and KC135 Stratotanker aircraft to be repaired locally, avoiding shipment back to the United States.
Known as ‘Atlantic Eagle,’ the project has two parts: Pathway Atlantic focuses on repairing US Air Force aircraft components, while Pathway Eagle relates to test program set development and transportability between UK MOD and US systems.
So far, repairs have successfully included Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) System components and ARC164 radio transmitters.
Ian Doughty, Acting Chief Executive of DE&S Deca, said: “The Atlantic project represents a significant shift in military logistics, proving that regional expertise can deliver world-class results while strengthening international defence relationships.”
The project features collaboration between DE&S Deca staff and US personnel, highlighting the close partnership between the UK MOD and US Department of Defense.
Two DE&S Deca apprentices, Jack Vaughn and Jimmy Stanley-Bratley, have played key roles in the project.
Jimmy said: “The opportunity has been fantastic and being trained up on the TACANs has helped develop my skillset. Meeting the US team was a great experience… It’s great to be part of helping to further the connection between the UK MOD and US Department of Defense.”
Earlier in 2025, a US Air Force Sustainment Centre delegation visited the MOD Sealand site to assess repair capabilities, confirming DE&S Deca as a regional repair centre.
Tiffany Williams from the US Air Force Sustainment Center said: “By approving DE&S Deca’s capability to conduct repairs at the subassembly level, repairs can now be done at DE&S Deca without the need for AFSC support.”
The partnership began with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between senior UK and US defence leaders.
Vice Admiral Andy Kyte, Chief of Defence Logistics & Support, said: “Atlantic Eagle exemplifies the very best of our transatlantic defence partnerships… This project proves that strategic collaboration can deliver tangible benefits for both nations while strengthening the foundations of our enduring defence relationship.”
DE&S Deca is now working with the US Air Force Sustainment Centre on the Global Enterprise Network for Universal Sustainment (GENUS) Forward Air Logistics Complex Operational Node (Falcon) project. GENUS FALCON will expand the Atlantic Eagle model to make DE&S Deca a regional hub for US and NATO component repair across Europe.
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