DE&S Deca repairs critical USAF aircraft parts

Image courtesy DE&S

DE&S Deca has established itself as a forward repair hub for US Air Force capabilities in Europe. Components arrive at RAF Mildenhall before travelling to the North Wales facility for expert diagnosis, repair and reconditioning.

The initiative enables critical components used in C-130 Hercules and KC135 Stratotanker aircraft to be repaired locally rather than shipped back to the United States.

The project named ‘Atlantic Eagle’ has two pathways. Pathway Atlantic refers to these component repairs and reconditioning of US Air Force aircraft parts, while Eagle relates to test programme set (TPS) development including transportability between the UK MoD and US Air Force systems.

To date, the collaboration has delivered successful proof-of-concept repairs of 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. By keeping repairs in Europe, the US Air Force maintains higher aircraft availability rates while reducing operational costs.”

The project involved DE&S Deca colleagues working alongside US personnel, ensuring a collaborative approach in the development of repair capability as part of the transatlantic partnership.

Two DE&S Deca apprentices, Jack Vaughn and Jimmy Stanley-Bratley, have been instrumental in the project, demonstrating how plans for the Government’s growth agenda can create skilled opportunities in cutting-edge defence technology. Their work on complex radio system components and control units showcases the high-calibre expertise of colleagues working at the MoD site in Flintshire.

Jimmy Stanley-Bratley, DE&S Deca apprentice working on the project, said: “As a third-year apprentice recently joining the team, I was fortunate to be put on the Atlantic Eagle project. 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, especially getting to tap into their expertise and knowledge. It’s great to be part of helping to further the connection between the UK MoD and US Department of Defense.”



Above: Jimmy Stanley-Bratley DE&S Deca apprentice working on the project.
Courtesy DE&S

Earlier this year, a US Air Force Sustainment Centre delegation made a trip to DE&S Deca at MoD Sealand to inspect the repaired components firsthand during a positive technical observation visit which confirmed DE&S Deca as a regional repair capability.

Tiffany Williams, Atlantic Eagle Action Officer for the US Air Force Sustainment Center said: “Earlier this year, the US Air Force Sustainment Center conducted a site visit to DE&S Deca to assess repair capabilities for specific subassemblies to support the ongoing pilot programme. By approving DE&S Deca’s capability to conduct repairs at the subassembly level it now allows for repairs for pilot components to be accomplished at DE&S Deca without the need for AFSC support.”

The partnership began through a Memorandum of Understanding between US Lieutenant General Hawkins, Commander of the US Air Force Sustainment Centre (AFSC), Air Logistics Command and Vice Admiral Rick Thompson, Director General Air in 2024.

This innovative approach to Defence partnerships demonstrates how UK expertise supports allied operations, while creating valuable skills development opportunities for British workers in strategic industries.

Vice Admiral Andy Kyte CB FCILT, Chief of Defence Logistics & Support (CDLS) at Defence Support, said: “Atlantic Eagle exemplifies the very best of our transatlantic defence partnerships, demonstrating how UK expertise and innovation can directly enhance allied operational capability. By establishing DE&S Deca as a forward repair hub for critical US Air Force components, we’re not only reducing costs and improving aircraft availability for our American allies but we’re also showcasing the exceptional skills of our British workforce.

“This project proves that strategic collaboration can deliver tangible benefits for both nations while strengthening the foundations of our enduring defence relationship. As we expand this model through GENUS FALCON, we’re positioning the UK as a vital hub for allied sustainment operations across Europe.”

DE&S Deca is now working with the AFSC to deliver its Global Enterprise Network for Universal Sustainment (GENUS) Forward Air Logistics Complex Operational Node (Falcon) in Europe.

GENUS FALCON will subsume Atlantic activity, using lessons identified to expedite its implementation and plans to see DE&S Deca established as a regional repair hub for component repair in Europe for the US and NATO allies and Defence partners.