Det.2 MB USNAVACTSUK

• Unique Designation: Detachment 2, Military Base (Det.2 MB), US Naval Activities, United Kingdom (USNAVACTSUK) was a specialized unit under the US Navy’s operational control in the UK during the Cold War. • RAF Brawdy Location: Det.2 MB operated primarily out of RAF Brawdy in Pembrokeshire, Wales, an airfield originally built for the Royal Air Force and later used by the US Navy for anti-submarine warfare operations. • Role in the Cold War: The unit played a vital role in supporting US and NATO maritime patrol aircraft, notably the P-3 Orion, in tracking and deterring Soviet submarine activity in the North Atlantic. • Cooperation with the Royal Navy: Det.2 MB worked closely with British military forces, especially those at the nearby Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) and with RAF anti-submarine units. • Support to Operation Elint: The unit was involved in electronic intelligence (ELINT) missions, collecting signals intelligence on Soviet naval movements and communications. • Family and Community Life: American families stationed at RAF Brawdy formed a close-knit community, integrating with local Welsh culture and often participating in local events and schools. • Strategic Supply Hub: Det.2 MB acted as a vital logistics and resupply point for US Navy operations in the North Atlantic, supporting not only aircraft but also visiting US Navy ships. • Deactivation and Legacy: The unit was deactivated in the early 1990s as part of post-Cold War drawdowns, but its legacy remains honored in both US and UK military history. • Notable Visits: The site occasionally hosted visits from high-ranking US and NATO officers, as well as dignitaries interested in observing NATO’s maritime defense posture. • Preserved Memorabilia: Artifacts and memorabilia from Det.2 MB’s time at RAF Brawdy can still be found in local museums and are cherished by veterans who served there.