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2d ago

U.S. C-17s and AC-130Js Mass at UK Bases After EUCOM Confirms Seizure of Venezuelan‑Linked Tanker

U.S. forces are staging heavy airlift in the UK following a court‑authorized seizure of the Venezuelan‑linked tanker Marinera.

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Left: MH-47G Chinook from the 160th SOAR (Image credit: U.S. Navy). Right: Panama-flagged tanker Centuries which was stopped and seized by U.S. forces in the Caribbean. (Image credit: Department of Homeland Security via Reuters). Composite illustration by The Aviationist.
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A C-17 Globemaster arrives in Suffolk

Overview

  • Plane‑spotter data and images show at least 14 C‑17 Globemasters and two AC‑130J Ghostriders at RAF Fairford, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath since Saturday.
  • Flight trackers indicate several C‑17s originated from Kentucky and Georgia, with some movements continuing to Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
  • U.S. European Command said the Marinera was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a U.S. federal court warrant after tracking by USCGC Munro.
  • Special‑operations activity has been observed in the UK, including fast‑rope drills with CV‑22B Ospreys at RAF Fairford, while reports of Night Stalkers‑linked helicopters in hangars remain unconfirmed.
  • The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on allied operations as surveillance aircraft from the U.S. and partners monitored the tanker’s route near northern UK waters.