RAF Forward Operating Base San Carlos (Site)

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Established by 28th of May 1982 by Royal Engineers, Forward Operating Base (FOB) San Carlos (also called HMS/RNAS Sheathbill & RAF Port San Carlos) was a wartime-built airstrip designed to support the operation of Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and British Army fixed and rotary-wing aircraft operations. Constructed on the site of an existing grass airstrip, the FOB's runway, taxiways and pads were constructed out of AM2 aluminium runway matting, pierced steel planking (PSP), Class 30 trackway, bomb damage repair matting and even MEXE Pads over a six-day period and accepted its first helicopter landings on June 2nd.

With its runway reaching 230m/755ft and proving to be just long enough to accomodate RN and RAF Harriers on patrol over San Carlos Water, the airfield began regular Harrier support operations on June 5th, 1982 when the first RN Harriers landed to be refueled. Though the FOB lacked its intended capability to rearm and battle-repair all of the British aviation assets operating in the Falklands at the time, its use as a refueling station contributed heavily to the establishment of British air superiority over combat areas as its presence allowed Harriers to extend their effective mission times from 10 minutes on scene to nearly an hour.

Operational through the end of the Falkland War and for the months immediately following as RAF Stanley was repaired, the FOB was shut down and its infrastructure removed in 1984, allowing it to revert to a civilian grass airstrip.

Further information and pictures of the FOB:
www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2012/04/harrier-forward-operatin...