Upwood Clinic Closing

The Defense Department is closing the Air Force clinic at RAF Upwood, England, and plans to return it to the British government late this year, announced Pentagon officials on Oct. 10. This move is part of DOD’s efforts to divest unessential holdings within the US European Command area of responsibility; it will enable US Air Forces in Europe to realize efficiency and cost savings, states DOD’s release. Operated by the 423rd Medical Squadron, the Upwood clinic provided general medical, dental, and prenatal/gynecological care to service members—and their families—stationed at Upwood and nearby RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth. Its return “will have no impact on military operations in Europe,” and will result in “estimated annual savings of $554,000,” states the release. Officials plan to offer the 57 US personnel and four host-nation employees staffing the site the opportunity to transfer to the Air Force’s clinic at Alconbury.