Welcome to the Community
We have provided the information on this page as a courtesy. Please be in regular contact with your employer and/or sponsor to be sure you are following the most current procedures. We ask you and/or your sponsor bring you by our office, located on the ground floor of bldg. 671 to sign up for Base Newcomer’s Orientation.
Newcomer Orientation
This orientation is MANDATORY for military members and civilian personnel. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend. Held biweekly in bldg 685 (Community Center) on scheduled Thursdays, and starts at 0745.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Please contact M&FRC to sign-up:
DSN: 268-3557
COMM: 01480843557
EMAIL: 423fss.dpf@us.af.mil
Online Registration
Housing
The base Housing Office offers mandatory briefings twice a week.
Contact the Housing Office at
COMM: 44-1480-843518
DSN 314-268-3518
423ces.housing@us.af.mil
Find out about available off base housing visit the links below.
www.homes.mil (works from Gov’t computers)
www.rightmove.com
Schools
The School Liaison contact information is schoolliaison.alconbury@us.af.mil or
DSN: 268-3232 COMM: 01480843232
Find out more information on base schools with the links below:
Driving in the UK and Fuel Cards
The proctored test will be given by Safety at the Community Activity Center (CAC), bldg 685, on RAF Alconbury every Wednesday and is on a first come, first serve basis (NO APPOINTMENTS).
Please arrive at the CAC at 0800. Doors will close at 0820 with no admittance after that time. Please visit the provided link to review the British Highway Code book before taking the test: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code.
Please contact the Safety office at DSN: 268-3837 or COMM: 01480-843837 for any further questions or needed information.
Getting Here
GETTING TO ALCONBURY
Here are three major airports in London:
- Heathrow Airport-79.3 miles from base
- Gatwick Airport-112 miles from base
- Stansted Airport-48.3 miles from base
TRAVEL BY TUBE AND TRAIN
The nearest train station to Alconbury is in Huntingdon. From the airports, you may take the London underground to King’s Cross station, then take the train to Huntingdon.
Pets
Find out more information on bringing your pet to the UK.
www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PCSingwithPets/
Information for pet travel following Brexit (March 29, 2019):
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pet-travel-to-europe-after-brexit
UK Visa
For more information about sponsorships, visas, passports, please contact the following email 423fss.csscommanderssupportstaff@us.af.mil or you can also visit Mildenhall Passport and Visa Information.
Sponsorship
Your sponsor is the key to your successful PCS and should be your first stop for information concerning travel to RAF Alconbury. They have information on local transportation modes that can save you valuable time and hassle upon arrival in London. Be sure to contact them for assistance and keep them informed of your travel plans.
Your assigned squadron at RAF Alconbury will appoint you a sponsor. If the sponsor does not contact you directly, you may have to obtain the contact information through the gaining squadron’s orderly room, or your local orderly room.
The sponsor is the point of contact for obtaining information and is there to assist you in getting settled here in England. You can direct any question you wish to your sponsor.
Keep in mind that when a sponsor is assigned to an active duty member with a family, they do not only sponsor the active duty member, they address the needs of the entire family including pets.
Your sponsor is responsible for obtaining a post office box for you to start redirecting your mail. Your sponsor will need a copy of your orders to do so. If for some reason you would like to or need to secure one yourself, you can email a copy of your orders to 423s.scxm@us.af.mil, from your official email address.
Tip: During your outbound briefings inquire about how to get reimbursed for mailing items.
Your sponsor should also make Lodging arrangements for you. If they don’t or you want to confirm that they have, simply contact the Lodging Office at DSN: 314-268-6000 or COMM: 01490946000 . You can make reservations up to a year in advance and lodging does not require a copy of orders.
If you are not able to stay on base then the Lodging Office has a list of off-base establishments. If you must stay off base then make sure to obtain a non-availability slip from the Lodging Office. This will ensure that Finance will reimburse you.
Make certain that your off-base Temporary Lodging Facility is within your per diem rate by visiting Per Diem Calculator. This site will also provide you with information on your Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). The Finance Office can also supply you with these rates.
Your sponsor is there to help you, however we cannot stress enough how important it is to keep in contact with your sponsor and to make them aware of when you will be arriving. Sponsorship is a two-way street!
First-time sponsors and those who have not been trained as a sponsor during the past year must complete Electronic Sponsorship Application & Training (eSAT) sponsorship training.