Former Air Force Specialist Identifies UK Areas to Avoid in Potential Conflict

A former US Air Force nuclear protection specialist has identified three locations in the UK that should be avoided in the event of a global conflict. This warning follows heightened tensions stemming from recent statements made by Russian officials regarding the potential for nuclear warfare. As geopolitical anxieties rise, the implications for the UK could be significant.

Gene Sticco, who served as a nuclear protection specialist in the Air Force, shared his insights during an interview. Sticco’s experience includes responsibilities for safeguarding US Air Force personnel, aircraft, and nuclear weapon systems. He has been awarded the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with ‘N’ Device and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant before his discharge in 1991.

Sticco emphasized the importance of staying away from areas with military significance. He specifically pointed out that individuals should avoid locations near US and NATO facilities, as well as key military centers including Telford, Plymouth, and the South East and South West regions of England.

When asked to highlight the most likely targets in the event of an assault, he stated, “Naval centres – this is the UK’s strength and lifeline. Strike at Plymouth and Barrow-in-Furness.” Plymouth is home to HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in the UK, while Barrow-in-Furness is the only site capable of designing and constructing nuclear submarines for the Royal Navy at the BAE Systems Submarine Solutions shipyard.

The backdrop to these warnings involves a recent declaration by Major General of Aviation Vladimir Popov, a prominent Russian military figure. Speaking to the Russian newspaper Moskovskij Komsomolets, Popov underscored the potential consequences of deploying Storm Shadow missiles by NATO. He indicated that operational planning for significant strikes is currently underway, stating, “If a military officer makes such statements, it means operational planning is already underway.”

Popov cautioned that the use of such missiles could escalate to a full-scale conflict. “We could be talking about planning a massive or group strike on Russian territory,” he noted. He also warned that any state considering an attack, including Poland, Romania, or Germany, could inadvertently trigger World War 3.

Sticco’s insights are particularly timely, as global tensions continue to evolve. He plans to share more of his experiences in the oil and gas industry in an upcoming memoir titled UNCONVENTIONAL – A true story of oil, intelligence and consequence, scheduled for release on December 9, 2023.

As the world grapples with potential threats, the advice from experienced military personnel like Gene Sticco serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers of modern warfare. The implications of such conflicts extend beyond borders, affecting countless lives and altering the course of nations.