One of the two lines was later turned over for the use of Tornado aircraft.
About 50 Tornado aircraft, both the attack and defence versions.
He was a pilot - flying the Tornado aircraft - and served in the 1991 Gulf War.
The spokesman said the cuts were required because of the British Government's recent cancellation of an order for 33 Tornado aircraft.
Then there was a loud roar in the sky as a Tornado aircraft flew over in tribute.
The Tornado aircraft is expected to remain in service until at least 2025.
British contributions to the multinational force, officials in London said, would include Tornado aircraft and several ships, but probably not any infantry units.
The first contingent of Tornado aircraft arrived at Holloman in March 1996.
British public support for the war has not yet been weakened by the relatively losses suffered by its Tornado aircraft in the conflict.
And Israel was unable to stop the sale of 72 Tornado aircraft to Riyadh.