After an illustrious career, serving both the regular and reserve Royal Air Force, spanning over 44 years, Number 501 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force recently had the honour of formally saying farewell to their Squadron Warrant Officer, Andy Machell.
Warrant Officer Machell joined the Royal Air Force in August 1980, serving in the Movements trade for 34 years, before transitioning from Regular to Full Time Reserve Service upon his 55th birthday. He then joined No. 501 RAuxAF Squadron upon its reformation as a Logistics Support Squadron providing specialist MT, Supply and Chef support. Andy officially exits the service on his 65th birthday having reached the maximum permissible age.
His impeccable service has seen him complete operational tours to Iraq during Op Granby and Op Telic, Kosovo and Afghanistan, both with the RAF and NATO. As well as postings to RAF Northolt, Lyneham, MOD London, Brampton, Brize Norton and Air Command, Andy has also served overseas in Decimomannu, Belize, Akrotiri and Calgary. For his professionalism, dedication and commitment, he has been formally recognised with a Meritorious Service Medal, a 3 Star Commendation, four 2 Star Commendations and a Lord Lieutenant of Oxford award for outstanding service to the RAF Reserves.
Warrant Officer Andy Machell:
“Having served 44 years and 8 months in the RAF, the latter 10 years in the RAF Reserve, this feels like writing my own eulogy! Along my journey it has been a huge privilege to have met some incredible people, some who have imparted skills and knowledge to me that, it is hoped was put to good use, and was used well. This information was used to impart in my colleagues and peers to help them in their careers.
"Helping others has been a great driver for me in my career and the reward was a huge amount of satisfaction, seeing people go from strength to strength. A great deal is owed to those people that have been in my career along the way. For those people I am eternally grateful. I leave 501 Squadron after 10 years with a heavy heart. However, that said, it is in very safe and capable hands. There is no doubt that with the skills and enthusiasm of the HQ Staff and the PTVRs, the Squadron will go from strength to strength. Onwards and upwards - Per Ardua Ad Astra.”
Warrant Officer Andy Machell
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