RAF Wittering News

RAF Wittering Reservists Train For Coronavirus Testing

Royal Air Force Reservists from 504 Squadron at RAF Wittering have been training with 7 Brigade at Kendrew Barracks to support testing for the Coronavirus.

Setting up the testing station
Setting up the testing station
Image By: Garry Fox Army Communications

The team from RAF Wittering’s Reserve Squadron spent two days in wet conditions learning how to set up a mobile testing unit and safely test members of the public for the Coronavirus. It was a significant change for 504 Squadron, whose primary role is the recruitment, training and deployment of RAF drivers, chefs, technicians and suppliers.

The team sets up the testing station
The team sets up the testing station
Image By: Garry Fox Army Communications

Beginning in the classroom, the two-day course was a powerful learning experience. Practical exercises were involved; learning how to filter traffic, the correct use of personal protective equipment, culminating in a complete run-through of how a mobile testing unit is set up and run.

SAC Amy Partridge from 504 Squadron fitting her face mask
SAC Amy Partridge from 504 Squadron fitting her face mask
Image By: Garry Fox Army Communications

In his day job, Andy Fretwell is a Civil Servant with No 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron at RAF Wittering. As a Reservist, he is a Corporal supplier with 504 Squadron.

Corporal Fretwell said: “The priority was making sure that everyone was safe; ourselves and the people we would be testing. We also had to learn some reassurance techniques so that nobody felt rushed and could easily ask for help if they need to.”

Corporal Andy Fretwell from 504 Squadron
Corporal Andy Fretwell from 504 Squadron
Image By: Garry Fox Army Communications

504 Squadron is one of four Reserve squadrons in the RAF's A4 Force. The others are 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron based at RAF Cosford, 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron and 4624 (County of Oxford) Squadron both based at RAF Brize Norton.

A member of the team during a run through
A member of the team during a run through
Image By: Garry Fox Army Communications

Sqn Ldr Andy Ham is Officer Commanding 504 Squadron. He said: “As a Royal Air Force Reservist you have to be adaptable and ready to quickly learn new skills. It’s one of the key characteristics we look for in our recruits and we can see it action as our team learnt how to run a testing unit.”

A member of the team directs a vehicle during a run through
A member of the team directs a vehicle during a run through
Image By: Garry Fox Army Communications

In an ironic historical twist, the training was a trip down memory lane for some of 504’s Reservists. Before arriving at RAF Wittering, the Squadron was previously based at RAF Cottesmore, now called Kendrew Barracks and home of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Group Captain Jo Lincoln is Station Commander at RAF Wittering and Commanding Officer of the A4 Force Elements. She said: “I am so proud of our Reservists. Running a mobile testing unit safely requires discipline, thoughtfulness, and an ability to reassure and relate to the people who are being tested. I know they will do a great job.”

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