RAF Reserves Race to Support NHS in COVID Fight
Based at RAF Brize Norton, 4624 Squadron usually handles freight and passenger movements worldwide. But during the pandemic, this busy unit has switched gears fast. They mobilised 22 Reservists at short notice for Operation RESCRIPT, backing the NHS in a crucial bid against COVID-19.
From Freight to Frontline Testing
Initially on 48 hours’ stand-by, 20 personnel have now taken charge of mobile COVID testing across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire. They’re working hand-in-hand with 606 Squadron from RAF Benson to keep local communities safe.
Volunteering Amid Crisis: Senior Aircraftman Steps Up
Senior Aircraftman Geetha Ramesh is one of the Reservists volunteering on the frontline. By day, she works for HM Revenue & Customs as an Intelligence Development Officer. Since joining the RAF Reserves in 2017, Operation RESCRIPT marks her first mobilisation.
“As soon as I heard from the Squadron they needed volunteers for COVID-19 operations, I spoke with my managers at HMRC, who fully supported me,” said Geetha. “I cancelled my holiday and rearranged domestic matters quickly—I didn’t want to miss the chance to help the nation during these tough times.
I feel proud to be a small part of the huge wave of selfless people working to overcome this disaster.”
