600 (City of London) Squadron’s Mobile Testing Units in 13 locations delivered over 5,000 tests.
Members involved with running MTUs of 600 Squadron socially distanced at RAF Brize Norton.
During April through to July 2020, ten personnel of 600 (City of London) Squadron from a variety of trades and ranks from Aircraftman to Squadron Leader were mobilised to OP RESCRIPT (the Military’s operation to support the fight against Covid-19). They were joined by members of 502 and 7644 Squadrons and attached to the Covid-19 Support Force at Bicester Garrison. The task was to deploy two Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) in the south east of England region. On completion of training, they set up an Operation room and were accommodated at RAF Brize Norton. Once operational, the mobile testing units were tasked seven days a week and dispersed to a variety of sites daily across the Oxfordshire region. Out in all weathers, it is testament to the military spirit and camaraderie of the volunteers that the public always got a smile and a helping hand during an often stressful situation. The MTU teams deployed to 13 locations and delivered over 5000 tests during the period. In addition, other members of the Squadron fulfilled additional tasks including two personnel assisting the Cabinet Office in planning roles and three personnel in AIR COVID planning roles at Air Command.
Hear from one of the RAF Reservists involved, Flight Lieutenant Richard Little, a reservist based at 600 (City of London) squadron at RAF Nothholt. He was mobilised in the COVID support effort and was in charge of running multiple testing teams based in the Oxford area. In his civilian role, he is a lecturer at Canterbury Christchurch University. Click here to see him in conversation with the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, and two other Reservists on how they assisted with the COVID support effort in 2020.
