611 Squadron deployed as a formed unit to Cyprus on Exercise BEWARE BEWARE between 8 September and 6 October 2019. The aim of the deployment to a demanding, operationally-focused overseas theatre was to allow reservists to enhance their skills and experience by working as a team in a complex joint environment. Over the 4-week period, 611 Squadron deployed 40 reservists from 10 different trades to Cyprus, where they delivered a total of 410 Reserve Service Days in support of core outputs at HQ British Forces Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri and Episkopi Garrison.
The Squadron’s Mechanics and Electricians offered great utility, in particular servicing runway sweepers and medical equipment which would otherwise have required rectification in the UK, and they impressed their regular counterparts with their wide breadth of individual experience and expertise gained from their civilian professions. The Squadron’s Intelligence Analysts augmented the RAF Akrotiri Int cell to assist in the production and delivery of weekly briefings to the Station Commander.
The Squadron’s Drivers operated on Akrotiri’s airfield in support of Voyager operations, while the chefs provided catering support in the Episkopi Junior Ranks Mess, as well catering for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Commander British Forces Cyprus at Flagstaff House. Reservist Physical Training Instructors delivered Akrotiri’s physical education programme, including fitness/swim tests and Circuit Training Classes, while Personnel Support clerks were embedded in units across the island to provide administrative support.
611 Squadron’s media team supported the British Forces Broadcasting Service with tasks such as coverage of a Roman archaeological excavation at RAF Akrotiri, while a range of supporting contributions were also made by the Squadron’s Air & Space Operations Specialists, Communications Technician and Chaplain.
