Eight years in command of Number 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron ends in July when Squadron Leader Andy Marshall hands over to Squadron Leader Steve Jackson.
Based at Royal Air Force Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, Number 501 Squadron provides trained logistics personnel, prepared to deploy with the RAF on operations, both at home and abroad. Number 501 Squadron reformed in April 2014 as a Logistics Support Squadron and today has 77 Part-time Reservists on strength.
Number 501 Squadron is part of the RAF Support Force and one of three reserve logistics squadrons that form Reserve Logistics Support Wing (RLSW).
Wing Commander Andy Valentine commands RLSW. He said:
“Arriving at RAF Brize Norton with no personnel or buildings, Squadron Leader Marshall’s herculean efforts have created a thriving squadron from quite literally nothing! Initially recruiting a small HQ team and securing some offices and classrooms, the Squadron has developed incrementally, exceeding all targets and expectations.”
Wing Commander Andy Valentine
Officer Commanding
Reserve Logistics Support Wing
The Squadron was initially formed in 1927 and originally flew bombers, before being renamed ‘County of Gloucester’ Squadron in 1936 when it became a fighter Squadron. More recently the Squadron’s drivers and suppliers have deployed to the middle-east, and to Easter-Europe in support of the NATO Air Policing missions. Number 501 Squadron personnel were also involved in the UK Government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Squadron Leader Marshall said:
“During my time as Officer Commanding 501 Squadron, the Squadron has developed and grown. Today it has over 20% of its trained strength deployed across the world, supporting of their regular colleagues, which is something to be extremely proud of.”
Squadron Leader Marshall
Officer Commanding Number 501 Squadron
In addition to supporting operations and exercises, Number 501 Squadron personnel have been deployed to support permanent bases in the Falklands and Cyprus, and every RAF Station in the UK.
For Squadron Leader Marshall, his time with Number 501 Squadron has been a career highlight. He said:
“I have had a long and varied career as a Regular and as a Reserve, but taking on the challenge of creating this Squadron from nothing and taking it to where it is today has been hard work, but enjoyable at the same time, and I leave it in good hands. However, I could not have achieved it without the support of the people around me, both on and off the Squadron”.
Squadron Leader Marshall
Officer Commanding Number 501 Squadron
Andy is not completely leaving the Service; he will shortly continue in an Ex-Regular Part Time role, and will still act as a volunteer lifeguard at the Station Pool and will continue his work with RAF Brize Norton Station Heritage Centre.
Wing Commander Andy Valentine said:
“Andy’s drive and sheer hard work to develop the Squadron and provide personnel to support operational outputs has been phenomenal! We wish him all the best as he moves to his next role within the Support Services Project.”
Wing Commander Andy Valentine
Officer Commanding
Reserve Logistics Support Wing
Find out more about Number 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron on their Website and Facebook page.
Visit the Royal Air Force website.
Visit the Royal Air Force Recruitment website to Find Your Role.
