Discipline and standards have a new face at Royal Air Force Wittering this week as Warrant Officer Darren Rose becomes the new Station Warrant Officer.
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
Originally from Yorkshire, Mr Rose joined the RAF on the Youth Training Scheme in 1987 as a 16-year-old trainee Chef. It’s a career that has seen many highlights, notably in 2012 when, as a sergeant, he was part of the team that fed military personnel during the London Olympic games.
Before becoming Station Warrant Officer (SWO), Mr Rose was the Squadron Warrant Officer for No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS). He said: “3MCS is the career pinnacle for anyone who works in RAF catering. It’s the challenge and the availability of range in what you do that absolutely makes this the job for Chefs and Stewards.”
Mr Rose takes over from Warrant Officer David Bedells, who has been the acting SWO for the last four months, following the departure of Warrant Officer Hywel Greening. Mr Bedells said: “I loved it and have also learned so much in that time. It is an inspiring position and having dipped my toes in, I would definitely pursue this kind of role again.”
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
Responsible for the maintenance of discipline and standards, a SWO is the Station Commander’s eyes and ears. In addition to their many other duties, Station Warrant Officers also organise and direct official parades in the nearby towns and cities.
Darren Rose is, by nature, a softly spoken man. When asked how he would acclimatise to the shouting that comes with directing a parade, he said: “If only you knew me when I was a Head Chef, I have the ability to turn up the volume and get things moving when I need to.”
In addition to its five flying units, RAF Wittering is home to the specialist engineering and logistics squadrons that support RAF air operations and exercises, collectively known as the A4 Force Elements. A4 Force personnel are stationed at Wittering and other UK bases, supporting most of the ongoing RAF missions at home and abroad.
Warrant Officer Rose has spent around 11 of his 34 years in the RAF at Wittering, and understands the Station and its people. He said: “You have to appreciate the demands that personnel working in deployable squadrons face and have enough experience and empathy to understand those challenges.”
Mr Rose continued: “To become a Station Warrant Officer was always a career aspiration, to do that job at RAF Wittering is an honour and I would choose to be the SWO at no other station.”
Wing Commander Jez Case is the Station Commander at RAF Wittering. He said: “I am pleased to welcome Warrant Officer Rose as the new Station Warrant Officer. He brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of RAF Wittering and I know his dedication and hard work will benefit the Station and local community. My sincere thanks go to Warrant Officer Greening for his exceptional service to the Royal Air Force and Wittering, and to Warrant Officer Bedells who has been a first-rate Acting Station Warrant Officer since January.”
