Two Royal Navy Reservists are currently deployed to the Gulf.
Lt Cdr Jon Wheale, from HMS President, and Lt Charlotte Kertrestel, of HMS Forward, comprise the media team for the UK Maritime Component Command.
Lt Cdr Wheale, who works for Barclays Bank in his civilian career, said: “Serving with the Royal Navy is an enormously rewarding activity and one I enjoy very much.
“Being able to mobilise and deploy to Bahrain for the second time not only allows me to make a small contribution to the vitally important work of the Royal Navy in the region but also underlines the palpable commitment that my employer makes every day to support the Armed Forces.”
When in the UK, Lt Charlotte Kertrestel works for Halfords in its website digital team.
“This is my first ever deployment with the RNR and so far I’ve loved it,” she said. “The heat and military environment is something I’ve had to get used to, but working as part of a UK headquarters and also alongside members of a 33-nation coalition is an amazing opportunity you don’t get in civvy street!”
There are a number of Reservists currently serving alongside Regular counterparts in a variety of roles within the UKMCC and CMF headquarters.
“Everyone has the same training and wears the same uniform,” said Lt Cdr Wheale. “Deploying overseas offers a great opportunity to gain new experiences and meet new people that can’t be found elsewhere.”
