MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
Members of the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron from MacDill
Air Force Base participated in a joint-service hurricane exercise on May 19
here.
In the scenarios, a region of South Florida had been devastated
by a hurricane and the members of the 45th AES were charged with the
responsibility of providing communication to those who were without it.
"In this exercise, our mission is to provide initial
communication to those who lack it during the time of an emergency," said
Airman 1st Class Jake Sanchez, 45th AES Radio Frequency transmission
apprentice. "We also have to provide data services for patients who are in
need."
"Once we establish initial communication in the area, then
we can give the patients the proper care they need," said Senior Airman
Matthew Wood, 45th AES Radio Frequency transmission technician. "With a
joint effort, we are able to maximize all assets and provide those in need with
assistance."
Providing communication to those who need it is a challenge
during emergencies but this group of men and women stay dedicated to the task.
"We faced a few challenges in the beginning from a
logistical standpoint," said Maj. Jamison De La Peña, 45th
AES cyberspace operations officer in-charge. "Our people are a resilient
bunch and they power through and find different, yet effective ways to get the
job done and that's a true testament to their willingness to work hard."
The men and women of the 45th AES have the advantage of being
involved with other services so they can pick the brains of those who may have
more experience.
"Our guys from the 45th AES communication cyber team are
participating in this joint exercise which is good for our younger Airmen to
gain experience," said Col. James Palmisano, 45th AES commander.
"They are the ones who will take what they learned here and apply it later
on in their careers."
Gaining experience is vital to the Air Force future. Training is
essential to ensuring the future of the Air Force stays on course.
“This is a unique opportunity that can
be overlooked, however, these warriors relish the chance to sharpen their
skillset and test their abilities,” said Palmisano. "This give us a
chance to make sure that our people are mission ready but moreover, they can
gain skills and knowledge from other units that are here."