45 AES deploys to save lives part two: Aeromedical Evacuation mission

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Adam C. Borgman
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing/Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Coordinated by the Air Mobility Command, aeromedical evacuation units, mostly made up of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard assets, with only four active-duty squadrons are used to transport injured personnel from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and humanitarian response missions.

To complete their mission most effectively, many different airframes are utilized including the C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III and the KC-135 Stratotanker.

Assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Fl., the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, primarily trains on the KC-135, most commonly known for its air-to-air refueling capability. Although not commonly known, the tanker can be quickly transformed into a mobile hospital.

"When we need to move a patient, it is essential that we are able to adapt a variety of aircraft quickly and efficiently, lives depend on it," said Senior Master Sgt. Kelly Latham, aeromedical technician, 45 AES.

According to recent statistics, once wounded service members make it aboard the mobile hospitals they have a 98 percent survival rate. To ensure these statistics stay at such a high rate and continue to increase there is a significant amount of training that must occur to stay as proficient as possible.

Although training can be performed on the ground at the home station, the preferred method is training missions on the jet in air.

"We could and do run intensive scenarios while at the squadron, but when you're up [in the air] it's a different world," said Latham. "Many more factors come into play; the noise, cramped space and the motion of the jet and inflight emergencies that we cannot simulate back at the office."

The life-saving care that is provided by AES teams is not restricted to the men and women in uniform. The military working dogs who serve the United States receive the same top notch-care.

"I remember one trip we brought back an MWD," said Latham. "He was involved in a blast, he was treated just like the rest because they're a vital part of the team. Everyone from the flight crew came back to check on him."

After being retired, that MWDs handler ended up adopting him, according to Latham.

Many members of the AES team are honored to be able to be a part of this mission.

Remembering specific missions, Master Sgt. Mary-Beth Young, 45 AES, aeromedical technician, in light tears called this the best job she wished she didn't have to do.

"These service members are sacrificing their lives for her and every other American," said Young. "It is an honor and privilege to take care of them, but I wish it was not a job there wasn't a need for. It is humbling to be a part of it."

This is part two of a five part series. Learn more about the 45 AES and what it takes for them to complete their mission in parts three - five.