First aeromedevac squadron in Afghanistan stands up Published April 1, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Renni Thornton 451 Air Expeditionary Wing/Public Affairs Afghanistan -- Members of the 451st Aeromedical Evacuation flight collectively gave birth to a new squadron March 27 in a ceremony at the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility, Kandahar Airfield. "This is an historic and symbolic event," said ceremony host, Col. Peter Hunt, vice commander, 451st Air Expeditionary Wing. "It's historic because the unit is being established, being written into the history books. It's symbolic because of the hard work of everyone here and at Camp Bastion. Think back to all the hard work you've done and be proud. I'm proud of all of you and thank you for your hard work." Colonel Hunt then passed the guidon, symbolic of the activation of the new unit. The commander of the newly formed squadron, Lt. Col. Elizabeth Shaw, shared her pride with the members of the unit. "We are the first Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in Afghanistan," she said. "You all made this happen in just a few short weeks and I am extremely proud of your hard work. "My one regret is that our coworkers at Camp Bastion cannot be here with us to celebrate this occasion, but all of you have exercised flexibility and patience. Not once did anyone complain but instead you asked, 'What else can I do?' "I am so very proud of you all and we will continue to work together."