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379th EAES shows off capabilities to CC

  • Published
  • By Capt. Angela Webb
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, vice commander and command chief participated in a mock 379th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron engines running on-load mission during a unit visit Dec. 4.

The 379th EAES provides intra- and intertheater aeromedical evacuation for service members throughout the area of operations. A typical mission includes transporting patients to locations with more definitive medical care or returning recovered personnel to duty at their deployed locations.

The 379th EAES wanted leadership to do more than just observe during the ERO demonstration. To get the true feel of an aeromedical evacuation mission involving an ERO, Brig. Gen. Roger H. Watkins, 379th AEW commander, performed duties as a litter-bearer; Col. Michael Bob Starr, 379th AEW vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Rory Wicks, 379th AEW command chief, played the role of litter patients.

"Although we were taking part in a demonstration, it was amazing to see how the team worked together to execute their very unique and important mission," said Watkins. "When you think about the intensity of the situation to get patients and equipment loaded, and then the continuation of care for the patients, I can't thank this team enough for what they do."

The team usually flies on a C-130 or C-17, and each flight requires up to 800 pounds of gear. Everything onboard the aircraft is configured and in place before the patients arrive. Regardless of the aircraft or mission, the main concern is always the welfare and safe transport of the patients.

"From being put on the litter to getting secured in the aircraft, and then having the team follow procedures for vital signs and checking my fake wounds, it made me realize the men and women of the 379th EAES take great strides to ensure our patients are given the best care possible," said Wicks. "They are true professionals."

The squadron runs weekly missions throughout Afghanistan, Southwest Asia, and missions to transport patients to Lanstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for definitive care. The squadron is comprised of 38 members: four basic crews which include two flight nurses and three technicians per crew, one Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT - one physician, one nurse and one respiratory technician), an AE Operations Team and Command Cell, and is a Total Force squadron with members from active duty, reserve, and guard bases. For 2012 the squadron has flown a total of 286 missions, 643 sorties, and they've accumulated over 1,900 flying hours evacuating over 1,600 patients.

"I couldn't be more proud of the crews and support personnel of this squadron and the phenomenal work they do every day," said Col. Allen J. Kidd, 379th EAES commander. "Their professionalism and precision in mission execution is consistently outstanding! This is a true Total Force team at the top of their game."