JANAUARY 27, 2023 – The 117th Air Refueling Squadron and the 190th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron participated in an Aeromedical Evacuation training mission in Oklahoma hosted by the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Jan. 11.
The AE mission enables people who require additional medical attention to be quickly transported where they can get needed care for conditions that include heart ailments, cancer, stroke and wounded Soldiers.
“It is a unique privilege to fly a jet that can provide things such as relief, humanitarian aid, and medical support,” said Col. Brian Budden, 190th Air Refueling Wing, commander. “The sense of pride and purpose for the whole crew is significant.”
AE missions for the KC-135 have become almost obsolete because the C-17, C-130 and KC-46 have all the equipment on board. However, while deployed, Airmen can complete an AE mission at any time.
Only a few boom operators with the 117th have completed this type of training.
“This training gives the opportunity to young Airmen to be placed in a situation that they have never been in,” said Senior Master Sgt. Nathan Neidhardt, 190th ARW, senior evaluator boom. “They also had an experienced aircrew train them on what could happen.”
The 190th hopes to continue this partnership and participate in more training opportunities to provide care to surrounding communities.
By Senior Airman Meagan Gardner
190th Air Refueling Wing