916th ARW Conducts Aeromedical Readiness Mission in Curaçao

Photo By Senior Airman Aaron Ketcham | 2nd Lt. Kyle Tanyag, a pilot with the 77th Air Refueling Squadron, navigates a KC-46A Pegasus over the coastline of Curaçao, July 21, 2025. Airmen from the 916th Air Refueling Wing, in collaboration with the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, conducted an Aeromedical Readiness Mission (ARM).  

CURACAO, NETHERLANDS

08.21.2025

Story by Senior Airman Aaron Ketcham 

916th Air Refueling Wing

Airmen from the 916th Air Refueling Wing in collaboration with the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, conducted an Aeromedical Readiness Mission (ARM) aboard a KC-46A Pegasus from August 19-21 in Curaçao.
The 36th AES conducted hands-on training aboard the KC-46, practicing scenarios that reflected real-world aeromedical operations, from setting up medical stations to treating mock patients and tearing down equipment.
"Our squadron has operated alongside the 916th a few times, said Tech Sgt. Madison Ross," a flight medic with the 36th AES. "It's been great to build that rapport and integrate with other units. This aircraft provides a stable platform for us to refine our skills and prepare for critical missions."
Similarly, Griswold emphasized the value of inter-unit training in maintaining Air Force standards.
"Working with other units ensures we're sticking to the Air Force standard," said Griswold. "We're able to execute regardless of who we're flying with, that's what keeps us sharp."
The KC-46 can integrate into large-scale air operations while acting as a communication hub, communicating real-time data, including fuel states, weapons load-outs, and relaying critical information to fighters, ISR platforms, and command aircraft to enhance coordination.
"One of our aircraft's biggest strengths is its versatility," said Griswold. “It can support combat operations one day and then carry critical patients or cargo the next. This exercise is just one example of our Reservist capability to support a diverse range of Air Force operations."
The KC-46A Pegasus configuration allows the aircraft to accommodate up to 58 patients, an approximate 30% increase from the KC-135 Stratotanker. Its upgraded electrical, oxygen, and communication systems provide reliable mission support for medical operations.
The aircraft's reconfigurable floor system allows the crew to efficiently transition between cargo, passenger, and aeromedical evacuation setups while being capable of carrying up to 65,000 pounds and 18 standard military pallets (equal to the capability of a C-17 Globemaster III)
"The KC-46's updated systems and quieter operation make it well-suited for aeromedical evacuation," said Maj. Curtis Griswold, a pilot with the 77th Air Refueling Squadron, 916th ARW. "It allows us to work seamlessly with medical teams."

• Date Taken: 08.21.2025
• Date Posted: 09.02.2025 18:54
• Story ID: 546709
• Location: CURACAO, NL