Photo By Senior Airman Erin Currie | U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Rony Castaneda-Zamora, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation...... read more read more
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KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron conducted a training flight aboard a C-130J Super Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, in support of operational readiness exercise BH 26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 5, 2025.
The mission simulated an aeromedical evacuation of injured personnel to a higher-level care facility, providing Airmen the opportunity to refine their skills in a high-stress environment.
Throughout the flight, medical personnel responded to rapidly evolving scenarios: performing CPR, administering IVs, and preventing shock— all while maintaining communication with aircrew and coordinating in-flight care.
“We practice our hands-on skills as much as we can, stressful scenarios help keep us prepared for real world emergencies,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Leshia Pledger, 18th AES clinical management flight chief. “The more we train now, the better equipped we are for the real thing.”
Before takeoff, 18 AES Airmen configured the aircraft for patient transport, securing cots, medical equipment, and organizing cargo for streamlined treatment. Once patients were triaged and loaded, the team transitioned into flight operations, adapting to simulated patient emergencies while airborne.
“Our job is more than just moving patients,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Rick Dettlinger, 18th AES aeromedical evacuation technician. “We work with the aircrew to set up the aircraft, constantly assess our patients so we can get them the care they need, and ensure their safe arrival to medical facilities.”
Upon landing, medics executed an engine-running offload, a maneuver that allows patients to be safely transferred without shutting down aircraft engines, mirroring procedures often used in real-world contingency operations.
These scenarios ensure 18th AES Airmen remain ready to deliver lifesaving care anywhere in the Indo-Pacific region, providing vital medical evacuation and in-flight treatment capabilities that underpin the 18th Wing’s readiness mission.
| Date Taken: | 11.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 02:42 |
| Story ID: | 550748 |
| Location: | KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, BH 26-1: Aeromedical Evacuation: Taking Critical Care To The Skies, by SrA Erin Currie, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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