Photo By 1st Lt. Heather Cozad Staley | A truck transports medical equipment unloaded from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster...... read more read more
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KODIAK AIR STATION, Alaska— The 446th Airlift Wing launched the "Kodiak Arctic Care 2026" mission on Saturday, May 9, delivering critical personnel and equipment to support the joint-military humanitarian operation. Responding to a late notice request after previous transport fell through, the wing moved from the initial request to approval, coordination and confirmation within a single day, ensuring timely delivery.
Aircrew from the 728th Airlift Squadron transported 10 pallets of medical supplies and 45 passengers from the 433rd Medical Group, moving them from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to Kodiak Air Station, Alaska.This cargo serves as the logistical backbone for operating no-cost medical clinics across the region.
The 36th Aerial Port Squadron (APS) and 62 APS jumped in to provide the necessary joint inspection and load plans to get the cargo airborne. Chief Master Sgt. Chari Woodrum, 36th APS, aerial port manager, explained that the mission required close coordination with active-duty partners to ensure the medical supplies reached their destination.
For several 36th APS members, this marked their first annual tour and first exposure to operational missions.
"Some completed initial skills training while getting exposure to different mission sets, and others gained proficiency training to hone skills for future deployments and real-world needs," Woodrum said.
Kodiak Arctic Care is a Department of War Innovative Readiness Training mission conducted in partnership with the Kodiak Area Native Association. It boosts military deployment readiness while providing essential public health services to American communities.
Running through May 18, this biennial event offers no-cost medical, dental, and optometry services to residents of Kodiak and five remote villages, with no insurance or ID required.
The airlifted personnel will join over 30 military teams from across the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, including Reserve and National Guard components.
By executing this complex logistics movement, the 446th AW directly enabled the rapid establishment of these clinics, demonstrating the essential role of strategic airlift in domestic support and projecting power in the Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.07.2026 19:51 |
| Story ID: | 571876 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 8 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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