Wounded Libyan fighters arrive in U.S.

Published Nov. 1, 2011
By 1st Lt. Marshel Slater
618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- At the request of the Department of State and as directed by the Secretary of Defense, a C-17 Globemaster under the command and control of the 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) carried nearly two dozen Libyan fighters to the United States for medical treatment. The movement was announced publically Oct. 27, and was executed Oct. 29.

Prior to the public announcement, planners at the 618th AOC were busy creating flight plans, finding crews and assigning aircraft to the mission.

"There were a lot of challenges associated with this mission. We were entering a new area of responsibility, working unfamiliar diplomatic clearances and meeting airspace requirements; all on short notice," said Steve Dugger, aeromedical evacuation deputy division chief, 618th AOC. "The expertise, knowledge and seamless continuity of my team helped make the mission a success. The patients arrived safely and are now able to receive the care they need."

Libyan authorities, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy, determined which wounded Libyan fighters would be aero-medically transported by U.S. forces, based on the condition of the patients and their medical requirements.

This particular aeromedical evacuation was unique because of the passengers, but since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, AE experts have conducted more than 179,000 patient movements and 36,000 sorties. That averages out to nearly 12.4 potential life-saving missions a day.

"It's rewarding to be a part of such an important mission - AE saves lives," said Master Sgt. Don Chapman, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of AE mission support. "Although I am not flying on the mission, I'm like a coach on the sidelines calling the plays. I know patients are getting the best care available from our AE teams."

During the flight, patients were cared for by highly-specialized medical teams. A seven-person AE Team, composed of three flight nurses and four AE technicians from the 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Ramstein, Germany, was on board to provide primary care to the fighters.

A three-person critical care aeromedical transport team composed of one doctor, one nurse, and one respiratory technician from the 775th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., traveled with the AE crew to provide critical care in the air.

Many of the men and women on these teams are guardsmen and reservists, who volunteer their time to deploy and take care of wounded warriors.

"From the planners through the crews - these are dedicated Airmen with extensive medical backgrounds that are committed to saving lives," said Brig. Gen. David Allvin, vice commander, 618th AOC. "This total force team has pushed the survival rate of wounded warriors who board an AE aircraft to above 98 percent. Their accomplishments are truly remarkable."

Upon arrival in the United States, the Libyan fighters were transported from the aircraft to Spaulding Hospital in Boston for treatment. This operation was a very limited, short-term effort and is the only mission the U.S. is conducting in Libya at this time.

The 618th AOC is the heart of Air Mobility Command's rapid global mobility, and is responsible for planning, scheduling, tasking and executing AMC forces in support of America's national defense interests through three core capabilities: airlift, aerial refueling and AE.