C-17 Globemaster IIIs in use for Global Medic 2011

Published May 24, 2011
By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- For Global Medic 2011 at Fort Hunter-Liggett, Calif., the Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III airframe is one of the main pieces of equipment that is being utilized in possibly saving lives in the future.

According to a report by Staff Sgt. Donald R. Allen of the 4th Combat Camera Squadron of March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Global Medic "is a joint field training exercise for theater aeromedical evacuation system and ground medical components designed to replicate all aspects of combat medical service support."

As one of the Air Force's newest airlifters, the C-17 is more than capable in supporting the aeromedical evacuation mission not only for Global Medic, but around the globe. According to its Air Force fact sheet, the C-17 can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations whenever required.

"The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 force improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States," the fact sheet states.

Deployed aeromedical evacuation, or AE teams work to evacuate patients from combat theaters to hospitals close to their home of record where further care will be provided, if necessary, Air Mobility Command officials said. These often lengthy airlift transports are when the AE teams must be the most vigilant.

AMC aircraft transport patients with an AE crew on board, typically consisting of two flight nurses and three medical technicians like Sergeant Duran. The AE crew is responsible for caring for and monitoring each warfighter by helping alleviate pain, administering medications and providing nursing care during the transport. A Critical Care Air Transport Team, or CCATT, is added to the crew for all critical-care patients. The CCATT consists of an intensive care physician, critical care nurse and respiratory therapist.

During Global Medic 2011, C-17s from the Air Force Reserve as well as active wings have participated. For example, C-17s from the Reserve's 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March ARB and the 446th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., supported the effort. Additionally, 62nd Airlift Wing C-17s from Joint Base Lewis-McChord were in support of Global Medic.

The C-17 is operated by a crew of three -- pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster -- reducing manpower requirements, risk exposure and long-term operating costs, according to the fact sheet. Cargo is loaded on to the C-17 through a large aft door that accommodates military vehicles and palletized cargo. The C-17 can carry virtually all of the Army's air-transportable equipment.

"The design of the aircraft allows it to operate through small, austere airfields," the fact sheet states. "The C-17 can take off and land on runways as short as 3,500 feet and only 90 feet wide. Even on such narrow runways, the C-17 can turn around using a three-point star turn and its backing capability."

AMC officials said AE missions already in execution in theater can be re-tasked when necessary. "The process normally takes 20 minutes to identify the appropriate mission and averaverages six and a half hours from initial notification to wheels up for urgent cases and priority cases averaging nine hours," officials said.

In the end, if there is an aeromedical evacuation mission taking place somewhere in the world, chances are a C-17 Globemaster III will be a part of that effort.