DGMC medics deploy to Afghan hospital

Published Feb. 1, 2007
By Jim Spellman and Sue Campbell
60th Medical Group and 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs, respectively

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Approximately 100 Airmen from the 60th Medical Group at David Grant USAF Medical Center recently deployed to the largest military hospital in Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror.

The 455th Expeditionary Medical Group was activated during a ceremony Jan. 23 to assume operation of the Air Force Theatre Hospital at Bagram Air Base under the command of Col. (Dr.) Bart Iddins, who deployed from the 59th Medical Wing, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Col. Iddins also assumed command of Task Force Med under Combined Joint Task Force 76, which is an operational headquarters for the southern and eastern regional commands in Afghanistan.

This is the second theater hospital which is now under the Air Force's responsibility. The Air Force also staff the theater hospital at Balad Air Base, Iraq.

"It is always an honor and a privilege to command, but it is especially a privilege to command in combat," said Colonel Iddins. "We are united by many common goals, many common priorities, and a commitment to first, last and always accomplish the mission."

Comprised of Air Force, Army, Egyptian, Korean and Jordanian medical personnel, Task Force Med is dispersed across a wide area of responsibility, working at several hospitals and forward operating locations.

The majority of DGMC personnel comprising the 455 EMDG deployed from Travis in early January. They are replacing outgoing members from the Army's 14th Combat Support Hospital at Fort Benning, Ga.

"It is particularly gratifying to be a part of the Joint and Coalition Medical Force supporting our forces in Afghanistan," said Col. (Dr.) Lee Payne, 60th MDG commander. "Meanwhile, we are also ensuring the continuation of world-class medical care and service to our customers at home."

The Air Force is expected to provide many of the Bagram hospital's staff for the joint operation for the foreseeable future. DGMC medics are also deployed with the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group in Iraq, as well as other locations throughout the world.

The 60th MDG, which operates the second largest readiness platform in the Air Force Medical Service and the largest in Air Mobility Command, is capable of deploying in support of a wide range of Air Force combat and humanitarian relief operations as well as in support of the 60th Air Mobility Wing's global mission.

They have the capability to send out deployable hospitals, mobile surgical teams and critical care air transportation teams capable of managing the aeromedical evacuation of critically injured personnel.

"DGMC personnel continue to deploy in support of contingency and humanitarian missions wherever we are needed," Col. Payne said. "It is our most important responsibility."