KC-135 serves as platform for multiple missions over Germany and Netherlands

Published July 7, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Allison Payne
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --

Aeromedical Evacuation technicians with the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, sharpened their skills during a routine refueling flight in a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 93rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, June 27, over the skies of Germany and the Netherlands.

The 86th AES provides critical medical care to forces operating throughout Europe and Africa. They are responsible for treating patients for a variety of illnesses and injuries, using assessment skills during contingency operations to save life and limb, and providing essential care to patients of all ages.

“We are that segment between transporting patients from one place to another while still giving them the care they need,” said Capt. Jordan Klein, 86th AES flight nurse. “If we couldn’t be there for them, they are more likely to undergo harm that could have been otherwise preventable.”

The mission of the Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation system is to provide time sensitive, mission critical care to patients being transported between medical treatment facilities. AE forces operate anywhere air operations occur in support of the full range of military operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

“In-flight training ultimately makes us more prepared for future fights and anything we may see or experience with a patient,” said Klein. “We don’t always have the ability to fly on the KC-135, so building a cohesive working relationship with the 93rd EARS is definitely important to us.”

A service member trains other service members. — KC-135 serves as platform for multiple missions over Germany and Netherlands

U.S. Air Force Maj. Amanda Peterson, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron training flight commander, briefs her team about a simulated patient during in-flight training June 27, 2023. Members with the 86th AES conduct monthly training with the 93rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in a KC-135 Stratotanker to maintain familiarity with the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)

Service members practice medical procedures. — KC-135 serves as platform for multiple missions over Germany and Netherlands

U.S. Air Force members with the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron prepare to practice medical procedures during in-flight training June 27, 2023. The mission of the Air Force AE system is to provide time sensitive, mission critical care to patients being transported between medical treatment facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)

A service member goes through a training. — KC-135 serves as platform for multiple missions over Germany and Netherlands

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Devin Bruner, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight instructor, reviews a simulated patient’s medical charts prior to training at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 27, 2023. The 86th AES provides critical medical care to forces operating throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)

Service members review training and flight plans. — KC-135 serves as platform for multiple missions over Germany and Netherlands

U.S. Service members with the 93rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron review training and flight plans at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 27, 2023. The 86th AES and 93rd EARS conduct training together once a month to maintain job proficiency and familiarity with one another’s duties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)

AE crews execute patient movement primarily on Mobility Air Forces aircraft, to include the C-130J Super Hercules, C-21 Learjet, C-17 Globemaster III and the KC-135 Stratotanker.

“If we are the only jet available to medically evacuate a patient, our job as boom operators gains more responsibility,” said Senior Airman Carson Wilberg, 93rd EARS boom operator. “Everything from the beginning of the flight to the end becomes a collaborative effort, so it’s really important for us to understand what roles we can fill and how we can help our AE guys out.”

The KC-135 Stratotanker flew above Northeastern Europe to conduct routine refueling for Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-16s and F-35s from Volkel Air Base. Together, the flight enabled the training missions of the 86th AES, 93rd EARS and the RNLAF.

“As the aircraft commander, I’m in charge of essentially the wellbeing of the jet and everyone on board,” said Capt. Nathan Armes, 93rd EARS KC-135 Stratotanker pilot. “ It’s my job to maintain a smooth, steady aircraft so the medical team can accomplish their mission, as we accomplish ours.”

When the boom operators weren’t refueling aircraft, the 86th AES team was busy practicing various medical scenarios they may encounter, such as mental health care, musculoskeletal injuries, anaphylactic reactions and other patient emergencies.

“Running through these training scenarios helps us learn what to do during potentially stressful situations,” said Senior Airman Zachary Vedder, 86th AES aerospace medical technician. “Being able to manage stress is really important because we need to be able to make quick decisions to ultimately save a life. ”