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irmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, traveled to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, where they have been training Royal Australian Air Force medical personnel on setting up a C-17 for aeromedical evacuations, reports TSgt. Chris Vadnais. The RAAF gained its first C-17 last year. According to Wing Commander Sandy Riley, RAAF health training staff officer, the RAAF airmen have aeromedevac “expertise,” but “the C-17 was rapidly introduced into service [in Australia].” He called the training provided by the 18th AES and Pacific Air Forces “invaluable.”
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.