There is only one Air Force aeromedical evacuation unit in Afghanistan, and it has flown more than 508 patients since May, reports SSgt. Joshua Jasper. The 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, comprising 17 Air National Guard and nine active duty airmen transport patients from forward operating bases in Afghanistan to Bagram Air Base and on to Germany, if needed. Their transports are C-130s, which they load with about 800 pounds of medical gear twice a day to make pick-ups at FOBs.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.