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.
The Air Force is renaming its traditional aviation bonus program in 2024 and continuing a new, experimental second program, ordered by Congress, aimed at getting aviators to extend their commitment sooner and for longer. While the programs can’t be doubled-up, aviators may be able to move from one to the…