More than 60 Pacific-based medical airmen practiced erecting and running a newly improved mobile tent hospital during a four-day exercise at Andersen AFB, Guam. “They were enthusiastic about learning the new equipment and process . . . and gave us feedback that we can carry back to make the new system even better,” said Maj. Ryan Gabel, Air Combat Command instructor from JB Langley-Eustis, Va., in Andersen’s Dec. 14, release. ACC and Pacific Air Forces trainers taught these airmen, who are members of Expeditionary Medical Support-Health Response Teams from Andersen; JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; and Yokota AB, Japan, how to deploy the new facility during the Dec. 10-13 gathering. “The new tents are lighter, and one tent can be completely built with electricity in about 30 minutes,” said Gabel. Now, even the emergency room can be “up and running within two hours,” he added. The teams are able to deploy to disaster zones anywhere in the world and provide most aspects of emergency medical care, including surgery and trauma, states the release. (Andersen report by SrA. Benjamin Wiseman)
Congress Passes $839 Billion Budget for Defense
Feb. 3, 2026
Congress officially passed the fiscal 2026 defense spending bill Feb. 3 after a House of Representatives vote, approving $839 billion in Pentagon funding and sending the package to President Donald Trump for his signature.
