Airmen in the special-purpose shop of the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, on Oct. 5 turned over a newly reconfigured high-deck patient-loading platform vehicle to the 86th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility. The vehicle helps medical personnel unload and upload patients on large aircraft, and transport them safely to and from the nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the CASF. It was modified in only six days—a record—to the generation-two configuration, which is considered safer and more serviceable than the first HDPLP variant. “The biggest benefit is for the patients,” explained Maj. Mark Knitz, 86th CASF flight commander. He continued, “It keeps them warm and comfortable” and “is also safer for our loaders when litter bearing.” Ramstein received three first-generation HDPLPs in May 2008, two of which have now been upgraded. (Ramstein report by SrA. Amanda Dick)
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.