A C-12 crew from Yokota AB, Japan, recently completed a mission to test aeromedical evacuation equipment on the platform, said base officials. Four airmen flew to San Angelo, Tex., to recover a C-12 that was test-fitted with aeromedical evacuation equipment that would allow the aircraft to transfer ambulatory patients, according to Yokota’s June 5 release. Currently, the Air Force uses the C-130H and the KC-135 as the primary platforms for aeromedical evacuation in the Pacific region, states the release. Utilizing the C-12 in this role would yield savings for the Air Force, states the release. “If we had two people in Kadena Air Base, [Japan,] who needed to come to the clinic, it doesn’t make sense to use a KC-135 when we can use a C-12,” said crew member Capt. Christina Lee, 374th Operations Group C-12 evaluator pilot. “The savings are the key over the capability.” The next step to using the C-12 in AE roles is to certify the platform for these missions, states the release. (Yokota report by SrA. Michael Washburn)
Unit commanders are being told to separate service members who can’t shave their cheeks and chin for medical reasons for more than a year, according to new guidance from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
