Deactivation scheduled for 651st EAES

The US Air Force’s 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (EAES) is scheduled for deactivation at a ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, on 16 December. The 651st EAES was activated at Kandahar in 2009, and since then it has participated in the medical evacuation of over 5,300 patients. Generally, the squadron’s missions involve two nurses and three medical technicians transferring patients to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, although missions vary depending on patients’ needs – for example, missions may include a critical care air transport team. “We typically transport patients on C-130s,” comments Tech Sergeant Marguerite Hellwich. “However, we can fulfil our mission on C-17 Globemaster IIIs or KC-135 Stratotankers when required to transport patients over longer distances, such as to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center [in Germany].” Lieutenant Colonel Keith Reed, commander of the squadron, offers these thoughts: “As an aeromedical evacuation squadron commander, I am in a unique position in that I hope for low productivity numbers. Low numbers for us typically means greater success for others. Instead, we seek success in positive patient outcomes and the safe and timely execution of our missions. We’re proud to be a link in the chain that has supported a 98-per-cent survival rate. However, we will never forget the two per cent who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Once the squadron is deactivated, its two patient movement elements – based at Kandahar and Camp Bastion – will continue to operate under the banner of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.