23d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
| 23d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1994–1997 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Motto | Tac Evac Brings 'em Back |
| Engagements | Operation Uphold Democracy Operation United Shield Operation Safe Passage Operation Joint Endeavor |
| Insignia | |
| 23d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron emblem | |
The 23d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force. It was constituted on 24 June 1994 and activated on 1 July 1994 at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, assigned to the 23d Operations Group subordinate to Air Combat Command.[1] On 1 April 1997 the Air Force inactivated the unit.
History
The squadron was activated on 1 July 1994, when it absorbed the personnel, equipment and mission of the 1st Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, which was simultaneously inactivated.[1]
Operation Uphold Democracy
On 11 September 1994, personnel deployed to Haiti, Cuba, and Puerto Rico in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. Air Combat Command tasked the 23d AES to plan the needed Theater Aeromedical Evacuation System (TAES).[1] In preparation for the operation, the squadron expanded in size by 300 percent, obtaining personnel from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units, as well as some active duty medical units. Personnel established a first-ever Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center (TPMRC), employed an aeromedical evacuation liaison team (AELT) on the USS Comfort, and safely evacuated patients to destination hospitals. Between 18 September and 12 December 1994, a total of 118 litter and 207 ambulatory patients were aeromedically evacuated via the TAES.[1]
In early October 1994, command and control of aeromedical evacuation operations in the Haitian area of responsibility were transferred to the 610th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, an Air Force Reserve Command unit, allowing a rapid transition and redeployment of squadron assets in support of Operation Vigilant Warrior. Squadron members redeployed in less than 24 hours of their return from Operation Uphold Democracy.[1]
Operations United Shield and Safe Passage
In January 1995, the squadron deployed personnel in support of Operation United Shield and Operation Safe Passage. During Operation United Shield, a mobile aeromedical staging facility (MASF), AELT, and aeromedical evacuation command and control (AECC) element were deployed to Mombasa, Kenya, to aid in the withdrawal of US and UN forces from Somalia. An additional AELT was stationed on the USS Belleau Wood for 40 days to provide a link with United States Navy medical assets.[1]
Also in January 1995, an Aeromedical Evacuation Operations Team was deployed to Howard Air Force Base, Panama, for Operation Safe Passage. Over the course of 20 days, deployed personnel coordinated the safe transit of more than 7,400 Cuban migrants on 80 missions.[1]
Operation Joint Endeavor
In December 1995, the 23d AES deployed personnel in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Four TAES elements were deployed into the European theater. Working jointly with the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, squadron personnel were responsible for all patient aeromedical evacuation within and out of the contingency area.[1]
Inactivation
The squadron was inactivated on 1 April 1997, and its personnel, equipment and mission were transferred to the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, which was simultaneously activated.[2]
Lineage
- Constituted as the 23rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron on 24 June 1994
- Activated on 1 July 1994
- Inactivated on 1 April 1997[1]
Assignments
- 23d Operations Group, 1 July 1994 – 1 April 1997[1]
Stations
- Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, 1 July 1994 – 1 April 1997[1]
References