AES provides evacuation support for Hurricane Gustav Published Oct. 20, 2008 By Laura Darden 445th Airlift Wing 10/20/2008 -- In the middle of a Health Services Inspection, three crews from the 445th Airlift Wing Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron were activated for Operation Hurrivac, evacuation support for Hurricane Gustav. A flight crew consists of two flight nurses and three aeromedical technicians, so a total of 15 AES members were part of the operation. The crew deployed only five hours after being activated. After completing their Hurricane Gustav mission, the crews were required to stand by since hurricanes Hanna and Ike were anticipated to make landfall shortly after Gustav. The crews worked out of Little Rock AFB, and were gone a total of 18 days. Once all was said and done, the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron was an integral part of the safe movement of more than 400 people. Most patients were from local nursing homes and hospitals, including some patients on motorized wheel chairs. Even though the mission was a short notice activation and lasted longer than anyone expected, the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron members were dedicated to the mission and very positive about their role in the humanitarian support. "I was proud, prepared and ready to serve in a time like this," Maj. Kimberly Sandusky, 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse said. My crew along with the other medical crew directors couldn't have asked for better, more prepared or dedicated crew members." Maj. Sandusky's words ring true as the outcome of the Health Services Inspection that was going on during the activation of Operation Hurrivac was an Outstanding for the squadron. Well done, AES!