WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Members of the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron refined their combat and water survival skills during training Oct. 2, 2016.
The training included combat and water survival tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as, evasion and conduct after capture.
AES aircrew members are required to complete the training every 36 months.
The purpose of the training is to ensure all members of the aircrew are capable of handling themselves during overwater emergencies, water and land survival situations, evasion, and rescue operations in all types of contingency operations, said Master Sgt. Sean Smith, 445th AES NCO in charge of aircrew training.
The water survival training took place in the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base outdoor pool. Flight nurses and medical technicians went through various scenarios to include donning their suits and floatation devices as well as trying the packaged water and rations that would be available to them during a downed aircraft.
From there, they headed to the warfighter training center for the combat survival portion of the training.
Staff Sgt. Jacob Nespor a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) instructor from the 445th Operations Support Squadron conducted the training which entailed familiarization with weapon system (C-17 Globemaster III) specific life support equipment, survival equipment, land navigation aids, and mock evasion and land navigation training.
“This training is vital in ensuring our crews are capable of caring for themselves and their patients during all types of dangerous and emergent environments, in order to successfully maintain life and bring our folks home with dignity and honor, added Sergeant Smith.
Sergeant Nespor did a fantastic job accommodating our folks, on short notice, over the October unit training assembly. Everyone was able to apply their training and prepare themselves for the types of dangerous situations that we hope to never one day find ourselves, concluded Smith.
Aeromedical evacuation Airmen provide time sensitive, mission critical en route care to patients to and between medical treatment facilities. Care is provided by Air Force medics specially trained to operate within the global AE system