Air Force team transports wounded Libyan fighters to U.S.

Published Nov. 1, 2011
By Sarah Olaciregui
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

BOSTON, Mass. -- Nearly two dozen wounded Libyan fighters were evacuated from the the revolutionary battlefields of Libya to the birthplace of the American Revolution, Oct. 29, 2011, aboard an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III.

At the request of the Department of State, the Secretary of Defense directed two missions supporting the humanitarian assistance effort in Libya. In the first mission, four wounded fighters were transported to medical facilities in Europe by a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

A C-17 assigned to the 172nd Airlift Wing out of Jackson, Miss., carried out the second mission, landing at Boston Logan International Airport in the midst of a massive winter storm after a nearly 13-hour flight from Libya.

The Libyan Transitional National Council requested the transport of fighters to American medical facilities because their injuries could not be treated in Libya. The patients will be treated at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem, Mass., before returning to their country.

"We want to make sure these brave young men are able to return to their country to enjoy the freedom they so valiantly fought for," said David Storto, president of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network. Mr. Storto noted the success of the operation was due to a tight partnership between his organization, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense, especially the Air Force.

The airlift crew for this flight, which flies three weekly aeromedical evacuation missions to the Middle East, has transported more than 20,000 patients since 2005.

"AE is something our wing has committed to," said Col. James Hartline, 172 AW operations group commander. "We're proud that the Air National Guard can contribute to this total force effort."

He noted that AE not only saves lives, but also demonstrates America's support and goodwill to nations that are fighting for freedom.

"This mission was another chapter in the storied history of AE," said Colonel Hartline. "It's important that we can support these types of missions and provide a helping hand for people facing difficult situations."

According to those involved the mission was not without its challenges.

"The most challenging part of the mission was the language barrier," said Capt. Rhett Blue, Medical Crew Director for the mission. "We really didn't have a lot of information as to the types of injuries these patients had sustained." However, Captain Blue added that the mission was fortunate to have "great interpreters on board to help us out."

Ultimately, his team was able to ensure the patients remained in stable condition and worked hard to make their long flight as comfortable as possible.

Captain Blue also added that regardless of the challenges a particular mission presents, AE teams always have one goal in mind.

"We're here to help out," he said. "That's what we're called to do. We bring the guys back safely."

Colonel Hartline agreed.

"AE units are some of the most committed units I've seen," he said. "It's humbling to watch them work. They are really the unsung heroes of the Air Force. No matter how tired these troops are, they want to go and help save lives."

AE technology and procedures have advanced tremendously over the years and today's patients having about a 98 percent survivability rate.

"During the Second World War, from the time a soldier was wounded until he returned home, it took anywhere between four and six weeks," said Colonel Hartline. "During Vietnam, it was reduced to just a couple of weeks. Now, within 72 hours, a patient is transported to a hospital and receives a significant level of treatment in flight."

The Libyan operation, which was a very limited, short-term effort, was the only aeromedical evacuation mission scheduled to arrive in the United States. The fighters were identified by the Libyan Ministry of Health as needing specialized care not available in their country.

"This shows that Americans are willing to offer support during war and in peace," said Ali Aujali, Libyan Ambassador to the United States. "For this we are grateful."

Mark Ward, Department of State Senior Advisor for Arab Transitions, complimented the cooperation between the Air Force, Department of Defense, Department of State, and everyone involved.

"We talk about public and private partnerships," he said, "This is one of the best I've ever seen."

Aeromedical evacuation experts have conducted more than 179,000 patient movements and 36,000 sorties since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 19, 2003. That averages out to nearly 12.4 potentially life-saving missions a day.

"Our forces deliver hope across the globe every day," said Lt. Gen. Mark Ramsay, 18th Air Force commander. "This mission was another example of the talent and commitment of our great mobility Airmen and the great things they make happen. We are honored to have been part of this effort."