Academy cadets receive hands-on training during Ops AF

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets got a taste of what the aeromedical evacuation mission is all about June 16 on the Ramstein flightline.

Through briefings and hands-on training, the cadets learned how the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, along with the 435th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility, provides support and transportation for wounded warriors here.
“The briefing provided an overview of the aeromedical evacuation operation and how we move patients,” said Capt. Reggie Brown, 86th AES flight nurse. “The training included hands-on litter movements so they could take part later in the real-world mission of moving and loading patients from the busses to the aircraft.”

The cadets started the day with briefings, but by the afternoon they had toured several aircraft, finishing with the application of their earlier hands-on training.
“I was really excited to help out with the CASF,” said Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Jaclyn Fleming. “We want to be involved. It’s nice to get out there and help.”

The cadets visited Ramstein as part of Operation Air Force. Operation Air Foce provides cadets with a first-hand experience of what the operational Air Force has to offer.

“It’s an opportunity for cadets to experience what they want to do,” said Cadet Fleming, a native of Redondo Beach, Calif. “For those of us who are seniors, it’s a preview of operations and mission support. It’s our outreach for what’s going on in the Air Force; we get a bigger picture.”

While at Ramstein, Cadet Fleming said they had the opportunity to job shadow in their prospective jobs, meet leadership and experience the German culture.

“We had the great opportunity to go to Normandy, France,” she said. “That was the highlight of our trip here; everyone had a great time.”

Operation Air Force is a three-week program designed for academy and Air Force ROTC cadets. Locations include stateside and overseas bases.