DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 322/08
Thursday, 2 October 2008
C-17 GLOBEMASTER ACHIEVES AEROMEDICAL
INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY MILESTONE
The C-17 Globemaster is an exciting development for Air Force in Aeromedical
Evacuation (AME) terms as it has been designed with an integral AME capability in
mind. Extensive Operational Testing and evaluation has occurred this year to ensure
that the C-17 meets the Australian requirements and standards for medical equipment
and AME.
With its integral litter bays, oxygen, power and excellent lighting, the airframe is well
suited to the AME role as the increased reach capability and speed allows for faster
long-haul retrievals than previously possible in a much more comfortable
environment. The C-17 allows reduced transit time for the retrieval team, less flying
time and fewer stops for the patients.
Initial Operating Capability was reached ahead of schedule and, as a result, two C-17
AME missions have already successfully been completed. The first mission involved
the retrieval of five Australian Defence Force personnel from the Middle East Area of
Operations (MEAO) to various medical facilities within Australia, with the second
mission being a follow-on opportunity.
“The patients required varying levels of care and all commented on how appreciative
they were of the excellent attention that they had received,” said Wing Commander
Sandra Riley, Officer in Charge of the AME.
On these missions, the aircraft demonstrated its inherent flexibility by multi-tasking in
logistic support and as an AME platform.
“I was thrilled to see the beaming AME team on their arrival back at Amberley,” said
Group Captain Karen Leshinskas, Officer Commanding RAAF Health Services Wing.
“They were full of praise for the aircraft, crew and AME capability. It was a very
important milestone for all of us.”
Success of the mission demonstrated teamwork by all elements of the Air Force -
36SQN air and ground crew, HQ Joint Operations Command and the Air Operations
Centre, Heavy Air Lift Project Office, Health Services Wing staff, and the AME team
Specialist Reservists and permanent Air Force personnel.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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