86th AES

• Origins and Activation: The 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (86th AES) was officially activated on 1 July 1994 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as part of the 86th Operations Group. • Strategic Location: Based at Ramstein AB, the 86th AES is strategically positioned to rapidly respond to medical emergencies across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. • Humanitarian Missions: The squadron has played vital roles in humanitarian missions, including responses to natural disasters in Haiti, Turkey, and West Africa. • Evacuation Expertise: The 86th AES specializes in providing in-flight medical care, often converting cargo aircraft like the C-130 and C-17 into flying hospitals. • Balkans Operations: The unit was heavily involved in aeromedical evacuations during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, helping save countless lives amid war zones. • COVID-19 Response: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the squadron developed protocols and executed missions to safely transport infected patients using specialized isolation systems. • Support for Wounded Warriors: The 86th AES has supported the movement of thousands of wounded warriors from conflict zones to advanced medical facilities in Europe and the United States. • Training Multinational Teams: The squadron often trains and cooperates with NATO and partner nation medical personnel to ensure interoperability in multinational operations. • Rapid Global Mobility: The 86th AES can deploy worldwide within hours, providing critical medical support in diverse and austere environments. • Decorations and Recognition: The squadron has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its exemplary performance in both peacetime and combat operations.