About this Unit
The United States Air Force Nurse Corps was established as a distinct entity in 1949, following the creation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate branch in 1947. Drawing on the legacy of Army Air Forces nurses who served valiantly during World War II, the Corps quickly became vital in providing expert medical care to Airmen at home and in overseas operations. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Air Force nurses served on the front lines of aeromedical evacuation, pioneering advances in in-flight patient care. Today, the USAF Nurse Corps continues to uphold a tradition of excellence, supporting global missions and humanitarian efforts while advancing military medicine.
Historical Facts
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Foundation in WWII: The United States Air Force Nurse Corps was officially established in July 1949, shortly after the Air Force became a separate branch in 1947. However, Air Force nurses served as part of the Army Nurse Corps during World War II.
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First Air Evacuation Nurses: Air Force nurses pioneered aeromedical evacuation, caring for wounded soldiers in flight during WWII, revolutionizing battlefield medicine and saving countless lives.
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Korean War Service: During the Korean War, Air Force flight nurses braved combat zones and harsh conditions to evacuate over 350,000 casualties, setting a record for rapid, lifesaving air evacuations.
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First Male Nurse: The Air Force Nurse Corps was the first branch to commission male nurses in 1966, almost a decade before other military branches followed suit.
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Vietnam War Impact: Air Force nurses played a critical role in the Vietnam War, operating on the front lines and aboard aircraft, often under enemy fire, and continuing the tradition of rapid aeromedical evacuations.
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First African American Chief: In 2008, Brigadier General (Dr.) Dorothy A. Hogg became the first African American woman to serve as the Chief of the Air Force Nurse Corps.
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Humanitarian Missions: Air Force nurses have participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief after hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, providing critical care worldwide.
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Specialized Training: Air Force nurses receive specialized training in trauma, flight nursing, and disaster response, making them some of the most versatile and highly trained nurses in the world.
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Global War on Terror: Since 2001, Air Force nurses have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations, supporting combat operations and providing care for wounded service members and civilians.
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Recognition and Awards: Members of the Air Force Nurse Corps have received numerous awards for bravery and excellence, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal, recognizing their crucial role in saving lives on and off the battlefield.
