EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Newell (left), maintenance test pilot, and Warrant Officer Matthew Temple (right), aeromedical evacuation pilot, both assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, exit an Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. The pilots provided support to Luke Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen during a joint training exercise, allowing them to practice casualty evacuation procedures and tactical communications with an active medical asset. By enhancing interoperability and vital partnerships, this training strengthened the 56th Fighter Wing’s ability to project airpower and readiness globally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Cody Solomon, a flight paramedic assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, leads a training on emergency medical evacuation procedures, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. Luke Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen trained on essential skills such as cold and hot load training as well as hoist operations with U.S. Army soldiers to simulate a real-world casualty evacuation. Partnerships with other military branches strengthen the 56th Fighter Wing’s commitment to ensuring its airmen are mission-ready and prepared to save lives in any operational environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elias Saavedra (left), 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, and U.S. Army Soldier Staff Sgt. Cody Solomon (right), a flight paramedic assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, conducts a hoist extraction of a casualty via stretcher into a hovering helicopter, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. In a training exercise designed to increase operational readiness, Airmen practiced complex medical rescues, including using hoists and stretchers. This training helps the 56th Fighter Wing become a stronger, more versatile fighting force, ready for missions on any terrain. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing listen to feedback on a joint exercise, September 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. To master casualty evacuation procedures, the crew conducted cold and hot load training and hoist operations with a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk. Equipping Airmen with critical, life-saving skills, this training builds a mission-ready force for high-threat, joint operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Cody Solomon (left), a flight paramedic assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, secures U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elias Saavedra (right), 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, into a 420 rescue seat for a hover hoist operation from a moving aircraft, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. Training in specialized hoist techniques teaches Airmen to safely and efficiently recover personnel during medical evacuations. This exercise enhances the 56th Fighter Wing's ability to forge resilient, lethal, and contingency-ready Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Cody Solomon (left), a flight paramedic assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, secures U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elias Saavedra (right), 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, into a 420 rescue seat for a hover hoist operation from a moving aircraft, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. This exercise, which involved securing Saavedra for a medical evacuation simulation, trains Airmen in vital personnel recovery techniques, improving the 56th Fighter Wing's ability to respond to contingencies and enhance overall readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S Army Spc. Tyler Robertson, a crew chief assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, receives a rescue manikin via hoist, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. With a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter providing a realistic, hovering platform, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing train to execute medical evacuation procedures. This joint-service exercise builds an integrated and highly effective force, ensuring seamless cooperation across military branches to save lives in any operational theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Jack Roscoe (left) and Seth Elroy (right), 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technicians, offload a rescue manikin from an Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. Airmen practiced a hot load scenario, an intensive drill where they loaded and offloaded a casualty from an active helicopter. The joint exercise strengthens the 56th Fighter Wing’s commitment to creating a force that is both resilient and integrated with its sister services. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Cody Solomon, a flight paramedic assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, teaches Airmen how to safely secure and prepare a casualty for transport, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. Joint training at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field gave EOD technicians realistic practice with casualty care and helicopter loading procedures. Using the Barry M. Goldwater Military Training Range allows the 56th Fighter Wing and its partners to conduct essential training that increases combat readiness and strengthens lethality. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Air Force explosive ordnance disposal Airmen assigned to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, assess and secure a rescue manikin to a stretcher, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. This joint medical exercise with the U.S. Army is a mission-critical rehearsal for casualty care and patient transport in a simulated combat zone. This exercise ensures Airmen possess the life-saving capabilities needed to support diverse contingency operations and win tomorrow’s fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S Army Staff Sgt. Cody Solomon, a flight paramedic assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, instructs Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing on hoist training, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. Equipping EOD Airmen with advanced medical skills turns them into a force multiplier for casualty care. This exercise directly ensures the 56th FW's Airmen are ready to save lives in combat and win tomorrow’s fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elias Saavedra, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, fills out a tactical combat casualty care card, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. The training simulated a full combat medical scenario, from immediate care to patient condition documentation for transfer to Army medical personnel. This training equipped 56th Fighter Wing Airmen with essential skills for emergency response and ensured they are ready to win tomorrow’s fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jack Roscoe, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, assesses a rescue manikin for injuries and emergency care, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. Roscoe relays the casualty's simulated injuries, preparing for a medical evacuation request and transfer of care to Army medics. This training develops highly capable combat-ready Airmen from the 56th Fighter Wing, creating a culture of excellence and brilliance at the basics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Mac Little (left) and Andrayez Storm (right), 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technicians, secure a rescue manikin in a portable stretcher, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. In a joint-force exercise, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing trained alongside U.S. Army soldiers on medical evacuation procedures. The training, which involved treating and loading a simulated casualty, enhances the joint interoperability needed to win in a high-end fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)

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EOD Airmen Sharpen Skills During Joint MEDEVAC Exercise

Published Sept. 17, 2025
By A1C Belinda Guachun-Chichay
56th Fighter Wing

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ryan Newell (left), maintenance test pilot, and Warrant Officer Matthew Temple (right), aeromedical evacuation pilot, both assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, exit an Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Sept. 10, 2025, at Gila Bend, Arizona. The pilots provided support to Luke Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen during a joint training exercise, allowing them to practice casualty evacuation procedures and tactical communications with an active medical asset. By enhancing interoperability and vital partnerships, this training strengthened the 56th Fighter Wing’s ability to project airpower and readiness globally. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Belinda Guachun-Chichay)