Colonel (ret) Michael Feeley always said that AES stood for “always eating something.” While there may be a hint of truth to that statement, AES actually stands for Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. Activated in October of 1962, the142nd AES is one of thirty-one Aeromedical Evacuation squadrons between active duty, the reserves and National Guard.
The mission of AES is to provide time sensitive, mission critical enroute care to patients to and between medical treatment facilities. Teams of flight nurses and aeromedical evacuation technician’s transport stabilized patients from forward operating bases within the theater, to Germany and the continental United States.
The medical teams are supported by health services administrators, medical administrators, logisticians, biomedical equipment technicians,radio support and aviation resource management personnel.
The presence of aeromedical evacuation dates back to World War II and utilized the C-54 Skymaster aircraft to transport patients. Today, flight nurses and technicians are qualified to fly on the C-130, C-17 and KC-135 airframes and also use the C-5, C-21 airframes and civilian aircraft for opportune airlift needs. With the improved medical care closer to the battlefield and timely movement of patients to higher levels of care, survival rates from wounds suffered in battle are 97%. The use of AE facilitates movement of patients with significant injuries to receive the best care, even back in the
U.S., within 24 hours after injury.
The 142nd AES has been involved in multiple overseas operations to include Panama, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Somalia, Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM and all operations since 9/11 to include NOBLE EAGLE, Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN and FREEDOM SENTINEL. The142nd Aeromedical squadron was one of the first units in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The 142nd AES continues a high operations tempo for both overseas operations and exercises not only within the state but also with other outside agencies. When you see us out training, it is to provide the “Best Care in the Air” to all we serve.