![Lt Col. Andrew P. Sides Lt Col. Andrew P. Sides](https://media.defense.gov/2023/Jan/17/2003145543/-1/-1/0/221121-Z-QN229-205.JPG)
Lt Col. Andrew P. Sides
166th Operations Group Commander
The mission of the 166th Operations Group is to train and supply mission ready tactical airlift and aeromedical aircrews. Combat trained aircrews are prepared to respond to state, national and world-wide contingencies and disasters. The group has three squadrons; the 166th Operations Support Squadron, the 142nd Airlift Squadron and the 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. The group flies the C-130 H2.5 model cargo transport aircraft.
166th Operations Support Squadron
The 166th OSS is responsible for providing airfield management, intelligence, tactics, long and short range mission planning and aircrew support services to the group and any transient customers. The squadron enables the 142nd AS and 142nd AES to meet any assigned mission.
142nd Airlift Squadron
The mission of the 142nd Airlift Squadron is to provide combat ready aircrew for state, national and worldwide deployment in support of any assigned mission. The squadron's mission capability includes all weather, day and night, airland, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation capability. The C-130 aircraft is inter-theatre and intra-theatre capable. The squadron is also capable of supplying specially trained aircrews for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations when called upon. The "flying" squadron consists of pilots, navigators, flight engineers and loadmasters, and includes life support and administrative support sections.
142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
The mission of the 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron is to provide the "Best Care in the Air" with trained and qualified aeromedical evacuation crews mission-ready for state, national and worldwide deployment in support of any assigned mission. The squadron's mission capability includes nurses, medical technicians, administrative specialists and more. The squadron is ready to fill the need when events like natural disasters, war or routine medical transportation by air is required. AES crews consist of five people; two nurses and three medical technicians. The crew carries with them the necessary equipment to quickly turn any cargo aircraft in the Air Force inventory into a flying ambulance.