Photo By Senior Airman Jesse Hanson | U.S. Airmen assigned to the 125th Medical Group, Detachment 1 stand for a group photo...... read more read more
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CAROLINA, Puerto Rico – The 125th Medical Group, Detachment 1, based out of Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida, recently completed a multifaceted training mission known as "Rollin Thunder 24" in Puerto Rico from August 8 to August 16, 2024. The operation was designed to enhance the unit’s air mobility capabilities, provide crucial Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) support to the 156th Wing, and conduct essential training in Comprehensive Medical Readiness Program (CMRP) and Individual Training Requirements Matrix (ITRM).
The mission, carried out in collaboration with several supporting units, including the 156th Medical Group, the 172nd Airlift Wing, and the 125th Fire Protection Flight, was structured into three phases: Mobilization, IMR Support, and CMRP/ITRM Training.
Mobilization Phase
The mobilization phase kicked off with the coordination of necessary logistics for the operation. The team worked closely with the Installation Deployment Officer (IDO) to organize airlift requests, process Deployment Processing Line (PDF) actions, and facilitate cargo inspection and loading. Utilizing the LOGMOD system, the unit created essential shipping and deployment documents for the mission, which included transporting two trucks, one trailer, and a 15-passenger van on a C-17 Globemaster aircraft from Jacksonville to Muñiz Air National Guard Base.
“This was our first time executing a mission of this scale, and it required meticulous planning and coordination,” said Master Sgt. Sheila Viands, aerospace medical technician,125th Medical Group, Detachment 1 and the project officer for Rollin Thunder 24. “Our commander’s mission was clear: to make this medical detachment the best in the country. To achieve this, we decided to do things that we haven’t done before, including exercising our air mobility capabilities.”
IMR Support Phase
Upon arrival in Puerto Rico, the 125th Medical Group immediately began providing IMR support to the 156th Wing. This phase was critical in improving the medical readiness of the Wing, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which had severely impacted local healthcare services.
Providing IMR support to the 156th Medical Group allowed its members to complete their Ready Airman Training (RAT) without interruptions, achieving 100% compliance with this vital mobilization requirement. Over two days, the unit conducted a range of medical services, including 38 Physical Health Assessments (PHA), 23 Dental exams, 43 immunizations, and 46 lab encounters. The team also performed flight physicals, optometry exams, and mental health assessments, contributing to a total of 142 medical encounters.
“The importance of maintaining IMR cannot be overstated,” Viands explained. “It’s about ensuring our members are physically and mentally ready for the mission. This mission allowed us to not only support our fellow service members in Puerto Rico but also to refine our own readiness processes.”
CMRP/ITRM Training Phase
The final phase of the mission focused on completing CMRP and ITRM training requirements. The 125th Medical Group, Detachment 1, engaged in practical demonstrations of treatment for neurological injuries in confined spaces, utilized expeditionary equipment in a deployed environment, and conducted training for hazardous material-related injuries. In total, the team completed 792 man-hours of required ITRM training.
The 125th Fire Protection Flight also contributed significantly, conducting 288 man-hours of comprehensive training, including confined space and low-angle rescue operations. Their efforts enhanced the readiness of the Florida Air National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High Yield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) capabilities.
“Confined space training is crucial,” said Viands. “It prepares us for operating in environments not designed for constant work, which is essential for rescue operations during natural disasters or chemical attacks.”
Mission Success and Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the mission, Lt. Col. Rusty Munyak, acting commander of the 125th Medical Group, Detachment 1 emphasized the value of early and comprehensive planning. Despite facing logistical challenges, such as vehicle procurement and incompatible fuel cards, the unit successfully adapted and overcame these obstacles.
“Now is the time to start planning for the future,” Munyak advised. “This mission underscored the importance of preparation, adaptability, and overcommunication in ensuring success.”
The Rollin Thunder 24 mission not only fulfilled its training objectives but also strengthened the partnership between the Florida Air National Guard and their counterparts in Puerto Rico. By successfully completing this mission, the 125th Medical Group, Detachment 1, demonstrated its commitment to becoming the best medical detachment in the nation.
As Viands concluded, “Our goal is to stay relevant and mission-ready. Rollin Thunder 24 was a step towards that, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2024 17:28 |
| Story ID: | 478765 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 720 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 125th Med Det 1 Conducts Successful Training Mission in Puerto Rico, by SrA Jesse Hanson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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