Return to First Friday Briefing

Air Ambulance Company Continues Active Service

When a late winter snowstorm dusted Ft. Hood, Texas, the post’s military police responded to an automobile accident in a remote part of the sprawling installation. When they arrived, they found it necessary to call for a medivac helicopter and were surprised at what showed up…a UH1-N “Huey” helicopter manned by members of Winder’s 148th Air Ambulance Company Fort Hood’s fire chief said he was not only impressed that the crew was even able to fly in the inclement weather; he was also shocked to see the word “Georgia” emblazoned across the aircraft.

That lifesaving mission was one of more than 30 flown so far by crews of the 148th since the unit was mobilized in mid-January. In addition to Ft. Hood, the unit is flying missions at Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Sill, Okla., and Fort Carson, Colo. During their tour aircraft and crews have responded to motor vehicle accidents, training accidents and off-post Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic missions.

The 148th is covering for an active unit that is deployed overseas in support of operations in the Middle East. And what seems to amaze most people is that the unit and its “Hueys” are successfully performing missions that are normally done by a full active duty battalion of more modern Black Hawk helicopters.

The 148th is maintains round-the-clock operations at all five active duty posts with two crews of pilots and medics on call at all times at each installation.

Return to First Friday Briefing