Integrated CONUS Medical Operations Plan Still Flying High

Almost two years have passed since the 440th Airlift Wing started flying Integrated CONUS (Continental United States) Medical Operations Plan missions.

In late 2005, Col. Jay Flournoy and Lt. Colonels Bobby Oates, Jeff Paulus and Dennis Beatty drew up a plan that would use the talents of the 440th flyers and maintainers returning from activation overseas. The plan involved a strategic agreement with the Tanker Airlift Control Center for the wing to fly the missions, a first in the Reserve.

ICMOP was originally designed to help injured servicemembers get home as quickly as possible after arriving in the United States from overseas. Prior to the 440th’s commitment, ICMOP missions were almost always flown by active duty crews.

In 2007, the 95th Airlift Squadron scaled back its participation in ICMOP as the wing prepared to move its headquarters to Pope. But this September, the squadron started flying the TACC-generated missions again.

"Steve Chafe is the real mastermind behind the 440th getting involved again in ICMOP," said Lt. Col. Tim Reynolds, a 440th navigator, referring to Lt. Col. Stephen Chafe's role in bringing the mission back. "He initiated the efforts early this summer, and the senior leadership made it happen."

Colonel Chafe coordinated with TACC and helped resolve the unique challenges of flying these missions during and after the wing's move.

"It's a gratifying mission to fly," said Colonel Chafe, who is a pilot with the 95th. "Usually we have two to 15 patients that we fly on any given sortie."

Colonel Chafe said one of his most memorable missions was a soldier with a broken back held together by pins.

"He was in obvious pain," said the pilot. "And the weather was looking particularly rough, so we delayed the flight until things cleared to avoid creating additional pain on this young man's body."

Lt. Col. Jon Thorell, also a 440th pilot, said what he remembers most are the Soldiers and Marines injured by improvised explosive devices.

"We've also seen severe cases of post traumatic stress syndrome, amputees, soldiers shot in the head and other terrible injuries," he said. "It's always an honor to fly the ICMOP missions when we have heroic patients who put their lives on the line for our country."

In the months that followed the 440th's initial commitment, the TACC mission expanded to include other C-130 airlift needs within the United States. Today the 440th frequently supports Joint Army Airborne Training under TACC requirements, like a recent exercise that took place at the Yuma Proving Ground Laguna Army Airfield in Arizona.

"Last week we supported the Military Freefall School Basic Course at Yuma," said Lt. Col. Andrew Krafft, a 95th AS pilot. "We flew Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Marine RECONS (reconnaissance) and Air Force parajumpers. They jumped freefall from 13,000 feet."

Maj. Dieter Presser said the joint training exercises provide direct support in the Global War on Terror. "These special forces are jump qualified after working with us," said the major.

"And the 440th benefits by keeping our aircrew flying skills current. I always leave JAATT

 missions with a greater appreciation for how the different branches of service interact."

Since the wing started flying ICMOP, more than 50 aircrew and 20 maintainers have volunteered to support the missions. Today the wing has two flying crews and four maintainers supporting ICMOP.

"The success of these missions is due entirely to the efforts of all the individuals who fly and support the missions," said Colonel Chafe. "It's a testament to our commitment to Service Before Self."

(Aero-News salutes Lt. Col. Ann Peru Knabe, 440th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs; and Tech. Sgt. Anthony Flores, 95th Airlift Squadron)

FMI: www.af.mil