Press Releases

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA), and U.S. Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA-01) are urging the Pentagon to consider Savannah as home to a new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) within the Air National Guard.

The Air Force is currently considering locations to establish an additional AES in order to meet recommendations by the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force. In a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, Perdue, Isakson, and Carter encouraged the Air Force to select the 165^th Airlift Wing at Savannah Hilton Head Air National Guard Station for the new AES.

“As the Air Force continues with its strategic basing process to establish a new Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron within the Air National Guard, we respectfully request your careful consideration of the 165^th Airlift Wing at Savannah Hilton Head Air National Guard Station as a top candidate to fulfill basing criteria,” the letter reads.

In the letter, Isakson, Perdue, and Carter highlighted the 165^th Airlift Wing’s existing capacity and infrastructure to host the mission, ability to recruit from over 10 accredited nursing schools in the area, and existing partnership with the 156^th AES, based out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

“The September 18, 2018, approval of the enterprise definition and criteria emphasizes the operational, manpower, and capacity requirements of the Aeromedical Evacuation mission. The 165^th Airlift Wing is uniquely qualified to excel in all of these areas, but has particularly proven itself in regards to mission capability with an AES,” the letter continues.

The Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron provides time-sensitive, mission-critical care to patients en route to medical treatment facilities. This new mission would require 106 new personnel, including 41 officers and 65 enlisted.

View the letter here.