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Florida Guard Medical Detachment Trains in Puerto Rico

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jesse Hanson,
  • 125th Fighter Wing

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico – The 125th Medical Group, Detachment 1, based out of Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida, completed a multifaceted training mission in Puerto Rico Aug. 16.

“Rollin Thunder 24” enhanced the unit’s air mobility capabilities and provided crucial individual medical readiness support to the 156th Wing, as well as essential training in the comprehensive medical readiness program and individual training requirements matrix.

The mission was carried out Aug. 8-16 with several supporting units, including the 156th Medical Group, the 172nd Airlift Wing, and the 125th Fire Protection Flight.

Mobilization Phase

The mobilization phase began with the coordination of logistics. The team worked with the installation deployment officer to organize airlift requests, process deployment processing line actions, and facilitate cargo inspection and loading. 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

Once in Puerto Rico, the 125th Medical Group immediately provided IMR support to the 156th Wing to improve the medical readiness of the wing, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which severely impacted local health care.

Providing IMR support to the 156th Medical Group allowed its members to complete their Ready Airman Training without interruptions. Over two days, the unit conducted 38 physical health assessments, 23 dental exams, 43 immunizations, and 46 lab encounters. The team also performed flight physicals, optometry exams and mental health assessments.

“The importance of maintaining IMR cannot be overstated,” Viands said. “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, demonstrated treatment for neurological injuries in confined spaces, used expeditionary equipment in a deployed environment, and trained for hazardous material-related injuries. 

The 125th Fire Protection Flight also contributed, conducting 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 Enhanced Response Force Package 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.”

“This mission underscored the importance of preparation, adaptability, and over-communication in ensuring success,” said Lt. Col. Rusty Munyak, acting commander of the 125th Medical Group, Detachment 1.

The Rollin Thunder 24 mission fulfilled its training objectives and strengthened the partnership between the Florida Air National Guard and its counterparts in Puerto Rico. 

“Our goal is to stay relevant and mission-ready,“ Viands said. “Rollin Thunder 24 was a step towards that, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”