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Recent History
1 JUL 06 – 30 JUN 08
From December 2005 until October 2006, Company C 3/126th AV (Air Ambulance) provided Medical Evacuation and Support (including en route patient care, movement of medical supplies, and personnel) for coalition forces, civilian contractors, local nationals, and enemy prisoners of war (EPW) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Co. C flew over 1680 total flight hours and evacuated over 1000 patients.In March of 2008, Co. C deployed to the Dominican Republic in support of Operation Tradewinds. The Operation’s focus was on enhancing regional cooperation and responsiveness in the areas of maritime and ground security, civil-military coordination during disaster response, and other designated military and law enforcement missions for 16 participating countries. Co. C focused mainly on Medical Evacuation operations as well as flight training.
Throughout the years, Co. C has made it a point to make its relationship between the military and the local citizens an enjoyable one, working with groups such as youth organizations, and schools. Starbase Vermont is an organization that serves students, teachers and schools in grades 4-5. Their mission is to raise the interest and improve the knowledge and skills of youth in science, technology, engineering and math. Co. C enthusiastically accepted the invitation to give a presentation on the helicopters as well as speak about the importance of community service and doing well in school.
The very first HH-60M Blackhawk Medical Evacuation Helicopters in the country are being fielded right here in the State of Vermont. Throughout the next fiscal year, Co. C is slated to receive six HH-60M Blackhawk Helicopters replacing the much older UH-60A Blackhawks that are currently in use. We will be the first unit to field the aircraft, and the first unit to provide feedback for the next model to be.
The HH-60M Helicopter provides three major upgrades to Co. C’s mission. One is that the aircraft is now outfitted with onboard medical lifesaving capabilities transforming the Blackhawk into an actual Air Ambulance with a variety of machines such as an environmental control system, oxygen generating system, suction, hydraulic litter system, and an external electrical rescue hoist. The HH-60M is also a more stable platform for hovering during a water or land hoist operation allowing the flight crew to evacuate patients safely in an area unsuitable for landing. Thirdly, the new M Model Blackhawk has an upgraded avionics package which will increase the pilot’s situational awareness and ability to fly in marginal weather conditions more safely.
It is Co. C’s mission to maintain the highest readiness level with its advanced equipment and exceptional soldiers. We stand ready to support the citizens through school and community events, state and local authorities for search and rescue operations, and the country in support of the war on terrorism.
1 JUL 04 – 30 JUN 06
Over the past two years the dedicated soldiers of Co. C 3-126th Air Ambulance have served the United States, the citizens of Vermont, and the citizens of Iraq with honor and distinction. The significant events that have occurred during the years 2004 through 2006 include Operation Winter Freeze and the overseas deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Co. C 3-126th Air Ambulance provided 24/7 MEDEVAC coverage for a vast geographic area on the northern border (including Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire) in support of Operation Winter Freeze from the time of the 2004 US Presidential elections through the inauguration in January 2005. Operation Winter Freeze was a mission to support the United States Border Patrol during a time of greater threat of attack by terrorists attempting to disrupt the democratic process of our country. Recent successful terrorist attacks in Spain prior to their national elections, current intelligence data, and the fact that the Border Patrol’s Swanton, Vermont sector intercepts the highest number of Special Interest Aliens in the entire USA (those aliens originating from nations identified with terrorism) prompted the necessity of this northern border security mission. United States Border Patrol Agents supported by OWF were successful in defeating transnational terrorist threats and it was the first time that a National Guard General Officer commanded a joint task force comprised of both Active Duty and National Guard troops, which sets a precedent for the National Guard to lead the way on future Homeland Security missions.
In December of 2005, Co. C 3-126th Air Ambulance deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The company was stationed at both Ad Diwaniyah and Tallil Air Base in south-central Iraq. The unit successfully flew over 1680 hours caring for roughly 1000 patients ranging from routine transfers and appointments to point of injury calls where our flight medics and crews saved countless lives. The soldiers of Co. C Air Ambulance worked long hours in unbelievable heat, high winds, and dust storms to provide 24/7 MEDEVAC coverage in order to save life, limb, and eyesight and they did an outstanding job accomplishing that mission.