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The 23d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force. It was activated on 1 July 1994, the same day the 1st Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron was inactivated. On 1 April 1997, the 23 AES was inactivated and the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron activated as part of the 43rd Operations Group under Air Mobility Command.
History
The 23d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron has supported several major operations. On 11 September 1994, personnel deployed to Haiti, Cuba, and Puerto Rico in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. In preparation for the Operation, the squadron expanded in size by 300 percent, obtaining personnel from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units, as well as some active duty medical units. Personnel established a first-ever Theater Patient Movement Requirements Center (TPMRC), employed an aeromedical evacuation liaison team (AELT) on the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), and safely evacuated patients to destination hospitals. On 11 October 1994, command and control of aeromedical evacuation operations were transferred to Air Reserve Component units, allowing a rapid transition and redeployment of 23 AES assets in support of Operation Vigilant Warrior. Squadron members redeployed in less than 24 hours of their return from Operation Uphold Democracy.
In January 1995, the 23 AES deployed personnel in support of Operation United Shield and Operation Safe Passage. During Operation United Shield, a MASF, AELT and AECC were deployed to Mombasa, Kenya to aid in the withdrawal of US and UN forces from Somalia. An additional AELT was stationed on the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) for 40 days to provide a link with USN medical assets.
Also in January 1995, an Aeromedical Evacuation Operations Team was deployed to Howard AFB, Panama, for Operation Safe Passage. Over the course of 20 days, deployed personnel coordinated the safe transit of more than 7,400 Cuban migrants on 80 missions.
In December 1995, the 23 AES deployed personnel in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Four TAES elements were deployed into the European Theater. Working jointly with the 86 AES, squadron personnel were responsible for all patient aeromedical evacuation within and out of the contingency area.