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Pegasus shows MEDEVAC capabilities

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 2003330195533
Story by Lance Cpl. Dave Boni

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- PHILIPPINES - Besides providing assault support for small-unit level training exercises during its deployment to the Republic of the Philippines, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 plays another role, one that could possibly save lives.

Being the only helicopter squadron deployed to Philippines Interoperability Exchange 2003 has placed HMH-463 as the medical evacuation team on stand by, a duty the squadron has never served before.

"When there are shooting exercises going on at Ternate we are on a 30 minute stand by in case of an emergency, but when it's just a regular training day we are on a 120 minute stand by," said Lt. Col. Scott Kerchner, commanding officer for HMH-463.

To accomplish these timetables pilots and crewmembers perform daily MEDEVAC flights to concur the allotted time, said Staff Sgt. John McCarthy, HMH-463 flight line staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "We conduct daily inspections while maintaining a CH-53D helicopter is fueled and serviceable to fly at a moments notice," said McCarthy.

"Our MEDEVAC capabilities are one of our major priorities, if we are not ready, a life could be at stake," said McCarthy.

According to Sgt. Craig Charbonneau, HMH-463 crew chief, units deployed to the Republic of the Philippines may not be accustomed to the heat and humidity associated with this area of the world, and injuries are commonly caused from that.

"It always happens, someone doesn't drink enough water or the heat is to much and we have to get the individual to medical attention immediately," said Charbonneau.

Aside from heat casualties, units here will also be participating in live-fire drills, which also pose a risk for injury.

"The pilots and crew members are on a 24 hour stand by everyday. They are required to stay within a close distance of the flight line in case an accident occurs. We take our MEDEVAC capabilities very seriously," stated Charbonneau.