Scott restores critical patient movement capability aboard C-21 aircraft

A U.S. Air Force 458th Airlift Squadron C-21 aircraft is prepared for takeoff during a 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron training flight at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 15, 2026. The reestablished non-ambulatory patient transportation capability expands the 375th Air Mobility Wing's ability to support global aeromedical evacuation operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)

Scott restores critical patient movement capability aboard C-21 aircraft

U.S. Air Force Maj. Dominick Ricci, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, 375th Operations Group, prepares an aircraft for takeoff during a certification flight for the Spectrum Aeromed Air Ambulance System on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 15, 2026. Multiple units across the installation worked together to restore transport of nonambulatory patients aboard Scott-assigned C 21 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)

Scott restores critical patient movement capability aboard C-21 aircraft

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Edmonds, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation technician, completes a function check on the new Spectrum Aeromed Air Ambulance System on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 26, 2026. The 375th Air Mobility Wing strengthened its ability to support global aeromedical evacuation operations by returning the capability to transport litter-bound patients. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez)

Scott restores critical patient movement capability aboard C-21 aircraft

Published June 4, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

The 375th Air Mobility Wing recently executed its first operational movement of a litter-bound patient aboard a Scott-assigned C-21 aircraft in more than six years, restoring critical patient movement capability and expanding the wing’s ability to support global aeromedical operations.

While the 375th AMW has consistently maintained the ability to transport ambulatory patients, it has not been able to transport litter-bound, non-ambulatory patients for more than 6 years due to the absence of the Spectrum Aeromed air ambulance technology.

A medical dummy sits in a bed inside of a small jet. The dummy is surrounded by medical equipment. — U.S. Air Force 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Airmen prepare the Spectrum Aeromed Air Ambulance System for a training flight on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 15, 2026. The system was reintroduced to Scott-assigned C-21 aircraft after a six-year absence, increasing the 375th AES's patient movement capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)

The Spectrum Aeromed Air Ambulance System provides oxygen, vacuum, and electrical capabilities necessary to safely transport non-ambulatory patients. The system also includes a secure litter platform, allowing crews to move patients requiring advanced medical support during flight.

The opportunity to apply the system and training operationally came shortly after certification, when the wing received a request to move a patient. The mission provided the first real-world test and demonstrated the readiness of the aircraft, equipment, and personnel involved.

A group of Airmen, and a civilian on the far right, stand with their hands behind their back, in front of a C-21 jet. — U.S. Air Force 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Airmen and 458th Airlift Squadron maintenance personnel prepare a C-21 aircraft for a training flight on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 15, 2026. The training flight familiarized 375th AES Airmen with the Spectrum Aeromed Air Ambulance System and helped restore the 375th Air Mobility Wing’s capability to transport nonambulatory patients aboard Scott-assigned C-21 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin Morgan)

"Today marks both the end result of years of effort to restore a mission capability and the beginning of what we hope will be a bright new future for the 375th AMW's ability to support global patient movement," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric M. Perron, 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron operations flight commander, and flight nurse for the mission. “The same system is currently utilized by the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Ramstein Air Base in Germany in order to extensively support patient movement across Europe.”

Restoring the capability required close coordination among operations, maintenance, and medical personnel, units across the installation. Air Mobility Command, the 618th Air Operations Center, 375th Medical Group, 375th Operations Group, 375th Operations Support Squadron, 458th Airlift Squadron, and 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron all played a role in making the mission possible.

4 airmen standing in front of a jet with their arms crossed. — U.S. Air Force 375th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 458th Airlift Squadron Airmen prepare to take off on an aeromedical evacuation mission on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 26, 2026. This is the 375th Air Mobility Wing successfully enhanced its global aeromedical readiness by using new air ambulance technology to transport a litter-bound patient aboard a C-21 aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez)

The mission served as both a milestone and a starting point for the Airmen involved. The restored movement capability increases flexibility for future patient movement missions while strengthening the 375 AMW’s role in supporting AE operations worldwide.

"To watch the installation of this equipment only two weeks ago, followed by a couple of training missions by our crews, and now execute the first operational use of it has been truly exciting for our team," Perron said. "We cannot wait to see it continue to progress."