U.S. Air Force Maj. Raymond Kelly, left, and Capt. Dreannan McConnell, both 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurses, conduct a preflight brief aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, at Kadena Air Base Japan, Feb. 17, 2026. 18th AES flight nurses specialize in providing critical in-flight care to injured personnel. (Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton/U.S. Air Force)
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 909th Air Refueling Squadron practice aeromedical evacuation procedures over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2026.
