Creech hosts first-ever UAS Aeromedical Summit

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 432d Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AFB, Nev. (ACCNS) --  More than 20 individuals from various specialties came to Creech AFB to participate in an Unmanned Aircraft System Aeromedical Summit from Jan. 27 to Jan. 30. 

The purpose of the summit was for the participants to gain a better understanding of the UAS community, mission and aeromedical needs. The summit participants included aerospace medicine specialists, aviation psychologists, training researchers and planning and program analysts from various locations such as Brooks-City Base, Texas, the Air Force Research Laboratory, Warfighter Training Research Division, Mesa, Ariz, Hurlburt Field, Fla., and Cannon AFB, N.M. 

"We had some predetermined assumptions such as the high operations tempo and stressors associated with the mission here. We wanted an opportunity to come out and determine if those assumptions were correct," said Dr. Rod Vanderbeek, Director of Plans and Programs for the 311th Human Systems Wing. "This group is here to focus on one common thing, which is optimizing the operational performance for these war fighters." 

Over the course of four days, the summit participants interviewed several individuals from the 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing, observed UAS training and conducted open discussions, interviews and briefings. 

Dr. Vanderbeek said summit participants hope to bring back information that will enhance the UAS mission through the training and selection process, training activities, aeromedical management and quality of life. 

He also said during the team's visit, he and other participants were impressed by the members of the 432d's willingness to share their experiences and concerns. 

"We truly appreciate the opportunity we were granted to be here. From what I've seen, they (members of the 432d) are excited about their mission and they know what they do adds value for the Air Force and our Nation," he said. "They have embraced the opportunity to dialog with the summit participants. I'm impressed at how positive and optimistic the Airmen are despite the challenges associated with the UAS mission at Creech." 

Major Pam Novy, Aerospace Clinical Psychologist from the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks City-Base, agreed that despite the challenges associated with the UAS mission, the Airmen of the 432d are motivated and understand their mission is important. 

"Everyone we've talked with here has been very mission focused and they have a vision about the future in terms of UAS operations. They are committed to this mission," Maj. Novy said. 

The summit participants also received the opportunity to interact with 432d leadership and gain a better overall perspective on operations here. 

Col. Chris Chambliss, 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing commander said leadership here wanted to give the summit participants the in-depth access to this dual-hatted wing in hopes of improving mission effectiveness and quality of life. 

"This summit was another excellent opportunity for us to educate a group of professionals who have a desire to help make things better for our mission here," Col. Chambliss said. "I'm confident they left with a better understanding of our community."