15th SOS performs quick turn, evacuates medical students after Maria

By Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs / Published September 25, 2017

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Loadmasters deployed from the 15th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., lean around the ramp of a MC-130H Combat Talon II on the island of Dominica Sept. 23, 2017, after it was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Maria. The Air Commandos flew through the night from home station after being tasked short notice; then volunteered again to rush to the aid of 19 students on Dominica, one of which was under medical observation for sudden health issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

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A student from the Ross University School of Medicine prepares for takeoff on a MC-130H Combat Talon II while being evacuated from the island of Dominica Sept. 23, 2017. Air Commandos from Hurlburt Field, Fla., flew through the night from home station after being tasked short notice; then volunteered again to rush to the aid of 19 students, one of which was under medical observation for sudden health issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

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Air Commandos deployed from Hurlburt Field, Fla., prepare to take off from the island of Dominica Sept. 23, 2017, after it was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Maria. The Air Commandos flew through the night from home station after being tasked short notice; then volunteered again to rush to the aid of 19 students from the Ross University School of Medicine students, one of which was under medical observation for sudden health issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

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Students from the Ross University School of Medicine prepare to exit a 15th Special Operations Squadron MC-130H Combat Talon II after evacuating, due to a medical emergency, from the island of Dominica Sept. 23, 2017, after it was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Maria. Air Commandos from Hurlburt Field, Fla., flew through the night from home station after being tasked short notice; then volunteered again to rush to the aid of 19 students, one of which was under medical observation for sudden health issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

BARBADOS -- Aircrew members with the 15th Special Operations Squadron deployed from Hurlburt Field, Florida, evacuated 19 medical students from the island of Dominica Sept. 23, after it was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Maria.

The Air Commandos flew through the night from home station after being tasked short notice then; volunteered again to rush to the aid of the students, one of which was under medical observation for sudden health issues.

“That’s why we train, and that’s what we are here for,” said Lt. Col. William Compton, mission commander for the deployment.

The aircrew was on the ground in Barbados unloading crew and gear for less than 20 minutes before taking off for the possible life-saving mission.

“I was so thankful,” said Yaadveer Chahal, the student who is a resident of Berkley, Calif. who was bed ridden without proper medical supplies before the evacuation. “We were extremely scared and not prepared for the worst. We were all crying and weren’t even sure if anyone knew where we were. If it wasn’t for the prior military and current service members who showed up and worked around the clock, we would have been lost.”

The Ross University School of Medicine students described being able to see looters from the airport as they awaited the aid after being without basic amenities for days.

“Thank you so much,” said Gabrielle Robinson, student. “We are so relieved and thankful for this.”

Robinson and her fellow students spoke with exhaustion describing the conditions of the island as unlivable and a total loss. Their first thoughts after landing were for a shower, food and a fresh change of clothes.

“I’m beyond thankful to be part of this,” Master Sgt. Michael Wilson, 15th SOS loadmaster. “This being my fourth humanitarian deployment, I’ve seen how urgent help can be critical and after seeing the devastation of the hurricane season. This is the perfect time to put in to practice what we train for.”