ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
In an inactivation, activation and ribbon cutting ceremony, the Aeromedical Staging Facility stood down with the inactivation of the 79th Medical Group and reopened its doors as a part of the 779th Medical Group Oct. 9.
"It's a change in label, but not in purpose," said Maj. Gen. Gar S. Graham, 79th Medical Wing commander. "To reduce confusion, the organization known as the 79th Medical Group became the 779th Medical Group. The renumbering makes a cleaer distinction between the wing organization and the two medical groups that operate at Andrews and Bolling Air Force Base."
"The ASF is the welcome home point for many of our 'wounded warriors' as they return to the United States. The remodeling and upgrading gives the staff and community the means to give them the reception they deserve."
The remodeling and upgrading of the ASF cost approximately $4.9 million and took nearly a year to complete.
"The new facility is designed to comfortably accommodate 45 patients for 24 to 72 hours before they are transported to further destinations throughout the U.S.," said Col. Robert Miller, 779th Medical Group commander.
The renovations also included state of the art monitoring and life-support equipment integrated into walls, removing clutter in rooms, which allows for more beds.
"The ASF is also expandable to accommodate 107 beds should a surge occur," he said.
Since it's opening in 1958, more than 100,000 patients have been safely airlifted on C-17 Globemaster III's from Germany to Andrews AFB, with an estimated 100 patients per week.
"Most of the C-17's are from the Mississippi Air National Guard," said General Graham. "They have taken this upon as their personal mission."
"When our wounded warriors come through the doors, they will be greeted with the hero's welcome home they deserve," said Colonel Miller. "We feel this facility will be like a five-star hotel for them to rest and recuperate before they continue on with their journey home."