Allied Aeromedical Cooperation In Action
Two Aeromedical Nursing officers from the UK Royal Air Force’s Tactical Medical Wing joined the Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Services on a live medical evacuation mission last week. This marks another step in strengthening allied aeromedical capability.
A Visit Built on Years of Cooperation
The Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Services, represented by the Medical Evacuation Squadron, hosted two officers from the Royal Air Force’s Tactical Medical Wing (TMW) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron for an operational visit this week. The UK AE team joined a Norwegian medical evacuation mission as observers, gaining first-hand insight into Norway’s experience with large-scale patient evacuation in support of Ukraine.
The visit follows a highly productive exchange last autumn, when Norwegian personnel travelled to the UK for a series of briefings, demonstrations, and discussions with TMW. That visit highlighted both similarities and differences between the two units, helping identify new opportunities for cooperation in crisis and wartime operations.
Sharing Real-Time Experience on a Live Mission
Jack, Chief of the Medical Evacuation Squadron, emphasizes how valuable this partnership has become:
– Our missions in support of Ukraine have shaped how we operate as a unit. Bringing one of our closest partners with us on a live mission allows us to share real-time experience and learning points — something that benefits both nations.
During the UK visit last year, the Norwegian team was introduced to a wide range of RAF AE capabilities, including fixed wing airframes; C-17, A-400 and Voyager, Medical equipment, storage facilities, and training environments. These exchanges have strengthened interoperability and deepened the professional relationship between the two units.
Sqn Ldr Hurnell OC AE squadron: A Humbling and Inspiring Experience
This week’s mission offered the AE squadron team a rare opportunity to observe Norwegian crews in a demanding operational setting. OC AE squadron, representing the RAF Tactical Medical Wing, highlighted the professionalism and integration she witnessed:
– Seeing the Norwegian team in action was both humbling and inspiring. The seamless coordination between clinical staff, aircrew, and mission leadership demonstrated the very best of high‑performance aeromedical evacuation.
She added:
– We look forward to continuing this partnership and sharing lessons that strengthen both nations’ capabilities.
A Partnership Strengthened by Shared Operations
Jack notes that the cooperation is built on shared operational experience and mutual trust:
– We worked closely with TMW during the evacuation effort after the Türkiye earthquake, and we’ve met repeatedly in different forums over the years. Continuing this cooperation is natural — and essential — for developing our combined aeromedical capability.
Both nations expressed a strong desire to continue building on this partnership. With ongoing missions, shared lessons, and a growing understanding of each other’s systems, Norway and the UK are well positioned to strengthen allied aeromedical readiness for years to come.