SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- The 144th Fighter Wing’s Medical Detachment deployed in support of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which was held from November 13 through 18. The Medical Detachment served as the medical element of the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Task Force for the event staging at Oracle Park Stadium.
In total, the California National Guard deployed 256 Soldiers and Airmen to conduct CBRN screening, medical monitoring, and establish mass decontamination stations, supporting U.S. Secret Service activities in San Francisco. The Guardsmen were set in place as a precautionary measure for the international event and, if needed, to provide rapid mass decontamination and medical stabilization for the APEC dignitaries.
APEC is an international organization that promotes free trade and sustainable economic growth among its 21 member economies. It is recognized as one of the most influential economic forums in the Asia-Pacific region and exerts a significant global influence.
For this mission, the 144th Medical Detachment deployed a 15-person Medical Strike Team to support the CBRN Task Force at Oracle Park. The Medical Strike Team integrated with the Health and Human Services Tactical Medical Team. Together, their role was to oversee pre-entry medical monitoring, emergency medical triage, stabilization, treatment, and tracking for dignitaries, evacuees, and support personnel.
“One of the most important things we do here is the medical monitoring of service members who may be required to suit up to accomplish their mission,” said Major James Kane, 144th Med Det emergency trauma nurse. “We ensure that every member is medically fit to fulfill their duties.”
APEC provided an additional proof of concept for the employment of the 144th Medical Strike Team. This small medical team is adaptable and able to integrate with multi-agency partners while only requiring a small footprint.
“This mission gives visibility to the 144th Medical Detachment capabilities,” added Kane. “The interaction among the other federal agencies was an extremely valuable experience.”
The team demonstrated its ability to partner with the U.S. Secret Service as the lead agency along with Federal, State, and local partners to carry out the Operational Security Plan for APEC. The Defense Coordinating Officer and the Dual Status Commander were very impressed with the medical capability of the Medical Strike Team and appreciated the support from the Office of the Joint Surgeon General.