The Royal Air Force's Tactical Medical Wing has completed the highly intensive Exercise Athena Phoenix.
An action-packed two-week training event held at Leuchars Station and Strensall Barracks put the RAF’s medical skills and readiness to the test.
The exercise was designed to push the Air Staging Unit to its limits, challenging it to handle complex medical scenarios in tough, unpredictable conditions. Throughout the exercise, the Air Staging Unit received patients from a range of medical treatment facilities, including the British Army, who were concurrently conducting their own training under Exercise Jorvik Storm.
The training challenged every part of the Air Staging Unit and Tactical Aeromedical Evacuation’s mission—from patient transport and care, to handling emergencies in high-pressure environments. Athena Phoenix was all about building teamwork, sharpening skills, and proving the RAF’s ability to deliver under pressure with the support of allies: the United States Air Force 911th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
Wing Commander Smith, Officer Commanding Tactical Medical Wing, values the opportunity to work so collaboratively.
Exercise Athena Phoenix has been a great opportunity to deliver collective training and capability assurance. It has also enabled us to showcase interoperability within the Defence Medical Services, collaborate with Global Enablement forces and engage with a strategic partner nation. Such outputs will ultimately be the key to success of both the Aeromedical staging units and tack air medical capabilities on future operations.
Wing Commander Smith
Officer Commanding Tactical Medical Wing
But the teamwork and collaboration did not stop there; Regular and Reservist personnel from across Defence Medical Services, supported by 90 Signals Unit and 1 Air Mobility Wing, providing specialist communications and rapid-deployment support – all enabling a seamless exchange of expertise and coordination allowing the highest standard of care for simulated casualties.
Athena Phoenix has been a fantastic experience. It’s been a great opportunity to work with a team that had such vast knowledge and willingness to share.
Flight Lieutenant Nevin
