Mobilization

File: aaabf_28.txt
Page: 28
Total Pages: 51

Air War Taskings - Operation Desert Storm

Aircraft Sorties
Fighter/bomber 35,531
Air refueling 9,947
Airlift 14,446
Other 7,227
Total 67,151

USAF flew 59% of all coalition sorties with 37% of coalition losses
USAF flew 70% of all U.S. sorties with 50% of U.S. aircraft losses

Investigation Comments
:
-Most mishap report writing was done in CONUS following investigation in
theater.
-The distinction between combat and non-combat 108s was not always clear.
-There was confusion early about whether an investigating flight surgeon would come from forward or rear.
-There is useful information to be gained, and flight surgeon were encouraged to complete the life support portions of the 711gA
when possible for combat [oases.
-Autopsies were conducted at Rhein Main and the remains were generally accompanied by the interim board flight surgeon.
-Shipping of toxicological specimens to AFIP was a problem; one set was lost, another inordinately delayed at Rhein Main.
-From Diego Garcia, autopsies were conducted at Kadena.
-Most locations had inadequate preparations for mishap investigation.
-There was no clear plan in the beginning who would do identification of remains and who had authority over the remains.
Conflicts arose between Services and Medics over this issue.
-Many flight surgeons became involved with the investigations -- interim board member, permanent board member, deployed SME,
home base night surgeon --but their efforts were often poorly coordinated.

Recommendations

1. Establish at the earliest opportunity a single point for identification of remains, performance of autopsies and who has
responsibility for releasing remains. Concurrence of the interim or permanent board flight surgeon should be sought before remains
are released. Medical records should be forwarded to that identification point.
2. Permanent board flight surgeons should be assigned from rear elements using the usual notification channels.
3. SME's should assure that mishap investigation kits are deployed with the ATC pallet.

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