JBSA-Randolph’s oversized load hits road for Ohio

The move is the culmination of a project that started four years ago by the members of the 502nd Trainer Development Squadron at JBSA-Randolph.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Col. Michael Gimbrone, 502nd Security Forces and Logistics Support Group commander, said. “Our experts in the 502nd Trainer Development Squadron spent more than four years transforming what was once the rust-covered shell of a C-17 into a state-of-the-art aeromedical trainer, complete with the ability to replicate in-flight and ground conditions such as sound, vibration and temperature.”

The C-17 will travel an estimated 2,500 miles down back roads and highways on its journey from JBSA-Randolph to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base where it will help train about 1,300 students in aeromedical operations will be trained every year.

“With this they won’t have to park a C-17 on the taxiway for people to come train,” said Michael White, 502nd Trainer Development Squadron project manager. “Once they finish all their training on this platform they can go out on the actual aircraft and do one check ride. It’s very cost effective.”

The aeromedical trainer will allow doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical personnel to practice their skills in a realistic environment.

“In the long run we expect this to save (the Air Force) countess dollars and allow operational aircraft to stay in the fleet, rather than be pulled aside to support the training mission,” Gimbrone said. “This is going to be useful for years to come. Seeing this final piece leave JBSA on the journey to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was a long time coming. It’s very satisfying to see.”

The fuselage is expected to arrive at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base July 2.