FORT LIBERTY, N.C. — The U.S. Army Medical Test and Evaluation Activity recently conducted a customer test of the Advanced Medium Power Source, or AMMPS, 120kW microgrid system at Fort Liberty March 19-21, 2024. The test was conducted in partnership with the Project Management Office, Expeditionary Energy and Sustainment Systems, part of the U.S. Army Program Office Combat Support and Combat Service Support; the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity; and the 528th Field Hospital.
The microgrid customer test served as a continuation of the operational test previously conducted at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on November 5-7, 2023. This earlier test coincided with a field training exercise led by the 14th and 19th Surgical Detachment (44th Medical Brigade), during which they successfully set up and operated a 56-bed configuration of the field hospital.
For the recent test the focus shifted to the 528th Field Hospital, 16th Hospital Center (44th Medical Brigade), who undertook the task of setting up and operating a larger 92-bed configuration of the field hospital. This expansion in capacity signifies a progression in the scope and capabilities of the microgrid system under examination.
Personnel from the 528th Field Hospital underwent comprehensive training on the microgrid system, enabling them to proficiently deploy and utilize the system during the exercise. Their successful deployment and utilization of the microgrid system underscore the effectiveness of their training and the system's suitability to power the field hospital operations.
During the exercise, the AMMPS 120kW microgrid systems were used in place of the 528th Field Hospital currently fielded 100kW generators. The microgrid system's capability to power the field hospital was thoroughly assessed, emphasizing its effectiveness in meeting operational requirements. Additionally, valuable feedback from Soldiers was collected, providing insights into the system's performance and usability in real-world scenarios.
Both CW3 Darius J. Cooper, facility manager, and Master Sgt. Robert S. Llewellyn, ward, expressed the importance of the operational testing and Soldier feedback, stating the critical need for comprehensive testing and evaluation of the microgrid system. They highlighted the importance of conducting environmental testing, engaging active-duty users, simulating real-world scenarios and assessing realistic operational scenarios. They underscored the significance of ensuring the reliability of these systems, especially in battlefield environments.
The microgrid system plays a vital role in powering field hospitals, enabling the delivery of optimal medical care to Soldiers. Cooper and Llewellyn emphasized that the seamless operation of these systems is essential for swiftly returning Soldiers to the battlefield and ultimately saving lives.
The Soldiers of 528th Field Hospital were excited to have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with these systems that they may one day use downrange, and their hard work will benefit the Army’s modernization and fielding initiatives.
Furthermore, Staff Sgt. Jarkeveous Williams, Sgt. Ainsley Sanchez and Cpl. Alvin Orrico underscored the Army's ongoing commitment to equipping warfighters with the best possible equipment. They expressed their pride in participating in the operational test and emphasized its potential impact on future operations within the Army Medical Community.
Considering the uncertainties and dynamic nature of future operational environments and medical requirements, the U.S. Army Medical Test and Evaluation Activity, Project Management Office, Expeditionary Energy and Sustainment Systems and U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity remain committed to identifying the most effective solutions to equip America’s warfighters. This operational test, along with the insights it yields, plays a crucial role in advancing this mission.
Aligned under the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, MTEAC is the only independent operational test and evaluation agency of medical and medical-related materiel and information technology products, supporting of the Army and DOD acquisition process. Visit the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Activity website to learn more about their mission.
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