'Charlie Med' to move to Grafenwoehr, closer to medical evacuation mission

By U.S. Army Europe Public AffairsFebruary 20, 2014

WIESBADEN, Germany -- As part of the 2,500 Soldier reduction in enabling units announced in February, 2012, and as further announced in March, 2013, the structure of C Company, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment will be restructured.

As a consequence of the smaller structure, the unit will begin moving to Grafenwoehr from Landstuhl this summer to be closer to its medical evacuation mission at Hohenfels, and thereby reduce temporary duty costs, time away from home for personnel, and wear and tear on equipment.

In the past nine months, the unit has evacuated six Soldiers from the training area to regional medical centers, including Soldiers from the U.S., Germany, Georgia, and the United Kingdom. The unit also plays a key role in the medical evacuation training of U.S., allied and partner Soldiers, having trained more than 1,000 Soldiers over the past two years.

A USAREUR release in March 2013 noted C Company would lose approximately 70 positions, going from approximately 110 military authorizations to approximately 40 as part of the reductions. The unit will also see a decrease in helicopters from 15 UH-60s to six.

An additional 30 personnel currently in Delta and Echo Companies of the 1-214th will be retained throughout the battalion to support aviation and ground equipment maintenance requirements. In all, USAREUR anticipates approximately 50-60 Soldiers will be stationed in Grafenwoehr associated with the move of C Company.

Originally directed by the Department of the Army for 2016, the unit's reduction has since been accelerated to not later than 2015 and will begin this summer. The main part of the move is expected to be complete no later than Sept. 30, 2014, in conjunction with the decrease in the unit's structure. However, some of the unit personnel and equipment are likely to be in Landstuhl until the summer of 2015. USAREUR will continue to use the airfield while the unit is still operational in Landstuhl.

Though previously part of the medical command, C Company was realigned under 12th Combat Aviation Brigade six years ago, and, since then, its mission has been to medically evacuate Soldiers participating in training exercises in Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr to medical facilities in the region.

The relocation is expected to save some $11,000 annually in temporary duty costs alone.

Media representatives who have questions regarding this announcement can email usarmy.badenwur.usareur.list.ocpa-public-communications@mail.mil.

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