JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wa. — The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, is home to one of the premier MEDEVAC units in the United States Army, known as Yakima DUSTOFF. The Yakima DUSTOFF is assigned to the United States Army Air Ambulance Detachment (USAAAD). Among its assets is a dedicated 35-Soldier detachment, which remains on call 24/7 to support both military and civilian rescue operations across the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest.
The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its harsh and unforgiving conditions, with the Cascade Mountain Range featuring peaks like Mount Rainier, which rises to 14,411 feet. Heavy snowfall, accumulating over 75 feet annually, and rugged terrain make this region one of the most challenging environments in the United States. Operating in such conditions demands highly skilled and experienced teams capable of navigating extreme challenges with precision and expertise.
“I couldn’t be more proud of how this team has made a lasting impact on so many lives,” said Maj. Ryan Borden, commanding officer of the MEDEVAC detachment at Yakima Training Center (YTC). “Serving in this position has been the most rewarding experience of my career. Every day, I have the privilege of working alongside outstanding Soldiers who embody the true meaning of selfless sacrifice.”
This year, the Yakima DUSTOFF conducted 38 USAAAD missions, including 20 Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) recoveries and 18 on-post missions. They rescued over 30 Soldiers and 26 civilians through various hoisting techniques, to include rescue seat, rescue vest and SKED litter, MEDEVAC missions, and a landmark emergency response that demonstrated exceptional interagency coordination, operational precision, and life-saving expertise under extreme conditions.
Among the team’s standout performers is Chief Warrant Officer 2 Carl Williams, who has distinguished himself as both a skilled Blackhawk MEDEVAC pilot and an exceptional leader. CW2 Williams led the Yakima DUSTOFF through eight DSCA missions, performing live hoist recoveries, and completed two SKED recoveries at over 200 feet in near-zero illumination. Many of his missions took place in the challenging terrain between Mount Adams and Mount Stuart.
“There are many challenges to flying, but with an expert crew and skilled mechanics, anything is possible,” said CW2 Williams, a UH-60 Blackhawk MEDEVAC pilot. “I’m proud to be a part of such an outstanding team that truly has the makings of something great.”
Operating in mountainous environments requires pilots to overcome significant challenges, including reduced engine performance and power margins at higher altitudes, compounded by dynamic winds. Pilots must skillfully manage power margins, assess wind conditions, and maintain visual references, all while executing precise maneuvers such as hovering near trees or rugged terrain. CW2 Williams has consistently demonstrated the expertise and composure required to navigate these conditions and ensure mission success.
The Yakima DUSTOFF team’s reputation for excellence would not be possible without dedicated service members like Sgt. Shawn Bryant, whose contributions as a crew chief have set a high standard across the formation. This year, Sgt. Bryant conducted 12 missions, rescuing 7 civilians and 10 service members.
“I can’t imagine serving anywhere else but here with the MEDEVAC detachment,” said Sgt. Bryant, a crew chief and aircraft maintainer. “Every day, I have the honor of working with a team whose primary mission is to save lives, this is exactly why I joined.”
Two standout rescues highlight his skill and expertise. In one mission, Sgt. Bryant evacuated a civilian with a life-threatening leg injury from deep within the rugged Cascade Mountains, navigating treacherous terrain to ensure the patient’s safe transport. In another, he played a critical role in rescuing two service members trapped inside a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) under hazardous conditions at YTC.
Crew chiefs like Sgt. Bryant are the backbone of Yakima DUSTOFF operations. They ensure all necessary equipment is on board, patients are carefully and efficiently loaded into the UH-60 Blackhawk, and pilots and medics receive the most up-to-date information to execute their missions. Sgt. Bryant has proven himself to be an indispensable member of the Yakima DUSTOFF, contributing to the success of every mission.
When Yakima DUSTOFF is called, a medical professional is often needed to step into challenging situations. Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Byrd, a critical care flight paramedic, has exemplified selflessness and expertise in ensuring those in need receive life-saving care. This year, Sgt. 1st Class Byrd executed 15 MEDEVAC missions, rescuing 9 civilians and 9 service members.
Among his notable achievements, Sgt. 1st Class Byrd performed four urgent surgical missions within a 12-hour period, ensuring three Soldiers received life-saving surgical intervention within one hour of patient encounter. His most challenging mission involved a crash at YTC, where two service members were trapped inside a mangled LMTV. Sgt. 1st Class Byrd crawled into the wreckage, quickly assessing severe injuries, including multiple open leg fractures and a hip and femur fracture. He administered pain management, controlled bleeding, and coordinated with the fire department to guide the placement of extraction equipment. His expert judgment and precise timing stabilized the patients, enabling their safe removal and transport for further care.
“I love what I do, and even more, I love knowing that every person we save gets another chance to be with their family,” said Sgt. 1st Class. Byrd, a medical non-commissioned officer. “This job is demanding, but the hours of training and preparation are absolutely worth it. There’s no better feeling than seeing the impact our work has on so many lives.”
Sgt. 1st Class Byrd’s dedication and skill have been instrumental in the success of Yakima DUSTOFF missions, ensuring lives are saved even in the most difficult circumstances.
While individual achievements are important, one event this past May truly showcased the strength, skill, and cohesion of the Yakima DUSTOFF. With the support of Department of the Army Civilian (DAC) Randal Tatum, Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Byrd, Staff Sgt. Dylan Draper, Sgt. Shawn Bryant, and Sgt. Alexis Marin, the team successfully collaborated with Yakima Training Center Fire & Emergency Services to rescue two individuals while providing lifesaving care under harsh conditions. Facing extreme heat and heavy dust in the remote and rugged terrain of YTC, the crew demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience.
The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade’s Yakima DUSTOFF team continues to set the standard for excellence, proving their readiness and capability to respond to emergencies in some of the most demanding environments in the United States. Their dedication to saving lives and supporting both military and civilian operations exemplifies the highest ideals of service and professionalism. This team exemplifies the commitment to always placing the mission first and living by the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade’s motto—Born in Battle.
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