TASK FORCE III DESERT SHIELD/STORM

File: aaacf_29.txt
Page: 29
Total Pages: 273
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 few 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 loss 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 surgeons were encouraged to 
complete the life support portions of the 711gA when possible for combat losses. 
-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 night surgeons became involved with the investigations -- interim board 
member, permanent board member, deployed SME, home base flight 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.