79th Medical Wing

• Origins: The 79th Medical Wing traces its lineage back to World War II, originally activated as the 79th Medical Group in 1942 to support U.S. Army Air Forces operations. • Reactivation: The unit was reactivated multiple times, most notably in 2009 when it was designated the 79th Medical Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. • Flagship Unit: The 79th Medical Wing served as the flagship medical unit for Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), providing medical support to national leaders and the National Capital Region. • Presidential Support: The Wing provided medical care to Air Force One crews and was responsible for the health of high-level government officials, including the President and senior Department of Defense leaders. • Humanitarian Missions: The 79th Medical Wing played a key role in emergency response and humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief and aeromedical evacuations. • Medical Training: The unit was a center of excellence for training Air Force medical personnel in trauma, emergency response, and aeromedical evacuation. • Walter Reed Partnership: The 79th Medical Wing worked closely with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, supporting wounded warriors and advancing military medicine. • Global Reach: Members of the 79th Medical Wing deployed worldwide, supporting combat operations, peacekeeping missions, and medical diplomacy. • Inactivation: The Wing was inactivated on June 16, 2017, as part of a reorganization that created the 11th Medical Group, but its legacy continues in current medical operations. • Symbolism: The Wing's emblem featured a lamp of knowledge and a serpent, symbolizing the medical profession, healing, and the pursuit of excellence in Air Force medicine.