Aeromedical physician assistants ensure warfighter readiness
U.S. Air Force Capt. Joseph Smith, aeromedical physician assistant, and Tech Sgt. Roderick Ward, flight and operational medicine technician, pose in front of an E-4B aircraft, which serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president, defense secretary, and Joint Chiefs of Staff. As medical Airmen assigned to the 1st Air Command and Control Squadron, they provided medical coverage during a NAOC mission at an undisclosed location, July 2025. (Courtesy photo from U.S. Air Force Capt. Joseph Smith)