Not your average takeoff

A C-130 takes off on a dirt landing strip in Qalat, Afghanistan Aug. 14, 2011. The C-130 transported Army passengers and cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Salanitri)

C-130 is "air ambulance

A U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules aircrew from the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and medical personnel from the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight prepare for medical evacuation operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 7, 2011. C-130s are able to land on runways that many other fixed wing aircraft are unable to, making them invaluable when moving patients in austere locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Harris)

Flying hospital staff gives wounded fighting chance

A U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Libby See, 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, aeromedical technician, cares for a patient during an Aeromedical Evacuation mission to transport patients from Camp Bastion to Bagram Air Base July 21, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller)(Released)

Flying hospital staff gives wounded fighting chance

U.S. Air Force Maj. Missy Steckler, a flight nurse assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, provides care to a patient during a mission to transport patients to a location that can provide a higher level of care, July 19, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller/Released)

Flying hospital staff gives wounded fighting chance

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Maria Baird , aeromedical technician, 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, monitors the pulse of a patient during an Aeromedical Evacuation mission to transport patients from Kandahar Air Field to Bagram Air Base July 19, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller)(RELEASED)

Flying hospital staff gives wounded fighting chance

U.S. Air Force Airman, 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, holds the hand of a patient during an Aeromedical Evacuation mission to transport patients from Kandahar Air Field to Bagram Air Base July 19, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller/Released)