Photos

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An air medical evacuation helicopter touches down on the helipad at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms during the Semper Durus 2025 regional training exercise, May 21. As part of the simulated mass casualty scenario—staged in coordination with Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) and other base tenants—the aircraft transported two role-playing Marines with critical injuries sustained in a notional explosion and friendly fire incident on Range 112. Emergency Department personnel awaited the inbound casualties, activating the hospital’s Mass Casualty Protocol and preparing to receive, triage, and stabilize patients as part of the hospital’s comprehensive response. The exercise tested the hospital’s ability to coordinate with partner agencies under pressure and underscored the importance of rapid decision-making, interagency communication, and real-world readiness (U.S. Navy photo by Christopher C. Jones, NHTP/NMRTC Twentynine Palms public affairs officer).