Ready together: USTRANSCOM, DoW and interagency partners exercise resilient national medical network

Published Sept. 9, 2026
By U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs
U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – Ultimate Caduceus 26, an annual exercise, kicked-off Sept. 7, 2026, uniting a robust network of military, interagency and community partners to strengthen our nation’s collective ability to care for patients globally.

Running Sept. 7-12, the exercise brings together more than 350 dedicated personnel. This alliance includes medical teams and partners from the Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, the Defense Health Agency, and six civilian hospitals all working in unison with the Department of War to exercise large-scale patient care.

“Ultimate Caduceus demonstrates the power of our partnerships and shows our nation’s shared commitment to providing world-class care,” said Air Force Col. Christopher Backus, USTRANSCOM command surgeon. “The synergy between our military medical teams and the incredible expertise of our community and interagency partners creates a resilient network that is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, we are ready for any crisis.”

This year’s activities include both virtual and in-person training around:

Alpena, Michigan
Boise, Idaho
Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

A key portion of UC26 will test the integration of partners within the National Disaster Medical System.

As the Department of War’s primary integrator for global patient movement, USTRANSCOM coordinates the diverse capabilities of all partners to secure a patient’s seamless journey from the point of need to definitive care anywhere in the world.

Photos and video from the exercise are available at: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/UltimateCaduceus

Department of War personnel, including Marine, civilian, Air Force and Army members, work side by side at computer stations, demonstrating interoperability and coordinated communication during Exercise Ultimate Caduceus 2026 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. — Department of War personnel set up stations to help direct traffic in preparation for Exercise Ultimate Caduceus 2026 on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, September 7, 2026. These individuals are responsible for communicating with the aircraft used during the exercise to ensure that they are traveling safely for personnel and the simulated patients. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez)

U.S. Army Pfc. Julie Gonzales secures a simulated patient to a litter while verifying equipment at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, in support of Exercise Ultimate Caduceus 2026. — U.S. Army Pfc. Julie Gonzales, 7450th Medical Operations Readiness Unit food inspector, reaches over to strap in a simulated patient as she prepares for Exercise Ultimate Caduceus 2026 on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, September 7, 2026. Gonzales is verifying that all equipment is ready for use prior to shipping the mannequins to an official training point. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez)

Two Army personnel transport a simulated patient together, demonstrating coordinated movement and interoperability in support of Exercise Ultimate Caduceus 2026 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. — U.S. Army Capt. Jonathan Waller, 7450th Medical Operations Readiness Unit operating room nurse, and Pfc. Sumaya Faggan, 7450th MORU operating room specialist, transport a simulated patient to prepare for Exercise Ultimate Caduceus 2026 on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, September 7, 2026. This part of preparation consists of inventory and mannequin prep, where personnel dress the mannequins and ensure that equipment is ready for use. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez)

Uniformed service members sit in a classroom facing an instructor who stands at the front of the room and addresses the group during Exercise Ultimate Caduceus 2026. — U.S. Air Force Col. Philip Spitzer, Air Mobility Command readiness chaplain, provides a word of the day to service members taking part in Exercise Ultimate Caduceus 2026 on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, September 7, 2026. The word of the day is created as a morale boost for personnel during a stressful environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Izcalli X Martinez)