Ready together: USTRANSCOM, DoW and interagency partners exercise resilient national medical network
U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs
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