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Ready Now, and Anywhere, 433rd Citizen Airmen go to Guyana for LAMAT 2025

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis
  • 433rd Airlift Wing
GEORGETOWN, Guyana --  

The final health engagement of the 2025 Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission began March 31, leaving a lasting impact on both the people and providers of Guyana—as well as the nearly 60 U.S. Air Force medical professionals who supported the mission.

Over two weeks, the team delivered critical medical services, vital equipment and shared knowledge, strengthening bonds through meaningful collaboration. The effort enhanced global health engagements while reinforcing the U.S. military’s readiness to save lives—anytime, anywhere.

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VIDEO | 04:06 | Ready Now, and Anywhere, 433rd Citizen Airmen go to Guyana for LAMAT 2025


Col. James Bershinsky, 433rd Medical Group and Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team commander, provides opening remarks during Guyana LAMAT 2025 opening ceremony, Georgetown, Guyana, March 31, 2025.

Col. James Bershinsky, 433rd Medical Group and Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team commander, provides opening remarks during Guyana LAMAT 2025 opening ceremony, Georgetown, Guyana, March 31, 2025. LAMAT stands as a symbol of partnership through medical readiness, offering real-world benefits to achieve positive outcomes through collaboration with partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melissa Estevez)
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“This is all about readiness,” said Col. James “Matt” Bershinsky, 433rd Medical Group and LAMAT commander. “This is all about the future fight. We have spent the last 20 plus years in the Air Force deploying to the same locations on a fixed timeline with an infrastructure and supply system that is already in place. When we come here, we are going to a country that Airmen have not been to before. There is no script. This is not a training exercise. This is real world provision of healthcare, integrating with host nations.”


The LAMAT mission consisted primarily of Air Force Reserve Command Citizen Airmen from the 433rd Medical Group, supported by active duty Air Force personnel and U.S. Army soldiers. Together with their Guyanese counterparts, they provided essential medical care at five major facilities in, including Port Mourant Hospital, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and Cheddi Jagan Dental School.

The LAMAT–Guyana mission was part of ongoing global health engagements led by the Service Component Command, Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH).

Throughout the deployment, U.S. and Guyanese medical teams worked side by side, providing primary care, surgery, dental services, ophthalmology, critical care and biomedical equipment repair. These interactions fostered a mutual exchange for knowledge, reinforcing the longstanding collaboration between the two nations.

The largest public hospital, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, seven members from the 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron supported emergency room operations, while an ophthalmology team of four consisting of two Air Force Airmen and two Army soldiers provided eye care.

The ER team managed complex trauma cases including, gunshot wounds, stabbings, traffic accidents, head trauma, childbirth, and pediatric emergencies.

“The LAMAT mission in Guyana is an amazing place to hone our skills,” said USAF Maj. Alisha Young, 433rd ASTS critical care air transport team physician. “The hospitals here are what I consider to be what’s called ‘Practicing in a denied environment.’ Our counterparts here have just as much training, and yet they’re doing the same level of care with a lot less resources.”

U.S. Air Force Maj. Alisha Young, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron critical care air transport team physician, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rodrigo Salinas, 433rd ASTS medical technician, provides assistance to doctors during a medical procedure at the emergency room inside Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 2, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Alisha Young, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron critical care air transport team physician, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rodrigo Salinas, 433rd ASTS medical technician, provides assistance to doctors during a medical procedure at the emergency room inside Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 2, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. The knowledge exchange is mutually beneficial for healthcare workers to learn from each other to improve critical care skills to impact and save lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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U.S. Air Force members from the 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron work with Guyanese healthcare professionals during an emergency at the Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 3, 2025.

U.S. Air Force members from the 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron work with Guyanese healthcare professionals during an emergency at the Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 3, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. The knowledge exchange is mutually beneficial for healthcare workers to learn from each other to improve critical care skills to impact and save lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Suzanne Redd, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron senior enlisted leader, and Julia Ann Sarjoo, Georgetown Public Hospital phlebotomist, take blood from a child patient with help from the child’s mother at the pediatric emergency section at Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 2, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Suzanne Redd, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron senior enlisted leader, and Julia Ann Sarjoo, Georgetown Public Hospital phlebotomist, take blood from a child patient with help from the child’s mother at the pediatric emergency section at Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 2, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. The knowledge exchange is mutually beneficial for healthcare workers to learn from each other to improve critical care skills to impact and save lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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The Ophthalmology team performed a wide range of eye surgeries including cataract removals, corrective surgeries for refractive vision issues, glaucoma surgeries, and tended to surgical complications. Cataracts—globally the leading cause of curable blindness, are often treated at the onset of symptoms in the United States. In contrast, many patients in Guyana arrived with near-total blindness. Cataract patients in the United States typically undergo surgery at the onset of symptoms, but many patients in Guyana arrive with advanced, near-total blindness. The youngest patient was two-months old.

“To witness their joy and relief after regaining their sight is an immeasurable privilege,” said USAF Maj. Samuel Hobbs, 59th Medical Wing vitreoretinal surgeon. “The profound gratitude they express reinforces the impact of our mission and makes every sacrifice worthwhile. It is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the transformative power of compassionate care.”

U.S. Air Force members from the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistant Team and Georgetown Public Hospital healthcare professionals at the Georgetown Public Hospital examine a two-month-old patient under anesthesia before receiving eye surgery in Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025.

U.S. Air Force members from the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistant Team and Georgetown Public Hospital healthcare professionals at the Georgetown Public Hospital examine a two-month-old patient under anesthesia before receiving eye surgery in Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025. The LAMAT mission fosters collaboration between U.S. medical personnel and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean to exchange knowledge, enhance critical care skills, and strengthen partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Samuel Hobbs, 59th Medical Wing vitreoretinal surgeon, works with local healthcare professionals during ophthalmology surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025 during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team 2025 mission.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Samuel Hobbs, 59th Medical Wing vitreoretinal surgeon, works with local healthcare professionals during ophthalmology surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025 during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team 2025 mission. LAMAT, a global health engagement initiative, enables the Air Force to collaborate with partner nations to build relationships and support security cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Samuel Hobbs, 59th Medical Wing vitreoretinal surgeon, and Georgetown Public Hospital healthcare professionals at the Georgetown Public Hospital examine a two-month-old patient under anesthesia before receiving eye surgery in Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Samuel Hobbs, 59th Medical Wing vitreoretinal surgeon, and Georgetown Public Hospital healthcare professionals at the Georgetown Public Hospital examine a two-month-old patient under anesthesia before receiving eye surgery in Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025. The LAMAT mission fosters collaboration between U.S. medical personnel and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean to exchange knowledge, enhance critical care skills, and strengthen partnerships.(U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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At the New Amsterdam Hospital medical teams also treated trauma patients including, gunshot wounds, stabbing, traffic accidents, head trauma, the Dengue fever in children, cardiac arrests and strokes.

The team also executed in the operating room performing hernia repair and gallbladder removals. The team worked on patients as young as 13 who received an inguinal hernia repair and successfully executed the mission with much less equipment and capabilities than hospitals in the United States. The team also helped with vascular procedures, two 433rd medical administrators located patient registrations, sorted records, and organized over twenty years of files.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jermey Bolin, 959th Medical Group vascular surgeon, left, Tameshwar Algu, New Amsterdam Hospital general surgeon, center-left, U.S. Air Force Maj. Porter Maerz, 96th Surgical Operations Squadron general surgeon, center-right, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Randy Perez, 301st Medical Squadron operating room nurse, right, performs a vascular procedure on a patient at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital in New Amsterdam, Guyana, April 1, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jermey Bolin, 959th Medical Group vascular surgeon, left, Tameshwar Algu, New Amsterdam Hospital general surgeon, center-left, U.S. Air Force Maj. Porter Maerz, 96th Surgical Operations Squadron general surgeon, center-right, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Randy Perez, 301st Medical Squadron operating room nurse, right, performs a vascular procedure on a patient at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital in New Amsterdam, Guyana, April 1, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. The knowledge exchange is mutually beneficial for healthcare workers to learn from each other to improve critical care skills to impact and save lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christian Loredo)
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At the West Demerara Hospital, a dozen members from the 433rd ASTS joined by Air Force active duty personnel delivered medical care in general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, emergency medicine, patient transportation, pharmacy administration and more. In the ER the team treated trauma cases, cardiac arrests, pediatric and respiratory emergencies. Also they supported pharmacy operations and system reviews. Biomedical technicians repaired equipment to boost lifesaving capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Liezel Westmoreland, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron biomedical equipment technician, and Kumar Persaud, Ministry of Health biomedical technician assemble a cryotherapy gun at the West Demerara Regional Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 8, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Liezel Westmoreland, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron biomedical equipment technician, and Kumar Persaud, Ministry of Health biomedical technician assemble a cryotherapy gun at the West Demerara Regional Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 8, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing as well as creating bonds and reinforcing partnerships for future cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Erin Summers, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron medical technician, and Kimberley Grumble-Munroe, West Demerara Hospital registered nurse, work together to administer multiple sutures on a patient who experienced head trauma in a vehicular accident at the West Demerara Regional Hospital emergency room during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 8, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Erin Summers, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron medical technician, and Kimberley Grumble-Munroe, West Demerara Hospital registered nurse, work together to administer multiple sutures on a patient who experienced head trauma in a vehicular accident at the West Demerara Regional Hospital emergency room during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 8, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. The knowledge exchange is mutually beneficial for healthcare workers to learn from each other to improve critical care skills to impact and save lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Edward Park, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron medical technician, performs intravenous therapy on a patient inside the emergency room at the West Demerara Regional Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 8, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Edward Park, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron medical technician, performs intravenous therapy on a patient inside the emergency room at the West Demerara Regional Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 8, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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Another essential service provided was dental care. Teams served at Port Mourant Hospital and the Cheddi Jagan Dental School, offering cleanings, fillings and extractions to underserved communities. They collaborated with local dentists and mentored students to build lasting professional relationships.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ross Johnson, 302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron dentist, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cassie Talley, 302nd Airlift Wing dental technician, and healthcare professionals from Port Mourant Hospital provide dental care to a child patient at the Port Mourant Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Port Mourant, Guyana, April 9, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ross Johnson, 302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron dentist, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cassie Talley, 302nd Airlift Wing dental technician, and healthcare professionals from Port Mourant Hospital provide dental care to a child patient at the Port Mourant Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Port Mourant, Guyana, April 9, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and the local community in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Stacia Ramos)
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Dental tools for the U.S. Air Force Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team members are displayed after being used on a patient for dental operations at the Port Mourant Hospital during the LAMAT mission in Port Mourant, Guyana, March 31, 2025.

Dental tools for the U.S. Air Force Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team members are displayed after being used on a patient for dental operations at the Port Mourant Hospital during the LAMAT mission in Port Mourant, Guyana, March 31, 2025. The LAMAT mission focuses on various areas within Latin America and the Caribbean region to provide critical care, facilitate knowledge sharing, and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Dailey, Air Combat Command Surgeon General reserve expeditionary dentistry consultant, center, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cassie Talley, 302nd Airlift Wing dental technician, right, and Christina Seenarine, Guyanese dental assistant, left, operate on a patient at the Port Mourant Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Port Mourant, Guyana, March 31, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Dailey, Air Combat Command Surgeon General reserve expeditionary dentistry consultant, center, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cassie Talley, 302nd Airlift Wing dental technician, right, and Christina Seenarine, Guyanese dental assistant, left, operate on a patient at the Port Mourant Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Port Mourant, Guyana, March 31, 2025. The LAMAT mission focuses on various areas within Latin America and the Caribbean region to provide critical care, facilitate knowledge sharing, and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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Mental health professionals also provided training at multiple facilities, sharing expertise on treatment strategies, reducing stigmas and encouraging open conversations around mental well-being. They also stressed the importance of caring for healthcare workers themselves, who often carry the emotional weight of those they serve. Support for mental health providers is essential for a thriving healthcare system.


U.S. Air Force Maj. Wan Chen, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron psychiatric nurse practitioner, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Quinton Murry, 433rd ASTS psychiatric nurse practitioner, pose for a photo outside the psychiatry clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Wan Chen, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron psychiatric nurse practitioner, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Quinton Murry, 433rd ASTS psychiatric nurse practitioner, pose for a photo outside the psychiatry clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and local healthcare workers in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing and for skills transfer between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. The knowledge exchange is mutually beneficial for healthcare workers to learn from each other to improve critical care skills to impact and save lives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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Overall, Airmen treated more than 1,721 patients, performed 273 surgical procedures, and repaired 14 pieces of medical equipment. The mission provided over 2,000 hours of hands-on training in critical pre-deployment medical skills, along with 205 hours of knowledge exchange—boosting knowledge through real-world experience in cross-functional healthcare environments.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rodrigo Salinas, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron medical technician, and Gangapattie Dani, Georgetown Public Hospital Accident and Emergency Department ward manager, pose for a photos outside the emergency room at the Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rodrigo Salinas, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron medical technician, and Gangapattie Dani, Georgetown Public Hospital Accident and Emergency Department ward manager, pose for a photos outside the emergency room at the Georgetown Public Hospital during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team mission in Georgetown, Guyana, April 7, 2025. The LAMAT mission brings together medical military members and the local community in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate knowledge sharing between host nation counterparts and U.S. military personnel to strengthen partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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“I just want to say thank you to the LAMAT medical team for their support for us here,” said Gangapattie Dani, Georgetown Public Hospital Accident and Emergency Department ward manager. “Many of the medical supplies provided I have never seen. We are happy that you guys are here to show us how we can use the equipment better. I know these supplies can make a difference in patients' lives. We look forward to working with your team again in the future.”

As LAMAT 2025 concludes, the bonds between U.S. and Guyanese medical professionals pave the way for future partnerships. These missions highlight the U.S. commitment to working with partners across the Western Hemisphere—ready to face any challenge, together.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Melissa A. Coburn, 22nd Air Force commander, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angella Mudd, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron and LAMAT Guyana mission commander, and U.S. Air Force LAMAT members pose for a group photo following the closing ceremony for the LAMAT mission at the Guyana President’s estate in Georgetown, Guyana, April 11, 2025.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Melissa A. Coburn, 22nd Air Force commander, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angella Mudd, 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron and LAMAT Guyana mission commander, and U.S. Air Force LAMAT members pose for a group photo following the closing ceremony for the LAMAT mission at the Guyana President’s estate in Georgetown, Guyana, April 11, 2025. LAMAT, a global health engagement initiative, enables the Air Force to collaborate with partner nations to build relationships and support security cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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“We are being tasked from the highest levels in the Air Force to innovate–to change, and to do it very rapidly,” said Bershinsky. “We need to be prepared for the next conflict. We need to change the way we’re doing things and that we can’t wait to do it. The LAMAT mission is an example of what it means to be ready now and to transform for the future… This experience prepares us for future deployments and we look forward to this ongoing partnership between the country of Guyana and the United States.”

President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Melissa A. Coburn, 22nd Air Force commander, U.S. Air Force Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team members, and other Guyanese government officials pose for a group photo following the closing ceremony for the LAMAT mission at the Guyana President’s estate in Georgetown, Guyana, April 11, 2025.

President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Melissa A. Coburn, 22nd Air Force commander, U.S. Air Force Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team members, and other Guyanese government officials pose for a group photo following the closing ceremony for the LAMAT mission at the Guyana President’s estate in Georgetown, Guyana, April 11, 2025. LAMAT, a global health engagement initiative, enables the Air Force to collaborate with partner nations to build relationships and support security cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)
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