Air Force Med-Techs Diagnose, Solve Equipment Problems for Vietnamese Published July 20, 2007 By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Olay USS Peleliu Public Affairs DA NANG, Vietnam -- While USS Peleliu's (LHA 5) embarked medical staff has been conducting numerous medical and dental civic action programs (MED/DENCAPs) throughout the Da Nang region, a small team of Air Force technicians have been working behind the scenes to contribute to Pacific Partnership's medical mission as well. Three Air Force biomedical equipment repair technicians and a Navy hospital corpsman wrapped up three days of helping civilian engineers from Da Nang General Hospital troubleshoot problems with a variety of medical machines July 18. During that time, the team was able to locate and solve problems with the hospital's oxygen generator, x-ray machine, an ultrasound machine, and a patient ventilator, according to Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Stringer, one of the team's technicians. "The end goal is to get a good, accurate description of what needs to be replaced [for each equipment item] and then get the part number and prices to whoever can use them," said Stringer. Peleliu's Vietnam visit has given the embarked Airmen their first opportunity to put their expertise in medical equipment repair to use. During the ship's previous visit to the Republic of the Philippines, the team wasn't needed for such repairs, so the airmen gladly volunteered to assist with a variety of MEDCAPs, according to Stringer. "We've been waiting for a couple of months to get out and do our job, so this has been a good week for us," Stringer said of the team's time spent at Da Nang General. Having completed their equipment assessments and recommendations at the hospital, the team of technicians is scheduled to visit six more sites before Pacific Partnership's visit to Vietnam wraps up, according to Stringer.