LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) - An Air Force Expeditionary Medical Support team composed of more than 80 airmen deployed to Chile Monday from here to aid local medics in their response to victims of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake which struck the nation Feb. 27.

Airmen from 13 different bases left Lackland aboard C-17 Globemaster IIIs and are prepared to support relief efforts for up to 60 days. Aircrews from Joint Base Lewis-McChord's 62nd Airlift Wing deployed two C-17s to deliver medical personnel and equipment.

"Our airmen are providing primary health care, dental services, force health protection and the ability to prepare injured civilians for aeromedical evacuation," said Lt. Col. James Ray, 62nd Operations Group second deputy commander. "McChord crews went into alert status immediately after the earthquake and we stand ready to assist on an as-needed basis."

The EMEDS team will operate in the city of Angol, Chile, and be capable of providing medical care as part of the EMEDS construct.

"EMEDS is very lightweight, rapidly deployable and scalable expeditionary medical support system," said Col. David Garrison, the EMEDS commander. He added that the team would be able to perform everything from surgeries to pediatric care.

Many of the airmen have deployed before and are able to use their expeditionary training and experience for this mission. In fact, many volunteered for a chance to help the Chilean people recover from the disaster.

"I just returned from deployment to (Southwest Asia) a month and a half ago where I was part of an expeditionary medical group," said Senior Airman Cassandra Johnson, a medical technician from Kessler AFB, Miss. "When I was told my name was on the list I was given the option to opt out, but I wanted to help the Chilean people."

The EMEDS is part of a larger U.S. Southern Command response to the Chilean quake that includes airlift relief operations delivering aid to communities affected by the earthquake.

The U.S. and Chilean militaries have worked together during combined exercises for some time. In October 2009, the two militaries, in addition to Brazilian, Argentine and French forces, trained together during Exercise Saltre II on the interoperability and humanitarian relief operations.

For the medics deploying to support the people in need, it remains an honor to be chosen to serve.

"This is what we all train for," Garrison said.

(62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.)