Two KC-330 multi-purpose aerial refueling transport aircraft of the Air Force departed from Gimhae Airport in Gyeongsangnam-do around 4 pm today (18th) to evacuate all 34 of the Munmu the Great's Cheonghae Unit, where the mass infection of Corona 19 occurred.
The Ministry of National Defense said, "We plan to send a special task force of about 200 people, consisting of 148 replacement ships, 13 quarantine and medical personnel, and a support team, to the field to safely evacuate the Cheonghae Unit members to Korea by military transport plane.
In case of an emergency patient during transport, an in-flight oxygen tank has been prepared for military transport aircraft.
Medical staff were also accompanied to manage the patients, including 15 who were admitted to a local hospital.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, bulkheads were installed inside the aircraft, and the crew wore protective clothing, the Ministry of National Defense explained.
In accordance with the guidelines of the quarantine authorities, the special task force will be replaced by the Munmu the Great on behalf of the 300 people in the 34th base of the Cheonghae Unit.
They will be responsible for disinfecting and taking over the Munmu the Great and navigating to Korea.
It is reported that all those who will be replaced have been vaccinated in Korea.
The Ministry of National Defense explained that there was close cooperation between relevant agencies and local diplomatic missions for this transport, and Defense Minister Seo Wook made an emergency call with the local national defense minister to resolve difficulties in performing local missions.
In preparation for their return, the Ministry of National Defense is in discussions with the quarantine authorities to secure exclusive medical institutions, living treatment centers, and quarantine facilities in the military.
Meanwhile, this operation was called 'Oasis Operation'.
The Ministry of National Defense explained that the name of the operation "contains the will of the nation to take responsibility for a safe return to the end and a desire for quick healing and rest."