Afghanistan Theater Receives State-of-the-Art MRI Systems

111006-O-KK908-026 CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan (Oct. 5, 2011) An MRI machine is set up at the Role 3 Medical Facility at Joint Operating Base, Bastion, Afghanistan. (Royal Air Force photo by Sgt. Mitch Moore/Released)

111006-O-KK908-026 CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan (Oct. 5, 2011) An MRI machine is set up at the Role 3 Medical Facility at Joint Operating Base, Bastion, Afghanistan. (Royal Air Force photo by Sgt. Mitch Moore/Released)

The top doctor for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps announced the delivery of two mobile Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems to Afghanistan Oct. 4-7.

Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson Jr. said that the delivery marked the end of an unprecedented medical equipment procurement initiative to deliver a first-ever MRI capability to a combat theater.

The first mobile MRI system arrived on a mega-cargo Antonov AN 124 Russian aircraft Oct 4. Weighing more than 70,000 pounds, the MRI and its accompanying supplies were unloaded using a prime mover, two flatbeds, and a forklift to travel to its final destination at the Role 3 hospital at Camp Bastion. A second MRI was delivered to the Role 3 hospital in Kandahar Oct 7, and progress continues on both systems for final installation, prepping and testing. navy.mil