In a heart-wrenching ordeal, a 12-year-old boy was airlifted from a cruise ship by the US Air Force after falling dangerously ill. Angela Bridges, the boy's mother, shared the harrowing details of the incident that took place aboard the Carnival Venezia cruise ship, approximately 400 miles off the North Carolina coast.

The incident occurred on May 4th, while the family was returning to New York from the Caribbean. Aiden, Bridges' son, suddenly fell seriously ill, leading to a critical medical situation. Despite the efforts of the ship's medics, it was apparent that immediate intervention was necessary. An x-ray revealed a perforation in Aiden's bowel, prompting the crew to declare a critical medical incident.

Within hours of the distress call, the US Air Force deployed a helicopter to airlift Aiden from the vessel. The mission posed unique challenges due to the ship's remote location, requiring three intricate helicopter air-to-air refuelings. Throughout the operation, the helicopters covered a total distance of 1,200 miles while the ship altered its course to facilitate the aircraft's arrival.

Angela Bridges tearfully recounted her experience, expressing her gratitude towards all those involved in saving her son's life. She expressed appreciation not only for the Coast Guard, Air Force, doctors, and nurses but for all the people who played a vital role in Aiden's recovery.

The rescue pilot, Captain Dylan Gann, emphasized the exceptional speed and coordination displayed by the team, stating, "Everyone in the wing mobilized with exceptional speed. By uniting our efforts, we saved crucial time, delivering life-saving assistance six hours ahead of other response teams."

During the helicopter evacuation, Aiden received life-saving treatment on board before being transferred to a hospital in North Carolina. The current condition of the young boy is unknown.

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Underwood praised the seamless nature of the rescue operation, highlighting the efficiency with which the team coordinated their efforts. "The amazing thing about this rescue is actually how smooth it went," he remarked. "We went from zero notification to having aircraft ready, to having aircraft in the air. And the young man is in the hospital in just a matter of hours."

The courageous efforts of the US Air Force, alongside the cooperation of the cruise ship crew, ensured that Aiden received the critical medical assistance he urgently needed. The swift action and unwavering dedication displayed by all involved underscored the importance of a unified response in critical situations at sea.

As the Bridges family anxiously awaits updates on Aiden's recovery, their story serves as a testament to the lifesaving capabilities of the US Air Force and the unwavering support provided by emergency response teams during such challenging times.