Medical Support Equipment

LI 8109 - Medical Support Equipment is a Navy budget line item that funds the procurement and modernization of medical technologies and support systems for naval operating ships and expeditionary medical facilities. The primary objective of this program is to ensure that Navy medical assets are equipped with current, mission-appropriate medical and dental equipment, as determined by the Authorized Medical Allowance List (AMAL) and Authorized Dental Allowance List (ADAL). These allowances are tailored to the specific operational requirements of different ship classes and commands, with oversight and approval from Fleet Type Commanders and Fleet Surgeons. The program is managed by the Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) and Program Management Support Expeditionary Missions (PMS 408), with requirements generated by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT).

Funding for medical support equipment focuses on the acquisition and installation of advanced diagnostic imaging systems, including Direct Digital Radiology (DDR) and Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan replacements. These upgrades are intended to enhance shipboard diagnostic capabilities, streamline image processing, and support telemedicine integration. The procurement also covers digital X-ray shelters, radiographic fluoroscopy units with wireless imaging options, and laboratory upgrades. Logistics support, supplies, and equipment maintenance are included to ensure sustained operational readiness and compliance with evolving standards of care. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Naval Medical Logistics Command (NMLRC) are key agencies involved in contracting and delivery.

Funding for expeditionary medical facilities supports the recapitalization and modernization of deployable medical assets, such as Expeditionary Medical Units (EMU), tent replacements, and upgrades to support Role III theater hospitalization capabilities. The program aims to maintain and improve the Navy's ability to deliver casualty management and trauma care in austere and disaggregated maritime environments. Investments include enhanced commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) capabilities, light maneuver operational equipment sets, and replacement of critical imaging equipment. These efforts are guided by Joint Publication 4-02 Health Services Support and the EMF Required Operational Capability (ROC) and Projected Operational Environment (POE).

Funding for deployable medical systems provides for the procurement of Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical Systems (ERSS), En Route Care Systems (ERCS), and Certified Diagnostic Mobile Labs (CDML). ERSS units are designed to deliver immediate life- and limb-saving resuscitation and surgery both afloat and ashore, supporting distributed maritime operations. ERCS ensures continuity of care during patient transport, preventing degradation of medical status en route to higher-level facilities. CDMLs offer agile, scalable diagnostic capabilities for infectious disease screening and outbreak mitigation in expeditionary settings. Production engineering support and smart warehousing initiatives are also funded to optimize supply chain management and sustainment of these systems.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) receives targeted funding for specialized equipment such as radiographic fluoroscopy replacements with wireless digital imaging, automated oxygen/nitrogen control systems, and medical equipment for EMF deployments. These investments are intended to address specific operational needs, including support for hospital ships and to maintain the standardization and lifecycle management of hospital ship systems. Upgrades and overhauls are coordinated to ensure these assets remain capable of supporting both combat and humanitarian missions.

Pacific Fleet medical support equipment funding addresses the procurement of infusion pumps, patient isolation wards, radiographic fluoroscopy units, interventional radiology angiography systems, and laboratory upgrades. These investments are aimed at enhancing the medical readiness and response capabilities of Pacific Fleet assets, particularly in support of forward-deployed medical platforms. The program ensures that equipment is replaced or upgraded in line with changing operational requirements and medical standards.