AF Form 3889: AE Mission Management Control Log/Report – The AF Form 3889, officially titled AE Mission Manifest Control Log/Report (sometimes referenced as AE Mission Management Control Log/Report), is a critical document in the U.S. Air Force’s Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) system. It helps AE teams plan, execute, and track multiple aeromedical evacuation missions efficiently and safely.
Active duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard personnel involved in patient movement rely on this form as part of the regulated AE process that transports ill or injured service members, dependents, and civilians via fixed-wing aircraft such as the C-130, KC-135, or C-17.
What Is AF Form 3889 Used For?
AF Form 3889 serves as a mission management tool for Aeromedical Evacuation operations. It functions as a centralized log and report to:
- Track mission manifests for one or more AE flights.
- Record key details about patients, crew, and mission status.
- Support planning, execution, and post-mission documentation.
- Ensure accountability and visibility in the en route care system.
According to DAFI 48-107V3 (En Route Care and Aeromedical Evacuation Medical Operations), the form “may be utilized to plan, execute and track multiple AE” missions. It complements other key AE forms like the AF Form 3899 series (Patient Movement Records).
This form is especially valuable during high-tempo operations, contingency responses, or routine patient movements where multiple patients and crews are involved. It helps maintain operational control and supports the overall Worldwide Aeromedical Evacuation System.
Who Uses AF Form 3889?
Primary users include:
- Aeromedical Evacuation Crew Members (AECMs)
- Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons (AES) and teams
- Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATT)
- Theater Patient Movement Requirements Centers (TPMRC)
- Flight surgeons and validating medical personnel
- Air Mobility Command (AMC) and supporting units
It applies across Regular Air Force, AFR, and ANG components conducting AE missions worldwide.
Key Features and Structure of AF Form 3889
While the exact block-by-block layout is detailed in the official PDF, the form typically includes fields for:
- Mission identification and dates
- Aircraft and flight information
- Patient manifest details (numbers, categories, special requirements)
- Crew assignments and qualifications
- Departure/arrival locations and times
- Status updates and remarks
- Signatures for accountability and reporting
It is designed as both a control log (real-time tracking) and a report (for after-action documentation and record-keeping).
Download the official AF Form 3889 directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af3889/af3889.pdf
Always use the most current version available on the official e-Publishing website to ensure compliance.
How AF Form 3889 Fits Into Broader AE Operations?
Aeromedical Evacuation is a core Air Force capability governed by several key publications:
- DAFI 48-107V3 – Covers en route care, patient movement forms, and medical operations.
- AFMAN 10-2909 (updated June 2024) – Aeromedical Evacuation Equipment Standards.
- AFMAN 11-2AE Series – Training, evaluation, and operations procedures for AE crews.
The AE system moves patients using dedicated medical crews and specialized equipment. AF Form 3889 supports the manifest control aspect, ensuring the right patients are matched with the appropriate level of care (routine, priority, urgent) and that all regulatory and safety requirements are met.
Related forms often used alongside it include the AF Form 3899 (Patient Movement Record) series for individual patient documentation.
Best Practices for Completing and Using AF Form 3889
- Accuracy is critical — Double-check patient counts, categories, and special medical needs (e.g., CCATT requirements).
- Timely updates — Use the form for real-time logging during mission planning and execution.
- Proper routing — Ensure the completed form reaches the appropriate AE control center or documentation repository.
- Training compliance — AE personnel should be familiar with the form through unit training aligned with AFMAN 11-2AEV1 and V2.
- Version control — Always verify the latest form revision on e-publishing.af.mil before use.
Units should maintain completed forms in accordance with Air Force records management policies.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 3889 Matters?
Effective use of the AE Mission Management Control Log/Report directly contributes to:
- Patient safety and continuity of care during transport
- Mission efficiency and resource optimization
- Regulatory compliance and audit readiness
- Overall success of the U.S. Air Force’s patient movement mission
In high-stakes environments, clear documentation and control logs like AF Form 3889 reduce errors and improve coordination between flying crews, medical teams, and command elements.
Need the Form or More AE Resources?
- Official Download: AF Form 3889 PDF
- Main hub for all Air Force forms and publications: e-Publishing.af.mil
- For AE policy questions, consult your unit AE standards and evaluation section or reach out to AMC/A3VM as appropriate.
Note: Always refer to the latest Department of the Air Force Instructions (DAFIs) and Manuals for the most current guidance, as procedures can be updated.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available U.S. Air Force publications. For official use, consult your chain of command and current directives.
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