Air Force update for COVID-19

  • Published
  • By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

In an effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:

April 24, 2020

Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Shon Manasco, along with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright, observed the ongoing, critical operations at multiple training locations here and at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 22. The visits allowed senior leaders the opportunity to see first-hand how Air Education and Training Command has adjusted operations to mitigate and minimize COVID-19 impacts to the basic, technical and flying training pipelines, all of which have been deemed mission essential.

Read about their visit here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2163169/usecaf-cmsaf-visit-aetc-to-see-adjusted-training-operations-in-response-to-covi/


The 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base will honor healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic by flying B-52 bombers over Shreveport, Bossier City and Monroe.

Read more about what to expect at today’s flyover here: https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2020/04/22/barksdale-air-force-base-honor-healthcare-workers-flyover-friday/3008462001/


Air Force Research Laboratory scientists draw on their academic and industrial connections in the science and technology ecosystem to investigate the possibility of using light and radiation to decontaminate and sterilize areas exposed to the coronavirus. The main objective of this effort is to explore whether exposure to electromagnetic (EM) energy can reduce the ability of the airborne coronavirus to infect. If so, the researchers believe they could use this knowledge to better protect military medical personnel working on the front lines of the pandemic.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2163064/afrl-scientists-investigate-can-microwaves-reduce-viability-of-airborne-coronav/


More than 150 additional Air Force Reserve medical specialists were mobilized in the latest Air Force Reserve call-up in support of COVID-19 relief efforts with most Reservists set to assist medical staff in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. This latest deployment brings the total of Air Force Reservists mobilized in support of COVID-19 relief efforts to more than 770 around the nation. Most volunteered and reported in less than 48 hours to support.

Read the more about the additional mobilization here: https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2162357/more-than-770-af-reservists-called-up-providing-medical-support/


The Department of Defense is deploying Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate to military medical facilities in support of the medical response to COVID-19, including the hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort. With the increase in COVID-19 patients, this technology is essential to provide security to ensure that lifesaving operations continue unhindered.

Read more about this effort here: https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2162849/amid-covid-19-pandemic-afrl-technology-protects-medical-facilities/


Airmen from the 172nd Airlift Wing transported approximately 90 U.S. citizens who were previously unable to return home from South America, on an a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to Duke Field, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Read the story here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368329/bringing-them-home


Airmen from the New Mexico Air National Guard set up medical resources to help battle the Covid - 19 pandemic at a hospital building off Gibson Ave near Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

See photos of their efforts here:


Airmen and Soldiers with the North Carolina National Guard 42nd Civil Support Team works with local health and emergency officials to conduct drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing for employees of a Chatham County food processing plant on April 23, 2020. This testing helps to ensure the health and safety of the plant employees and the safety of the food supply.

See video of their efforts here:


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic. Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

B-52 Formal Training Unit keeps pipeline full despite pandemic - https://www.307bw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2163028/b-52-formal-training-unit-keeps-pipeline-full-despite-pandemic/

How Recce Town’s Laboratory professionals are helping in the fight against COVID-19 - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2163670/how-recce-towns-laboratory-professionals-are-helping-in-the-fight-against-covid/

Test squadron uses simulators to support high-priority F-35 test missions - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2163577/test-squadron-uses-simulators-to-support-high-priority-f-35-test-missions/

First female pilot of Niger trains at LRAFB - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2163546/first-female-pilot-of-niger-trains-at-lrafb/

Certain Victory: A-10 pilots persevere through COVID-19 -



Rapid Air Mobility expedites fight against COVID-19 -


A look into the future: Embedded Health Engagement Teams - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161847/a-look-into-the-future-embedded-health-engagement-teams/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 23, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 343 (+3) 7 109 (+2) 0
Civilian 180 (+2) 9 59 (+3) 0
Dependents 207 (+2) 6 63 (+2) 0
Contractors 82 (+1) 6 18 (+2) 1
Total 812 28 249 1

 

 

 



*Corrects previous report.


April 23, 2020

After careful consideration and close coordination with participating nations and units, Pacific Air Forces has cancelled the Red Flag-Alaska 20-2 exercise scheduled for June 11 - 26 at Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Read the announcement here: https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2160765/pacific-air-forces-cancels-second-iteration-of-red-flag-alaska/


The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s, Air Force CBRN Defense Systems Branch partnered with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, along with many other organizations across the Department of Defense and academia, to deliver an isolation container prototype to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 21, to test for potential use as a transport module for individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus and other highly infectious diseases.

Read more about the isolation container prototype test here:  https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2160454/aflcmc-led-team-delivers-isolation-container-prototype-for-testing/  


Airmen with the 219th RED HORSE Squadron helped with loading and staging supplies at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, to be delivered to the Metra in Billings, Montana. The Metra is being used as an alternative care facility to ensure Montana has medical facilities necessary to meet the governor's phase re-opening criteria for Montana during Operation COVID Shield.

See photos of their efforts here:


A second wave of Reserve Airmen medical professionals have been mobilized and began their way to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey to help with the fight against COVID-19 in New York City. There are currently 275 reserve medical professionals mobilized for COVID-19 operations.

Read more about the story of the 307 Bomb Wing mobilization here: https://www.307bw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161307/barksdale-reserve-citizen-airmen-double-down-on-covid-19-response/

See photos from the 911 Airlift Wing mobilization here:  


Security Forces Airmen with the 104th Fighter Wing and military police Soldiers from the 211th Military Police Battalion, 747th Military Police Company, are working jointly as a Quick Reaction Force in response to COVID-19. Their security teams are working closely with Massachusetts Emergency Management interagency partners to provide assistance.

Read more about their efforts here:  https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368197/rain-shine-supporting-together


It’s been more than a month since Air University’s degree-granting schools had to abruptly close their doors and move to virtual teaching because of social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  As part of this, hundreds of students attending Air War College, Air Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies found themselves having to stay at home and connecting to their teachers and each other through laptops, AU IT systems and social media to complete their education.

Read more about how Air University has adapted their programs here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2161415/air-university-advanced-education-continues-from-dens-living-rooms/


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic. Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

US, Japan bomber-fighter integration demonstrates dynamic force employment - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161283/us-japan-bomber-fighter-integration-demonstrates-dynamic-force-employment/

Innovative thinking leads to first local E-4B wash since flood - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161910/innovative-thinking-leads-to-first-local-e-4b-wash-since-flood/

First Sergeants adapt to COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2161408/first-sergeants-adapt-to-covid-19-pandemic/

Five minutes to thrive: Reducing telework burnout - https://www.minot.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161088/five-minutes-to-thrive-reducing-telework-burnout/

Five minutes to thrive: Kids coping with COVID-19 - https://www.minot.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161071/five-minutes-to-thrive-kids-coping-with-covid-19/

LRAFB C-130s load HIMARS, train with Army - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161806/lrafb-c-130s-load-himars-train-with-army/

100 ARW assists transient Airmen -

Air Force Reserve recruiters take enlistments online - https://www.419fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161016/air-force-reserve-recruiters-take-enlistments-online/

78th LRS, 94th APS reuniting families - https://www.robins.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2160473/78th-lrs-94th-aps-reuniting-families/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 22, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 340 (+3) 7 107 (+4) 0
Civilian 178 (-3)* 9 (-2) 56 (+13) 0
Dependents 205 (+1) 6 61  0
Contractors 81 (-2)* 6 16 (+1) 1
Total 804 28 240 1

 

 

 



*Corrects previous report.


April 22, 2020
Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett, visited Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, yesterday to learn more about the countless ways Air Force Materiel Command Airmen are supporting the whole-of-government response to the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to safely execute the command’s critical missions for the warfighter.

Read about her visit to AFMC here: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2160301/secretary-barrett-views-afmc-missions-in-action-during-covid-19/

In addition, Barrett visited Air Mobility Command headquarters and the 618th Air Operations Center, AMC’s execution arm for providing America’s global reach, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 21, 2020. The SecAF visited 618th AOC to meet Airmen and see how they continue to accomplish their mission in light of social distancing requirements.

See photos of her trip to AMC here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2159863/secaf-visits-amc-sees-mission-in-action-during-social-distancing/


While supporting the 37th Training Wing and basic military training personnel, Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing have stepped up to the fight against COVID-19 by beginning testing samples taken from patients suspected of having coronavirus. The in-house testing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas' Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center’s pathology lab will allow for quicker results, allowing Air Force basic military training to continue while reducing the risk of infection.

See the video here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2158575/watch-wilford-hall-begins-in-house-covid-19-testing/


Since Colorado Gov. Jared Polis activated the Colorado National Guard to join the fight against COVID-19 March 10, 2020, space warriors of the 233rd Space Group have been on the front lines, assisting civil authorities and augmenting critical space missions. More than 10% of the Colorado Air National Guard’s space force has stepped in to help in whatever capacity possible to support the community’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2159949/colorado-air-national-guard-space-warriors-fight-covid-19  


Airmen from the 7th Component Maintenance Squadron and the 28th Bomb Squadron at Dyess AFB, Texas, worked together to create hand sanitizer. The Airman followed instructions from the World Health Organization on how to make the hand sanitizer, and were able to gather all of the hand sanitizer ingredients from locations on base and in the local community.

See photos of their efforts here: https://www.dyess.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2156714/dyess-airmen-create-hand-sanitizer/  


Airmen and Soldiers from the Connecticut National Guard set up approximately 200 beds at Kaiser Hall at Central Connecticut State University as potential surge capacity for local hospitals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368021/guardsman-supports-covid-19-response-her-university

See b-roll of their efforts here:


More than 230 Airmen and Soldiers with the Washington National Guard are working with Food Lifeline in the South Seattle industrial district processing, packing and preparing food for distribution to more than 300 food banks across Washington state. More than 1.7 million Washington state residents are utilizing food banks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

See b-roll of their efforts here:


Airmen and Soldiers with the Delaware National Guard assisted the Food Bank of Delaware in providing meals to nearly 2,300 families during the first day of this week's food drive.

See video of their efforts here:


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic. Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

Virtual Pacific Air Forces conference focuses on competition, resiliency - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2159486/virtual-conference-focuses-on-competition-resiliency/

509th Communications Squadron ensures mission success during COVID-19 - https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2158061/509th-communications-squadron-ensures-mission-success-during-covid-19/  

919th SOW maintainers: Socially distant, operationally ready- https://www.919sow.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2153911/919th-sow-maintainers-socially-distant-operationally-ready/

104th Communications Flight effectively supporting the mission remotely - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368038/104th-communications-flight-effectively-supporting-mission-remotely

COVID-19 ops: Mission can’t stop, won’t stop at IDRC -

Online Spanish classes help air advisors maintain language proficiency during COVID-19 - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2159686/online-spanish-classes-help-air-advisors-maintain-language-proficiency-during-c/  


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 21, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 337 (-1)* 7 (-1) 103 (+5) 0
Civilian 181 (+2) 11 43 (+1) 0
Dependents 204 (+4) 6 61 (+1) 0
Contractors 83 6 15 (+1) 1
Total 805 30 222 1

 

 

 



*Corrects previous report.


April, 21, 2020
The Department of the Air Force rapidly executed three contract awards worth $133 million with 3M, Honeywell and O&M Halyard to increase domestic N95 production dedicating long-term mask capacity for national demand. These are the first Department of Defense funded awards utilizing Defense Production Act Title 3 authorities in response to COVID-19.

Read more about these contracts here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2157653/air-force-expedites-n95-mask-production-contract-awards/


The seamless integration and life-saving performance of the Air Force Reserve Airmen at Javits Center and embedded in the local New York City hospitals continues through the Task Force-Civil Support and U.S. Northern Command taskings. These Airmen are serving side by side with civilian medical professionals to defeat the COVID-19 virus.

 Watch the video to see more about their story here:

 


Forty two days into the COVID-19 pandemic response mission, the New York National Guard had 3,600 troops performing missions ranging from answering public inquiry hotlines to assisting New York City in retrieving the remains of those who have died at home.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367781/ny-national-guard-has-3600-duty-42-days-into-covid-19-response


Airmen from the 27 SOW, Cannon AFB, New Mexico, volunteered in helping families with a Pharmacy Point of Delivery System to respond to their local retiree community’s medical needs during this time. Due to the remote, rural nature of Cannon and its surrounding communities, the retiree community depends on base support for their prescription needs. COVID-19 forced the medical group to get creative in order to continue providing support to this important demographic.

See photos of their efforts here:


Nearly 30 Airmen and Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard were sent to the Milwaukee County House of Corrections in Franklin, Wisconsin to establish a mobile COVID-19 testing site to collect specimens from staff and inmates there.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367786/wisconsin-national-guard-team-sent-milwaukee-county-house-corrections-collect-specimens-covid-19-testing   


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic. Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

Don’t Let COVID-19 Attack Your Mental Health - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2157812/dont-let-covid-19-attack-your-mental-health/

AFIMSC swift action enables Air, Space Force to meet COVID-19 challenges - https://www.afimsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2157199/afimsc-swift-action-enables-air-space-force-to-meet-covid-19-challenges/

Squadron redesignations bolster enterprise contracting support - https://www.afimsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2155694/squadron-redesignations-bolster-enterprise-contracting-support/

Sanitizing after sorties - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2157503/sanitizing-after-sorties/

Team Mildenhall cleaning team: a necessary preparation in COVID-19 fight - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2157507/team-mildenhall-cleaning-team-a-necessary-preparation-in-covid-19-fight/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 20, 2020.
 

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 338 (+2) 8 98 (+2) 0
Civilian 179 (+7) 11 (-1) 42 (+5) 0
Dependents 200 (+1) 6 60 (+11) 0
Contractors 83 (+5) 6 (+2) 14 (+1) 1
Total 800 31 214 1

 

 

 

 


 


April 20, 2020
The Department of the Air Force signed an agreement April 17 with Curative, Inc., to deploy and scale an oral fluid coronavirus test, which recently received a Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization, across Air Force installations. The Department of the Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office, in coordination with the Defense Health Agency and Joint Acquisition Task Force established by the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment and DHA, is managing the $13 million research and development Blanket Purchase Agreement with the COVID-19 testing startup.

Read more about this agreement here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2156392/air-force-signs-agreement-for-oral-fluid-coronavirus-testing-at-air-force-insta/


In response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases on Guam, the 36th Wing, with support from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii is constructing an Expeditionary Medical Support System or EMEDS, on the grounds of U.S. Naval Hospital Guam. The EMEDS facility consists of 11 medical units, and six warehouse units.

Read more about the EMEDS facility here: https://www.andersen.af.mil/News/Features/Article/2155701/expeditionary-medical-facility-constructed-at-us-naval-hospital-guam/


Three Ohio Air Force Reservists have deployed to the Lincoln Medical Center Intensive Care Unit in the Bronx, New York to aid in the fight against COVID-19. These medical professionals join the more than 125 Reserve Airmen medical professionals mobilized to New York City over the past month.

Read more about their story here: https://www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2154050/910th-medical-squadron-storms-front-line-in-pandemic-fight-in-uniform-and-out/
 


Members of the Hawaii National guard were transported to neighbor islands on a C-17 Globemaster III to assist with the COVID-19 response. Military transport has been utilized to minimize exposure to disease at airports.

See photos of their efforts here:  


 


Florida National Guard doctors, nurses and medics joined Florida International University at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) to conduct refresher training in preparation of potentially receiving patients at the MBCC alternate care facility. The Guard partnered with the university to provide “just in time training” so that providers from different specialties could refresh their knowledge in several areas, including proper personal protective equipment wear, medical procedures and several other necessary tasks that that are specific to the COVID-19 response.

Read more about this Joint Task Force Aide partnership: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367791/state-university-partners-with-joint-task-force-aide-support-covid-19-mission
 


On an average Air Force day, Airmen with the 509th Maintenance Group research and engineering shop find themselves crafting and creating specific parts for multi-billion dollar aircraft to ensure the B-2 Spirit is mission-ready. In the wake of COVID-19, the 509th MXG RE section has expanded its mission set to include reusable face shields.

Read more about Whiteman AFB, Missouri’s 3D-printed face shields here: https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2154040/509th-maintenance-group-airmen-3d-prints-the-mission-to-success/
 


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic.  Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

Class of 2020 takes graduation in stride during COVID-19 crisis - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2155550/class-of-2020-takes-graduation-in-stride-during-covid-19-crisis/

A day in the life: Nurses - https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/2153754/a-day-in-the-life-nurses/

Separated but still together, you are not alone (502 ABW Video) - 

Public Health Emergency Working Group at forefront of Offutt COVID-19 response - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2154974/public-health-emergency-working-group-at-forefront-of-offutt-covid-19-response/

Purple flags honor military children in an uncertain time - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2155658/purple-flags-honor-military-children-in-an-uncertain-time/

Airmen adjust schedule, adapt techniques to combat COVID-19 - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2156304/airmen-adjust-schedule-adapt-techniques-to-combat-covid-19/
 


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 19, 2020*

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 330 (+2) 8 78 (+5) 0
Civilian 172 (+4) 12 (+1) 37 (+5) 0
Dependents 199 (+8) 6(+1)  49 (+7) 0
Contractors 70 (+6) 4 13 (+4 1
Total 757 30 177 1

 

 

 



*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on April 17th.

 

April 17, 2020
Tomorrow, The United States Air Force Academy will hold its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020. The ceremony will be live-streamed beginning at 11 a.m. MDT and available for on-demand viewing after the event.You can find out more about USAFA’s graduation events here: https://www.usafa.edu/about/traditions/graduation/


The Department of Defense has stood up task forces across the U.S. to provide relief to state health care systems fighting COVID-19. Task Force-Southeast, led by Ninth Air Force, is the primary DOD support organization for the Federal Emergency Management Agency response to COVID-19 in FEMA Regions III and IV.Read more about this Task Force here:  https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2153794/task-force-southeast-supports-covid-19-fight/


Guam Air National Guard Airmen from the 254th REDHORSE Squadron meet with personnel from Guam Department of Public Works and Guam Power Authority to discuss logistics for a potential alternate care facility at the Guam Memorial Hospital in Tamuning, Guam April 17. See photos of their efforts here:


Airmen from the 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, conduct infection control operations at Southern Pines Nursing Home in Warner Robins, Georgia, April 16.  Airmen from the 116 ACW volunteered to assist with sanitizing long-term care facilities around the Georgia during Georgia National Guard COVID-19 response.

See video b-roll of their efforts here:

Find photos of their efforts here:


Airmen and Soldiers with the Colorado National Guard are supporting multiple task forces that have been deployed around the state in various capacities to support state and local officials combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Find photos of their efforts here:


Staff Sgt. Brandon McKeever, 342nd Recruiting Squadron, B-Flight recruiter, donated boxes of scrubs to Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee that could be used on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle.

Read more about his donation here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2153472/recruiting-service-airman-helps-people-on-covid-19-front-lines/


With more than 500 Air Force Reservists mobilized for the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of reservists are still working their civilian jobs. For Master Sgt. Andy. A. Jean-Pierre, a KC-10 Extender production supervisor and a traditional reservist stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, he is currently on the front lines as a veteran New York City Police Department temporary assigned to the Bronx responding to COVID-19 911 calls.

Read more about Master Sgt. Jean-Pierre’s role here:  https://www.514amw.afrc.af.mil/News/Articles/Article/2137621/coronavirus-demands-service-before-self/


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic.  Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

AFMC mission operational under ‘new norm’ - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2153823/afmc-mission-operational-under-new-norm/

Yokota Medical Support Squadron ready for anything - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2153004/yokota-medical-support-squadron-ready-for-anything/

DM, local businesses join forces to protect Airmen - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2153821/dm-local-businesses-join-forces-to-protect-airmen/

914 ARW announces full operational capability over converting from C-130s to KC-135s - https://www.niagara.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2151103/914-arw-announces-full-operational-capability/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 16, 2020

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 328 (+11) 8 73 (+14) 0
Civilian 168 (+2) 11 (-1) 32 (+3) 0
Dependents 191 (+7) 42 (+5) 0
Contractors 70 (+6) 4 9 (+1) 1
Total 757 28 156 1

 

 

 



 

 

April 16, 2020
Air Mobility Liaison Officers from the 621st Mobility Support Operations Squadron are currently assisting U.S. Army North with air movements of field hospital units into coronavirus disease hot spots around the U.S. The AMLOs are rapidly responding to emerging air mobility requirements in New York City, Seattle, Dallas and New Orleans in coordination with Air Mobility Command and the 618th Air Operations Center, as part of the whole-of-government U.S. response to combating COVID-19.


Read more about their efforts here: https://www.expeditionarycenter.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2151582/amlos-provide-expertise-in-covid-19-response-aid-field-hospital-unit-movements/


Approximately 100 Air Force Reserve aeromedical evacuation specialists from across the country have been called up to help care for Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 60% of America’s capability to provide global patient movement resides in the Air Force Reserve.


Read more about their mobilization here: https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2151951/reserve-aeromedical-evacuation-medics-called-to-the-fight-against-covid-19/ 


An innovative solution by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Detachment 4 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, is giving commanders from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa the ability to accurately assess operational risk and protect lives in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Geospatial tools developed by the detachment’s GeoBase team are providing commanders with near real-time data detailing the spread of the disease in their areas of responsibility.


Read more about this new tool here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2152514/afimsc-geospatial-tools-help-commanders-manage-covid-19-risk/ 


Airmen and Soldiers with the 44th Civil Support Team (FLNG) prepares for their upcoming mission of providing support to two assisted living facilities in Starke, Florida. They will be testing the residents and staff at both facilities, to help gage the COVID-19 threat.


See video of their efforts here:


More than 230 Airmen and Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard have spent the past four days turning a cavernous exhibit hall into an Alternate Care Facility with 288 beds for patients recovering from COVID-19. 


Read the story about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367493/ky-guard-stands-up-alternate-care-facility-covid-19-patients


On April 14, U.S. Transportation Command directed the use of personally procured or self-made face coverings in all TRANSCOM and Air Mobility Command terminals and on all military or commercially contracted aircraft to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The directive is in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation and Department of Defense guidance to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing at a minimum of six feet of separation is difficult to maintain.


Read more about this directive here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2151374/ustranscom-issues-guidance-for-face-coverings-in-passenger-terminals-aircraft/ 


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic.  Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19. 

40 days, nights: AMC Commander’s Battle Staff directs round-the-clock support in COVID-19 fight - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2151433/40-days-nights-amc-commanders-battle-staff-directs-round-the-clock-support-in-c/

Tinker finds ways to stay social despite social distancing - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2152674/tinker-finds-ways-to-stay-social-despite-social-distancing/ 

Maintenance team's face-covering ingenuity helps meet requirement (149 FW, TXANG)- https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367514/maintenance-teams-face-covering-ingenuity-helps-meet-requirement  

71st IS conducts virtual Unit Training Assembly to maintain mission readiness - https://445aw.usaf.afpims.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2152373/71st-is-conducts-virtual-uta/ 

Airmen lead volunteerism during COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2152161/airmen-lead-volunteerism-during-covid-19-pandemic/

97 TRS implements distance friendly training for students - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2151166/97-trs-implements-distance-friendly-training-for-students/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 15, 2020. 
 

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 317 (+18) 8 (-1) 59 (+5) 0
Civilian 166 (+8) 12 29 (+2) 0
Dependents 184 (+30) 37 (+5) 0
Contractors 64 (+2) 4 8 (+1) 1
Total 731 29 133 1

 

 

 


 

 

April 15, 2020
Approximately 800 Airmen and Soldiers are supporting Nevada in the fight against COVID-19 in the largest state activation in Nevada National Guard history. The Nevada Guardsmen most recently called into service will provide medical support, food bank and warehouse logistics, transportation of supplies and set up of alternate care facilities.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367366/nevada-guard-enters-historic-response-battle-covid-19


Approximately 10 Reserve Airmen from the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron were mobilized this week in support of COVID-19 relief efforts. The Airmen will participate in the COVID-19 Aeromedical Evacuation hub that has been established at Joint Base Charleston and will deploy around the globe as needed.

Read more about their mobilization here: https://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2148950/charleston-mobilizes-aeromedical-evacuation-airmen-for-covid-19-response/


 Airmen assigned to the 8th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment section are taking the fight to the coronavirus, as they embrace innovation and their technical training to manufacture cloth masks for the more than 2,500 service members assigned to Kunsan Air Base. The mask materials available to the 8th OSS AFE flight are limited to what the base exchange provides, which is limited to bedding, including bedsheets and fleece and wool blankets.

Read more about their efforts here:  https://www.kunsan.af.mil/News/Article/2148589/8th-oss-afe-combats-covid-19/


The Connecticut National Guard assisted the Connecticut Department of Public Health in distributing masks, gloves, and face shields to local residential care homes, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

See photos of their efforts here:


The National Museum of the United States Air Force continues to share the Air Force story with online visitors from around the world, while being closed as a public health precaution in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The museum has expanded its digital museum experience through a virtual tour, that includes a 360-degree gallery tours, educational content, virtual reality and STEM applications, and social media connections.

Read more about their virtual tour and how to link to it here: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2149988/national-museum-of-the-us-air-force-expands-virtual-experience/


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic. Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

Andersen AFB Remains Ready -

                                             

EMEDS maintains readiness posture - https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Display/Article/2149632/emeds-maintains-readiness-posture/

Counselors at Travis AFB provide services online during COVID-19 outbreak - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2150671/counselors-provide-services-online-during-covid-19-outbreak/

52nd LRS POL stay mission ready - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2150308/52nd-lrs-pol-stay-mission-ready/

Command Surgeon team leading AFGSC’s fight against COVID-19 - https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2149150/command-surgeon-team-leading-afgscs-fight-against-covid-19/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 14, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 299 (+5) 9 54 (+3) 0
Civilian 158 (+5) 12 (+1) 27 (+11) 0
Dependents 154 (+4) 32 0
Contractors 62 4 7 1
Total 673 30 120 1

 

 

 



 

April 14, 2020
The Air Force Reserve celebrates its 72nd birthday today. Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee in a video message said the reserve has been a part of every military operation since its beginning, supported humanitarian and defense for civil authorities missions and it currently on the frontlines battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Regardless of the mission Air Force Reserve Airmen have answered the nations call and will continue for decades to come.

You can watch the video here:


In collaboration with the COVID-19 National Response Team, AFVentures has created an industry portal to assess and respond to challenges presented by the pandemic. This initiative was created as part of the Department of the Air Force’s Acquisition COVID-19 Taskforce, or ACT, as a one-stop shop for defense industry, commercial companies and academia to share creative ideas with federal agencies to combat the virus.

Read more about this initiative here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2148944/air-force-dod-rallies-industry-academia-service-members-to-combat-covid-19/


Air Force doctors Maj. Evan Fisher, chief of Nephrology, and Maj. Matthew Koroscil, a Pulmonary and Critical Care specialist from the 88th Medical Group at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center, are leading the way in coordination with the Dayton medical community on a new drug protocol for COVID-19 patients.  Their work on the project allowed Premier Health’s Miami Valley Hospital to potentially lead the country in the administration of the Mayo Clinic-approved plasma protocol.

Read more about their efforts here:  https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2148234/wright-patterson-afb-physicians-coordinate-new-protocol-for-covid-19-patients/


The Air Force is promoting a campaign to recognize those on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Air Force Salutes is a way Airmen can honor someone in their community who doesn’t wear the Air Force uniform but still embodies the Air Force core value of service before self.

Read more about this campaign effort here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2148925/air-force-salutes-campaign-to-honor-those-working-the-front-lines/


In an effort to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and to continue executing rapid global mobility operations, the U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command sent multiple airframes to participate in particle and airflow testing at Nebraska Air National Guard air base April 4-11, 2020.

Read more about this testing here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367325/covid-response-dod-academia-partner-conduct-aircraft-airflow-testing-nebraska


Airmen and Soldiers with the West Virginia National Guard’s Task Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Enterprise (CRE) (TF-CRE) test students and faculty from West Virginia University for COVID-19.

You can find imagery of here:

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Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic.  Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

PRANG Airman helps ensure proper PPE for security forces during COVID-19 - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367263/prang-airman-helps-ensure-proper-ppe-security-forces-during-covid-19

50th Contracting Squadron uses creativity to obtain supplies - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2148448/50th-contracting-squadron-uses-creativity-to-obtain-supplies/

Dover reservists support nation’s counterdrug effort - https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2147034/dover-reservists-support-nations-counterdrug-effort/

Be Ready, stay ready: First to the fight - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2148739/be-ready-stay-ready-first-to-the-fight/

Renovating for readiness - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2146822/renovating-for-readiness/

613th Air Operations Center maintains a healthy, ready force - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2146119/613th-air-operations-center-maintains-a-healthy-ready-force/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 13, 2020.

USAF TOTAL STATS
  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 294 (+6) 9 51 (+8) 0
Civilian 153 (+3) 11 (+2) 16 (-6)* 0
Dependents 150 (+8) 32 (-1)* 0
Contractors 62 (+2) 7 (+1) 1
Total 659 29 106 1

 

 

 

 

 

* These negative deltas reflect corrected reports.

 

April 13, 2020
Air Mobility Command aircrew and medical personnel conducted the first operational use of the Transport Isolation System (TIS) to perform an aeromedical evacuation of three U.S. government contractors who tested positive for coronavirus, from Afghanistan to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 10. Upon arrival at Ramstein AB, the patients were transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for medical treatment.

You can read more about this mission here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2146688/amc-airmen-conduct-historic-first-aeromedical-evacuation-mission-using-transpor/
Links to b-roll: 



The 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, operates both the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite communications system and the Wideband Global SATCOM satellite communications system, both of which play a vital role in the nation’s COVID-19 relief efforts on the USNS Comfort and Mercy.  

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2146442/space-force-aids-usns-mercy-usns-comforts-covid-19-relief-efforts


The Air Force is providing additional support to Airmen with exceptional family members during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Exceptional Family Member Program instituted new support to minimize the impact caused by department COVID-19 policies, and beginning April 15, EFMP families can initiate their Family Member Travel Screening package online.

Learn more about this new process here: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145157/air-force-implements-options-for-exceptional-family-members-during-pandemic/


The 103rd Medical Group commander (CTANG), Col. Sean Brennan, is one of many medical professionals in the Guard helping their community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in their civilian healthcare professions.  Brennan works full time as a physician assistant-certified with Hartford HealthCare, and is now Hartford Hospital’s operations manager for alternative care sites. 

You can read more about his efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367182/guard-commander-leads-covid-19-response-civilian-role


Airmen and Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard have been working together to complete mobile COVID-19 testing on patients at nursing homes throughout the commonwealth for over a week.

Read the story here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/367192/testing-teamwork-mass-soldiers-and-airmen-conduct-covid-19-testing-nursing-homes


Air Mobility Command has designated Joint Base Charleston as the sole Transport Isolation System (TIS) training hub for aeromedical evacuation Airmen in response to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

Read more about this new designation here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2146243/air-force-establishes-training-hub-at-jb-charleston-for-covid-19-aeromedical-ev/


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic.  Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

Newlyweds graduate Basic Military Training together
https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2146598/newlyweds-graduate-basic-military-training-together/

ASAB Airmen execute the mission; Adhere to DoD guidelines

Dobbins JAG office helps Marines deploy on short notice to assist in the battle against COVID-19 https://www.dobbins.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145693/dobbins-jag-office-helps-marines-deploy-on-short-notice/

Moody TACP keep current during pandemic
https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2147235/moody-tacp-keep-current-during-pandemic/

559th Flying Training Squadron pilots take precautions while training https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2146603/559th-flying-training-squadron-pilots-take-precautions-while-training/

One team; one fight at Holloman AFB
https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2146162/one-team-one-fight-at-holloman-afb/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 12, 2020.

USAF TOTAL STATS*
  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military** 288 (+32) 9 (-7)  43 (-29) 0
Civilian 150 (+21) 9 22 (+9) 0
Dependents 142 (+26) 33 (+13) 0
Contractors 60 (+12) 6 (+2) 1
Total 640 27 104 1

 

 

 





* These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on April 10th.
**Military numbers include Active Duty and Air Force Reserves. This caused a change in the numbers of hospitalized and recovered stats reported today. The Air National Guard COVID-19 positive cases are being reported by National Guard Bureau.

 

April 10, 2020
Tomorrow, April 11, 2020, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” will fly over Las Vegas in honor of front-line COVID-19 responders. The flyover will feature eight F-16 Fighting Falcons, soaring throughout Las Vegas starting at 2:30 PST and will last approximately 25 minutes.

Read their press release about tomorrow’s event here: http://afthunderbirds.com/site/2020/04/09/thunderbirds-honor-front-line-covid-19-responders-with-las-vegas-flyover/


Yesterday, members of the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Logistics Readiness Squadron assisted the Maryland Office of Preparedness and Response at their warehouse in receiving and processing a shipment of 50 ventilators sent from the state of California.

You can find b-roll of their efforts here:  


Total Force medics completed all pre-deployment medical requirements for the more than 120 Air Force reserve medical personnel from across the nation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, to help combat the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City earlier this week. For 72 hours, the joint-base medics provided public health screenings, immunizations, labs, deployment-related health assessments and pharmacy services to more than 40 doctors, 70 nurses and 13 respiratory technicians.

You can read the story here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145274/joint-base-mdl-airmen-support-air-force-reserves-mobilization-mission-against-c/


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic.  Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

The 14th Flying Training Wing continues to advance force development during COVID-19 outbreak - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2144348/14th-ftws-continues-to-advance-force-development-during-covid-19-outbreak/

United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Airmen continue to protect the force and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. They are approaching this fight like we would against any adversary - with our allies and partners. -

The 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron maintains readiness during COVID19 -

Pilots from the 115th Fighter Wing (WIANG) maintain flying hours during the pandemic- https://www.dvidshub.net/news/366978/pilots-maintain-flying-hours-during-pandemic

The 19th Air Wing Chapel supports Airmen, families during COVID-19 - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145146/19th-aw-chapel-supports-tlr-airmen-families-during-covid-19/

Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst comes together to support those in quarantine and isolation - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2145285/joint-base-team-comes-together-to-support-those-in-quarantine-and-isolation/

 


 


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 9, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 256* 16  72 (+11) 0
Civilian 129 (+5) 9 (+2) 13 (+2) 0
Dependents 116 (+5) 20 (+5) 0
Contractors 48 (+1) 4 1
Total 549 34 109 1

 

 

 



*Numbers have changed based on changes to the reporting procedures

 

April 9, 2020
The BMT proof of concept began at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi this week. Sixty trainees arrived to the proof of concept Basic Military Training detachment, marking a historic moment for the Air Force’s training program. This shift is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will allow the training pipeline to continue and help ensure the health and safety of trainees and instructors while also providing relief to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas’ training infrastructure.

Read more about this new BMT proof of concept here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2143480/bmt-proof-of-concept-begins-at-keesler-afb/

Find additional imagery here:



Last night, two C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, delivered 250 medical isolation pods to Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago, April 8, 2020. The two 182nd Airlift Wing C-130 aircraft and aircrews flew the pods cross-country in a homeland defense mission for use at the McCormick Place COVID-19 alternate care facility.

See photos of their efforts here:


 



Airmen from the 146th Airlift Wing of the California Air National Guard in Oxnard, California, delivered 200 ventilators to the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift wing on April 7, 2020, at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York. The use of the C-130J Super Hercules, along with the help of New York Army National Guard Sodliers from the 369th Sustainment Brigade, facilitated the shipment of medical equipment, which will support the ongoing COVID-19 medical response being conducted in the New York and New Jersey areas. Each state will receive 100 of the ventilators.

See photos of these efforts here:


 



The Air Force has deployed Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers across the nation to state emergency operations centers. Assigned to the 1st Air Force National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate (NSEP), EPLOs focus on building relationships within the disaster response enterprise, and informing key stakeholders about their role in the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission and preparing for disasters.

You can learn more about their roles here: https://www.1af.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2136074/emergency-preparedness-liaison-officers-activated-across-the-nation-to-support/
 


Essential missions throughout the Air Force still continue even during this pandemic. Below are some links to stories on how these units have adapted to make sure they can continue to execute these missions despite COVID-19.

The 167th Airlift Wing (WVANG) continues their federal and state missions with a dispersed workforce through COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/366921/wing-sustaining-operations-through-covid-19-pandemic

480th FS trains with German Eurofighters - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2143328/480th-fs-trains-with-german-eurofighters/

23rd Fighter Group finds new normal -https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2143514/23d-fg-finds-new-normal/

452nd FLTS work to keep Global Vigilance mission on track - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2143711/452nd-flts-work-to-keep-global-vigilance-mission-on-track/



Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 5:30 p.m., April 8, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 367 (+16) 16  61 (+11) 0
Civilian 124 (-5) 7 11 (-4) 0
Dependents 111 (+12) 15 (+5) 0
Contractors 47 (+4) 4 (+1) 1
Total 649 32 91 1

 

 

 



*Removed 2 duplicate CIV cases and 1 unconfirmed CIV case from tracker

 

April 7, 2020
Last night, Robins Air Force Base announced that contractor affiliated with Robins AFB passed away from suspected medical complications related to COVID-19 April 3, 2020.

You can read the release here: https://www.robins.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2139578/robins-air-force-base-announces-death-of-a-contractor-from-covid-19/


Today, Basic Military Training announced that in order to fully maximize training effectiveness and space utilization to mitigate COVID-19, the U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training will accelerate BMT from eight and a half weeks to seven weeks of training.  This will allow BMT to restructure and enhance social-distancing requirements across the training campus to ensure the safety and security not just for the trainees, but for the Military Training Instructors, other active-duty members, civilians and contractors that support the mission.

Read the full release here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2140255/update-air-force-bmt-graduation-and-schedule/


Over the weekend, Airmen and Soldiers from the Vermont National Guard construct a 400-bed medical health facility at the Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, Vt., April 4-6, 2020.  The Vermont National Guard is working with the state of Vermont and emergency response partners in a whole-of-government effort to flatten the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are links to imagery:
Video (b-roll):



Photos:


In light of the April 5th Department of Defense guidance to wear regarding the wear of face masks, Airmen from the 62nd Operations Support Squadron’s aircrew flight equipment section at Joint Base Lewis-McChord quickly stepped up and began quickly producing cloth face masks for mission-essential personnel who are continuously working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can read more about their efforts here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2140096/62nd-oss-produces-masks-to-reduce-spread-of-covid-19/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 7:30 p.m., April 6, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 322 (+41) 16 (-1) 43 (+3) 0
Civilian 122 (-5) 8 (-2) 13 (+1) 0
Dependents 98 (-8) 8 (+1) 0
Contractors 40 (+1) 3 1 (+1)
Total 577 33 67 1

 

 

 

 


*Numbers have changed based on changes to reporting procedures

 

April 6, 2020
Over the weekend, Air Force Reserve Command units mobilized over 40 doctors, over 70 nurses and approximately 13 respiratory technicians within 48 hours to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, for further inprocessing with the U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Forces Land Component Command, based out of New Jersey. The medical personnel are slated for follow on movement to New York City’s Javits Center.  

You can read more about their mobilization here: https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2137781/air-force-reserve-mobilizes-medics-to-new-york-for-covid-19-response/ 


Today the Air Force has released information that supplements Department of Defense guidance on the use of cloth face coverings to help combat COVID-19, effective immediately.

You can read the Air Force supplemental guidance here:  https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2138804/air-force-releases-guidance-on-use-of-cloth-face-covers/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 5:30 p.m., April 5, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 290** 17 (+1) 40 (+15) 0
Civilian 127 (+45) 10 (+2) 12 (+3) 0
Dependents 100 (+28) 5 (+1) 7 (+2) 0
Contractors 39 (+18) 4 (+1) 3 (+3) 0
Total 547 36 62 0

 

 

 



*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on April 3rd.
** Adjustment due to Air National Guard numbers being reported via the National Guard Bureau.

 

April 3, 2020
This morning, Lt. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, Deputy Commander for Air Mobility Command announced during a press conference that the seventh mission of Total Force Airmen flying C-17 Globemaster IIIs transporting testing swabs from Aviano Air Base, Italy, to Memphis Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, was executed last night.  These testing swabs were then turned over to FedEx for dissemination to medical facilities across the nation.  Since March 16 through April 2, AMC C-17s have delivered 3.5M COVID-19 testing swabs to meet nationwide demand.  Additional missions are scheduled in the next couple of days. 

You can find imagery of previous missions here:


Lt. Gen. Thomas also highlighted that AMC recently transported 86 Americans from Columbia and Panama to the United States.  These missions bring the total number of Americans returned by AMC Aircraft to more than 350 since March 19th.  These missions are done in support of USTRANSCOM as it continues to support to Department of State led efforts to return American citizens and lawful permanent residents stranded abroad during the Coronavirus pandemic.


The United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine’s epidemiology laboratory is the Air Force’s sole clinical reference laboratory, and as such, is testing and processing samples of COVID-19 sent from military treatment facilities around the world. The lab was authorized by the Defense Health Agency to test samples from Department of Defense beneficiaries for COVID-19 in early March, and received its test kit from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention shortly after.


You can read more about what the lab is doing here:  https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2133728/air-force-lab-testing-samples-of-covid-19/


Instructors at the Special Instruments Training course at Goodfellow Air Force Base have begun using their skills to 3D print prototypes to supply the medical facilities in the area with N95 face masks and face shields. SPINSTRA has an innovation lab containing four 3D printers as well as 3D modeling software. Although they are unsure of the needs of the 17th Medical Group and surrounding hospitals, they plan to continue to create these medical supplies in case they are needed in the future.


You can read more about what 312th Training Squadron Special Instruments Training course is doing here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2135493/special-instruments-training-course-instructors-3d-print-medical-supplies/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 1:30 p.m., April 2, 2020.
 

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 290(+26) 16 (-3) 25 (+2) 0
Civilian 82 (+2) 8 (-1) 9 (+2) 0
Dependents 72 (+7) 4 (-2) 5 0
Contractors 21 (+1) 3 (-1) 0 0
Total 465 31 39 0

 

 

 



Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
 

April 2, 2020
Medical professionals from the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine are training medics down at Joint Base Charleston on the use of a Transport Isolation System if a request came to move patients affected by COVID-19 aboard a cargo military aircraft. The TIS is an infectious disease containment unit designed to minimize risk to aircrew and medical attendants, while allowing in-flight medical care for patients afflicted by contagions like COVID-19.

You can read more about this training here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2134559/school-of-aerospace-medicine-trains-teams-to-treat-transport-covid-19-patients/


The Department of the Air Force released guidance allowing installation commanders to make deviations to grooming and fitness standards, as COVID-19 health protection conditions and physical distancing guidelines inhibit access to barber shops, hair salons and fitness centers across the Air Force

You can read the announcement here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2133961/air-force-releases-grooming-fitness-guidance-during-covid-19/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 5:30 p.m., April 1, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 264 (+50) 19 (+6) 23 (+8) 0
Civilian 80 (+18) 9 (+4) 7 (+2) 0
Dependents 65 (+13) 6 (+2) 5 (+1) 0
Contractors 20 (+4) 4 (+1) 0 0
Total 429 38 35 0

 

 

 



Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on April 1.


April 1, 2020
The United States Air Force Academy announced today that they would move graduation for the Class of 2020 up to April 18, 2020.  Family, friends, and the public will be able to live stream the entirety of the event, although they will not be able to attend in person due to health and safety concerns.

You can read the announcement here:
https://www.usafa.af.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2132843/af-academy-class-of-2020-graduation-date-moves-up/


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 6 p.m., March 31, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 214 (+32) 13 (+1) 15 (+4) 0
Civilian 62 (+2) 0
Dependents 52 (+1) 4 0
Contractors 16  3 0 0
Total 344 25 24 0

 

 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on March 31.


March 31, 2020
Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 3 p.m., March 30, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 182 (+18) 12 (+1) 11 (+4) 0
Civilian 60 (+3) 5 (+1) 5 (+2) 0
Dependents 51 (+10) 4 4 (+2) 0
Contractors 16  (+1) 3 0 0
Total 309 23 20 0

 

 

 



Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on March 30.


March 30, 2020
Updates on Air Force actions from over the weekend:

Air Force Reserve Command provided additional guidance to reservists on the March 27th Executive Order authorizing mobilization of the Reserve Component in response to COVID-19 operations.

You can read more about the guidance that was provided here:

https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2129708/president-signs-executive-order-calling-up-air-force-reserve-medics-other-speci/


The Department of Defense posted a release letting service members and their families know that Military OneSource, and other family and spouse programs are still available.

You can read more as to how these programs are continuing to support service members and their families here:

https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2128239/onesource-family-and-spouse-programs-still-available/


Wings from the Civil Air Patrol have been assisting their local communities with emergency preparedness. 

Recently the CAP Wings in Missouri and Illinois assisted with Protective Equipment Transport, Warehousing.  Read about their efforts here:

https://www.cap.news/mo-members-assist-with-protective-equipment-transport-warehousing/

In addition, the CAP Wing in California had 39 Members serve at six sites, where they and served 49,874 meals to the kids of Los Angeles. Since they began their efforts a little over a week and a half ago, more than 1.5 Million meals have been served with the help of CAP.

Read more about their efforts here:


Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 1 p.m., March 29, 2020:  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 164 (+59) 11 (+2) 7 (+3) 0
Civilian 57 (+21) 4 (-1) 3 (+2) 0
Dependents 41 (+10) 4 (+2) 2 0
Contractors 15 (+4) 3 (+1) 0 0
Total 277 22 12 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on March 27th.


March 27, 2020
Department of the Air Force Senior Leaders have released the following updates on COVID-19 operations.  You can view/download the following videos here.

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett -

Air Force Chief of Staff General David L. Goldfein -

Chief of Space Operations Gen John W. “Jay” Raymond -


On March 26, Air Education and Training Command announced that basic military training will adjust schedules and locations in order to sustain mission readiness. In order to ensure the health and safety of trainees and instructors and to preserve dorm capacity, new recruits will be brought in based on a four-week repeating cycle that includes stringent restricted movement guidelines, dedicated time for deep cleaning between rotations, resetting the instructor cadre and the testing of an alternate BMT location at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

You can read the full article on this new revised approach here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2127647/air-force-bmt-adjusts-schedules-locations-to-sustain-mission-readiness/


The Air Force has adjusted how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DoD reporting.

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., March 26, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 105 (+13) 9 (+2) 4 (+1) 0
Civilian 36 (+6) 5 (+2) 1 0
Dependents 31 (+4) 2 (+1) 2 (+2) 0
Contractors 11 (+1) 2 (+1) 0 0
Total 183 18 7 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.

 

March 26, 2020
Today, Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., Air Force Materiel Command commander, provided an COVID-19 mission update.  You can read his statement here:

https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2126538/afmc-commander-provides-covid-19-mission-update/


All Department of the Air Force installations have been directed to move to and implement HPCON Charlie measures by the Secretary of Defense. You can read the transcript of the press conference where that was announced here: https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/2125842/department-of-defense-press-briefing-by-deputy-assistant-to-the-secretary-for-m/


Yesterday, at the request of the U.S. Department of State and at the direction of U.S. Southern Command, a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules transported 78 U.S. citizens from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, who were previously unable to return home, to Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia. The C-130J is part of a regular resupply mission to Soto Cano AB. The return flight also included mission-critical U.S. service members.

Here is the link to the release: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2126650/jtf-bravo-facilitates-repatriation-of-us-citizens-from-honduras/

Link to additional imagery: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/365896/jtf-bravo-facilitates-repatriation-us-citizens-honduras


Yesterday, Air Force officials are announced the first restriction of movement or ROM trainee in the Air Force’s basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland tested positive for COVID-19.  The trainee reported to BMT March 18 and was immediately put into the ROM location, along with about 40 other new trainees.  Once the trainee showed symptoms, the trainee was isolated from other ROM trainees in order to protect the health and safety of all Airmen in the training pipeline.

You can read Air Education and Training Command’s statement here:  https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2125674/air-force-restriction-of-movement-trainee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/


The Air Force has adjusted how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting.

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 11 p.m., March 25, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 92 (+37) 7 (+1) 3 (+2) 0
Civilian 30 (+9) 3 (+1) 1 0
Dependents 27 (+11) 1 0 0
Contractors 10 1 0 0
Total 159 12 4 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
 

March 25, 2020

The Air Force has adjusted how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting.

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 7 p.m., March 24, 2020.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 55 (+12) 6 (+1) 1 0
Civilian 21 (+8) 2 (+1) 1 0
Dependents 16 (-2)* 1 (-1)** 0 0
Contractors 5 1 0 0
Total 97 10 2 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.
* Changes due to erroneous previous reporting of retiree dependent and other service dependent
** Changes due to Air Force no longer reporting retiree dependents.

 

March 24, 2020

In response to COVID-19, Dr. William Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, has released the following statement to publicly recognize the challenges, and confirm our ongoing efforts to overcome new challenges. 

You can read his full statement here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2123182/a-statement-from-dr-roper-on-covid-19/


The Air Force has adjusted how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting.

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 7 p.m., March 23, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 43 (+9) 5 (+1) 1 (+1) 0
Civilian 13 1 (+1) 1 0
Dependents 18 (+6) 2 (+1) 0 0
Contractors 5 4 0 0
Total 79 9 2 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.

 

March 23, 2020
On March 22nd Air Mobility Command announced that it had temporarily suspended most Space-Available travel aboard AMC and contracted aircraft, except for certain Category I, IV, and VI travel, effective March 21, in order to limit COVID-19’s spread and its impact on the force. The temporary suspension remains in effect through May 11.

Read the full announcement here: https://www.robins.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2121665/air-mobility-command-temporarily-suspends-most-space-a-travel-due-to-covid-19/


On March 22, an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, transported an En-Route Patient Staging System (ERPSS) to Aviano Air Base, Italy, for delivery to the Italian Ministry of Defense. This mobile, or fixed system, provides 10 patient holding/staging beds and can support a maximum throughput of 40 patients in a 24-hour period. This was done in close coordination with the Department of State and at the request of the Italian government to assist with Italy’s COVID-19 response efforts.

AFPIMS:   https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Press-Releases/Article/2121078/usafe-supports-italy-covid-19-response/

DVIDS:     https://www.dvidshub.net/news/365653/usafe-supports-italy-covid-19-response

For additional questions please reach out to USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at +49 (0) 6371-47-6558.


On Friday Evening, March 20, Maj. Mark Graff at Air Mobility Command released the following statement regarding the their participation in transporting members of the U.S. women’s football team from Honduras.

“This morning, in coordination with U.S. Southern Command and the U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III returned to the United States from Honduras’ Soto Cano Air Base with about half of the members of the U.S. women’s football team. Tonight, the remaining members of the women’s football team will arrive at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina on a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules. Through its active, Reserve, and Air National Guard components, Air Mobility Command stands ready to do everything possible to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and ensure we continue executing rapid global mobility operations in support of the DHHS-led whole-of-government effort to combat the Coronavirus outbreak.” 

You can find imagery here:

Video


The Air Force will be adjusting how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting. 

Air Force totals as of 9 p.m., March 22.

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 34 (+16) 4 (-1) 0 0
Civilian 13 (+8) 0 (-1) 1 0
Dependents 12 1 (-1) 0 0
Contractors 5 (+1) 1 0 0
Total 64 6 1 0


 

 

 


Numbers in parenthesis are updated cases.

 

March 20, 2020
An active duty member who works for Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia, tested positive for COVID-19. Although his duty station was in Falls Church, the individual was last in the Pentagon on March 16 for less than an hour and has since received medical treatment and self-quarantined at home.

Military public health and local civilian public health officials have notified those in which the individual came in contact. All have been asked to adhere to Centers for Disease Control guidance.

We continue to ask our personnel to take actions to protect themselves and those around them by employing protective measures including practicing good hygiene, social distancing and taking appropriate actions if experiencing symptoms of an illness. These measures can dramatically decrease the risk of infection and slow COVID-19’s spread.


A defense contractor who works for the Air Force in the Pentagon has tested positive for COVID-19. The last time the infected member was in the Pentagon was March 2. The individual has received medical treatment and has been self-quarantined at home since March 7.

Air Force leadership has notified the contractor’s fellow workers and they are being asked to adhere to Centers for Disease Control guidance, maximize telework and social distancing, and practice good hygiene.

Recently, the contractor worked at the Total Force Integration Symposium at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, March 3-6. The individual did not have symptoms during the event. The Air Force sent an email to attendees informing them of the positive test.

The Virginia Department of Health has provided a “low risk rating” based on the individual being asymptomatic at the symposium.

We continue to ask our personnel to take actions to protect themselves and those around them by employing protective measures including practicing good hand washing, social distancing, and taking appropriate actions if feeling sick. These can dramatically decrease the risk of infection and slow COVID-19’s spread.


On March 19, Air Mobility Command transported the second shipment of 15 short tons of approximately 500,000 testing swabs, again aboard a C-17 Globemaster II from Aviano Air Base to Memphis, where it was turned over to Fed Ex for further dissemination across the United States. Additional missions are projected to meet Department of Health and Human Services requirements.

Photos can be found here:

?fbclid=IwAR20AGW3TbcAUIOLASosKtk4VHVuiccuzlt-ujr8G6UWf-WN5P82KNrp-EA

Videos are available here: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/AMCPA?fbclid=IwAR1hkKnWUaG79QDIClp9nazeOKNc9kukU2_3gskbMr7O_f6A_iIZSfulOn

For additional questions please reach out to Air Mobility Command Public Affairs at 618-229-7804.


The Air Force will be adjusting how we report the total number of COVID-19 Positive Cases in order to align with DOD reporting. 

Air Force Totals as of 4:30 a.m., March 20, 2020.  

  CASES HOSPITALIZED RECOVERED DEATHS
Military 16 5 0 0
Civilian 5 1 0 0
Dependents 12 2 0 0
Contractors 4 1 1 0
Total 37 9 1 0


 

 

 

 

 

March 16, 2020

Since March 13th, the following bases are monitoring the following based on positive COVID-19 cases.

  • Travis Air Force Base, California is currently monitoring two positive cases of COVID-19 – one for an active-duty Airman, and one for a dependent of a service member.
     
  • Moody Air Force Base, Georgia has an active-duty member undergoing evaluation and treatment following a presumptive positive COVID-19 test.
     
  • Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama has a civilian employee who undergoing evaluation and treatment following a confirmed result for COVID-19.

In an effort to minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:

  • Department of Air Force personnel who work on the Pentagon Reservation have been authorized to telework when the mission allows in order to disperse the workforce during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The Department of the Air Force will continue to do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as we protect the health of our personnel while ensuring complete readiness to defend our nation.
     
  • Headquarters Air Mobility Command to adjust operations to address COVID-19 concerns - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2113368/headquarters-amc-adjusts-operations-to-address-covid-19-concerns/
     
  • Based on the March 13th Department of Defense Guidance Memo, Air University has asked all students attending Squadron Officer School and Senior Non-Commissions Officer Academy to return to their home stations.

For additional Air Force related information concerning the new coronavirus please reference the following website: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/


March 15, 2020
On March 14, 2020, the White House announced that Proclamation 9993 (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus) will now include the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. As of March 13, 2020, the World Health Organization reported that the United Kingdom had 594 cases of COVID-19, five times more cases than there were 7 days prior.

The presidential proclamations regarding novel coronavirus restrict certain travel and entry to and from China, Iran, South Korea, United Kingdom, Ireland, and the European Schengen area.

According to the White House, an effective date, to begin implementation of certain travel restrictions, limitations, and exceptions, for the United Kingdom and Ireland is March 16, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The CDC has raised England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland (Ireland) to Level 3. More info here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/coronavirus-united-kingdom-ireland.

The travel restrictions that apply to CDC Travel Health Notices Level 3 (COVID-19) designated locations from the SecDef memorandum dated 11 March 2020, Travel Restrictions for DOD Components in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 now apply to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland (Ireland). More personnel travel guidance along with FAQ will be released as they become available. For further questions please contact your chain of command or local Military Personnel Flight. In addition, the Total Force Service Center can be reached at 800-525-0102. A TFSC technician is available 24/7 to take your call.

For additional Air Force related information concerning the new coronavirus please reference the following website: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/

March 13, 2020
In an effort to minimize the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:

• The Air Force finalized their guidance for personnel movements based off of Secretary Esper’s guidance dated March 11. You can find more information here: https://www.afpc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2111282/dod-directs-stop-movement-in-response-to-covid-19/
• Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. This decision does not preclude our leaders from meeting or coordinating with local and community officials.
• The United States Air Force Academy made the decision to begin orderly dismissal of a large segment of their Cadet population. The goal of this action is to maximize  the chances of graduating their senior class on time.
• The United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Laboratory has begun receiving potential COVID-19 samples from military treatment facilities (MTFs) around the world. MTFs collect samples per CDC guidelines and send them to the Epi Reference Lab or local public health lab to conduct the CDC-approved test. Any presumptive positive test is then confirmed by the CDC per guidelines. The USAFSAM Epi Lab enters all information from the tested samples into the appropriate medical system for medical decision making, and the also sends daily updates to DHA for oversight.

For additional Air Force related information concerning coronavirus please reference the following website: https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/

March 12, 2020
An active-duty Airman assigned to Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is currently undergoing evaluation and treatment following a presumptive positive novel coronavirus test. The Airman recently traveled to Seattle. Additionally, a contractor at Moody Air Force Base tested positive for the virus.

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19  and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:
• The March Air Reserve Base air show scheduled for March 28-29 has been cancelled.
Air University’s Officer Training School has suspended guest presence at the awards ceremony and graduation parade; individual commissioning ceremonies will continue
• No spectators will be allowed at United States Air Force Academy home games; the academy is closed to visitors.

Download Air Force COVID-19 Information Handout

March 10, 2020
• At the United States Air Force Academy, official travel outside of the United States has been restricted for cadets, cadet candidates and permanent party. Personal/leisure travel to countries with a CDC Level 2 or higher rating is also prohibited. As of now, restrictions will remain in place through the end of March.
Air Force Basic Military Training has suspended family members from attending graduation until further notice.
• Since South by Southwest events in Austin, Texas, was cancelled, the Air Force’s Spark Collider and Pitch Bowl will now take place virtually, March 12.
• The Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado Child Development Center has been closed for cleaning since a parent (family member) tested positive by the state for coronavirus.
• All Department of the Air Force personnel have been directed to follow Center for Disease Control levels for travel guidance.

Additionally, the following bases are currently housing passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship: Travis Air Force Base, California Joint Base San Antonio, Texas and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.