Air Force update for COVID-19
By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs / Published April 29, 2020
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- 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 29, 2020
In response to COVID-19, the Department of the Air Force is posturing to identify and provide support to the space industrial base, assessing sectors most impacted by the pandemic while creating an environment where companies in need can compete fairly in the event of supplemental federal relief funds.
Read the announcement here: https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2168917/space-force-acquisition-council-looks-to-safeguard-space-industrial-base-from-c
The Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration and 388th Fighter Wing will be performing a formation flyover throughout the state of Utah, Thursday, April 30, beginning at 1 p.m., in salute to everyone on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19, as well as those staying at home to "flatten the curve" of the virus.
Learn more about the flyover here: https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2167892/f-35a-lightning-ii-demonstration-team-388th-fighter-wing-to-salute-utah-with-st/
To help prepare for natural disasters or pandemics, such as COVID-19, members from across Vandenberg Air force Base, Calif., participate in different base exercises throughout the year. These types of exercises have helped our Airmen at the 30th Medical Group to be prepared and to have a plan!
In this challenging time when Reservists and their families have to adjust to the limitations caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Airman and Family Readiness staff is still here to help virtually and by telephone and is providing standard and new resources such as the Military One Source, Employee Assistance Program, Military Family Life counselors and the Air Force Aid Society.
Read more about Airman and Family Readiness resources here: https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2165887/afr-provides-reservists-their-families-resources-during-covid-19-pandemic/
Airmen and Soldiers with the Massachusetts National Guard are working alongside the Army Reserves Urban Augmentation Medical Task Force 94-1, at a public health hospital in Tewksbury, Massachusetts.
Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368745/mass-guard-army-reserve-combine-forces-large-scale-joint-operation
Airman with the 125th Air Expeditionary Squadron mobile testing team assist nurses in testing community members.
The Hawaii National Guard recently stood up a Joint Medical response unit for the COVID-19 Pandemic. Task Force Medical, is comprised of traditional and full time guardsmen who are professionals in their field. Task Force Medical was assembled quickly and began training on the specific COVID-19 tasks they may be required to perform.
By utilizing the resources and talents of Airmen across Kadena Air Base, the Wing Innovations team determined how to best assist their community. It was decided that designing and printing face shields would be best in conserving medical PPE.
Read more about their efforts here: https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2168328/kadena-3d-prints-shields-in-covid-19-fight/
Air Force units have recently conducted America Salutes flyovers in their local areas honoring COVID-19 responders and essential workers. Below are links to imagery from the units that have conducted flyovers:
122nd Fighter Wing performs Air Force Salutes flyover over Fort Wayne, Indiana
152nd Airlift Wing C-130s flyover over Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and other cities in Nevada
Photos: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6191642/st-marys-employees-await-high-rollers-flyover
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.
Hill AFB to Eielson AFB: Cooperation between first, newest F-35A wing speeds stand-up, shapes future - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2168009/hill-to-eielson-cooperation-between-first-newest-f-35a-wing-speeds-stand-up-sha/
Mount Rainier Search-and-Rescue Training for Upcoming Hiking Season - https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2168187/mount-rainier-search-and-rescue-training-for-upcoming-hiking-season/
Remotely piloted aircraft crews maintain mission readiness during COVID-19 - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2167931/remotely-piloted-aircraft-crews-maintain-mission-readiness-during-covid-19/
The Military Child in the midst of a pandemic - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2163761/the-military-child-in-the-midst-of-a-pandemic/
Air Force recruiting squadron uses virtual bingo as a resiliency tool to boost morale during COVID-19 - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2168354/air-force-recruiting-squadron-uses-virtual-bingo-as-a-resiliency-tool-to-boost/
Little Rock AFB FTAC emerges virtually - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2169086/team-little-rock-ftac-emerges-virtually/
Spangdahlem AB block 50 F-16 first in USAFE to cross 10,000 flight hours threshold - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2168950/spangdahlem-block-50-f-16-first-in-usafe-to-cross-10000-flight-hours-threshold/
Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 28, 2020.
| CASES | HOSPITALIZED | RECOVERED | DEATHS | |
| Military | 354 (+3) | 7 | 123 (+5) | 0 |
| Civilian | 192 (+1) | 10 | 68 | 0 |
| Dependents | 225 (+3) | 6 | 69 (+1) | 0 |
| Contractors | 76 (+1) | 5 | 20 (+1) | 1 |
| Total | 847 | 28 | 280 | 1 |
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