Air Force update for COVID-19

Published June 5, 2020
By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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:

June 4, 2020
NOTE: Starting June 1, we will only send out this update on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

International Health Specialists' experience in global health engagements proved important to support the Department of Defense’s relief efforts to state health care systems fighting COVID-19. The Ninth Air Force-led Task Force-Southeast provided defense support of civil authorities within Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, regions III and IV. The task force’s largest mission was delivering support to a COVID-19 alternate care site set up at Temple University in Philadelphia that served as an overflow medical facility.

The Michigan National Guard visited three long-term care facilities on May 28, including Riveridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, West Woods of Bridgman, and Pine Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Michigan to assist with continued COVID-19 testing in Berrien County. This initiative is part of the Michigan National Guard’s collaborative effort with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the State Emergency Operations Center to assist with voluntary COVID-19 testing for staff and residents at the request of long term care facilities across Michigan.

Reserve Airmen from the 433rd Airlift Wing’s Medical Group returned from a 54-day deployment to the Queens Hospital Center in the Jamaica Hills area of New York City to help assist medical staff at the hospital with the overwhelming number of COVID-19 infected patients.

For Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Zimmer, traditional religious services are out the window for Nebraska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen activated and spread throughout the whole state supporting COVID-19 response efforts. In April, Zimmer was activated as the chaplain for the Joint Task Force for Nebraska National Guard COVID-19 mission.

Aviano Air Base Elephant Walk - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209031/aviano-elephant-walk/

The Future of Enlisted Professional Military Education - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2209081/the-future-of-enlisted-professional-military-education/

The 97th Air Mobility Wing conducts large formation exercise - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209583/mighty-97th-conducts-large-formation-exercise/

Aerial refueling: Backbone of long-range Bomber Task Force missions - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209569/aerial-refueling-backbone-of-long-range-bomber-task-force-missions/

The 62nd AS protects training pipeline with airlift assistance - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209562/62nd-as-protects-training-pipeline-with-airlift-assistance/

AFWERX to host JADC2 demo event for government users, tech scouts - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209540/afwerx-to-host-jadc2-demo-event-for-government-users-tech-scouts/

Whiteman AFB flight surgeon keeps 20th Attack Squadron mission ready through COVID-19 - https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2207789/team-whiteman-flight-surgeon-keeps-20th-attack-squadron-mission-ready-through-c/

Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy support ongoing despite COVID-19 - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/371469/mountaineer-challenge-academy-support-ongoing-despite-covid-19

A New Era Takes Flight - https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2208533/a-new-era-takes-flight/

MCA expands skills, increases lethality - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209268/mca-expands-skills-increases-lethality/

EDIS helping to release wiggles and giggles during COVID-19 - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209036/edis-helping-to-release-wiggles-and-giggles-during-covid-19/

The 309th SMXG adapts to change and continues support - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209243/309th-smxg-adapts-to-change-and-continues-support/

The 448th Supply Chain Management Wing meets challenges of COVID-19 - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2209246/448th-supply-chain-management-wing-meets-challenges-of-covid-19/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., June 4, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	571 (+2)	7	282 (+2)	0
Civilian	238 (+4)	8	128 (+1)	1
Dependents	279 (+6)	6	144 (+2)	1
Contractors	127	7	49 (+3)	2
Total	1,215	28	603	4

*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on June 3rd.

June 3, 2020
NOTE: Starting June 1, we will only send out this update on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

California National Guard service members previously conducting COVID-19 testing in Indio, California, answered the call from nearby Imperial County during a surge of COVID-19 patients. The Cal Guard’s aid allowed for increased bed capacity and patient care at Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Brawley. Chris Herring, the county’s emergency medical services manager, fielded the request for medical personnel support through the state and received 19 Airmen from the California Air National Guard’s 144th Medical Detachment, 146th Medical Group and 163d Medical Group consisting of five registered nurses and 14 medics.

Since beginning operations in support of the state’s COVID-19 response 81 days ago, Soldiers and Airmen with the West Virginia National Guard has completed 1,326 missions through our six lines of effort of operationalizing of the event, stabilizing the population, providing logistical movement of critical supplies, innovation, state surge capacity and capability, and conducting data analysis to combat the virus. Currently, 561 members of the WVNG are on duty serving the citizens of the State of West Virginia. Soldiers and Airman have been supporting mobile testing labs, testing lanes, and providing PPE training for various businesses, state agencies and first responders.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/371302/wva-guard-update-covid-19-response

A total of 25 specimen collection teams from the Wisconsin National Guard continue to operate across Wisconsin supporting local health departments and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services effort to increase the state’s COVID-19 testing capacity. The teams, comprised of nearly 600 Soldiers and Airmen in total, established mobile testing sites at locations ranging from correctional facilities and health clinics, to private businesses, and community-based testing sites.

Two Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing have been supporting the Department of Defense’s effort to combat COVID-19 since March 2020. Lt. Col. Curt Haase and Master Sgt. John Huck from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, have been embedded with the 64th Air Expeditionary Group to help bring Air Force Reservists into the fight against the pandemic.

RPA Training Next transforming pipeline to competency-based construct - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2200393/rpa-training-next-transforming-pipeline-to-competency-based-construct/

B-1B bombers integrate with U.S., Turkish tankers over Black Sea - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2204849/b-1b-bombers-integrate-with-us-turkish-tankers-over-black-sea/

Global Hawks return to Yokota Air Base to provide continuous support to joint partners, allies - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2203962/global-hawks-return-to-yokota-to-provide-continuous-support-to-joint-partners-a/

Public Health on the front lines of the invisible enemy - https://www.barksdale.af.mil/News/Article/2204893/public-health-on-the-front-lines-of-the-invisible-enemy/

Packing Resiliency: 124th FW Airmen Deploy Amidst COVID-19 - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/371223/packing-resiliency-124th-fw-airmen-deploy-amidst-covid-19

Engineers' ICE protect warfighters from intense summer heat - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2204710/engineers-ice-protect-warfighters-from-intense-summer-heat/

Little Rock AFB's 62nd AS protects training pipeline with airlift assistance - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2205475/little-rock-afbs-62nd-as-protects-training-pipeline-with-airlift-assistance/

Sheppard NCOA leverages agile resources in fight against COVID-19 - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2204598/sheppard-ncoa-leverages-agile-resources-in-fight-against-covid-19/

COVID-19 Telework Operations Create New Opportunities for 412 TW Teams - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2206590/covid-19-telework-operations-create-new-opportunities-for-412-tw-teams/

The 309th Missile Maintenance Group keeps 'big stick' on alert through the pandemic - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2206575/309th-missile-maintenance-group-keeps-big-stick-on-alert-through-the-pandemic/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., June 2, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	549 (+23)	7	280 (+8)	0
Civilian	234 (+5)	8	127 (+8)	1
Dependents	273 (+4)	6	142 (+9)	1
Contractors	127 (+3)	7	46 (+5)	2
Total	1,183	28	595	4

*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on June 1st.

June 1, 2020
NOTE: Starting June 1, we will only send out this update on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett toured Cannon AFB and visited several units May 20. The day-long visit gave Barrett the chance to see first-hand the readiness capabilities of the 27th Special Operations Wing.

Amidst COVID-19, Gen. Stephen W. “Seve” Wilson, vice chief of staff of the Air Force, visited Goodfellow AFB, May 29. During his visit, Wilson saw how Goodfellow AFB is fighting and adapting through COVID-19 to carry out the mission of training and inspiring the future force.

Medical personnel from the 90th Medical Group tested more than 250 troops from across the 90th Missile Wing, May 20 on F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. The personnel, composed of maintainers, operators, facility managers and missile chefs, were directed to receive testing to ensure minimization of COVID-19 infections to personnel traveling to the missile field.

The Michigan National Guard conducted drive-thru and walk-up testing for local residents of Calhoun County, Michigan at the Marshall Opportunity High School, Albion, Michigan, May 30. The Michigan National Guard has more than 60 trained testing teams ready to assist, of which 21 are currently assigned to support the community testing mission. These three-member teams include a certified medic to conduct the testing and two members to assist with paperwork, logistics, and non-medical tasks.

See more of their efforts here:

More than two months after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine activated members of the Ohio National Guard to assist with food distribution at food banks statewide, the need in the community for the Ohio National Guard’s assistance is still prevalent. As the state slowly begins to reopen and life returns to a new normal, Ohio National Guard members across the state continue to work hard in supporting their local community members through food packaging and distribution.

North Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen assigned to the 42nd Civil Support Team supported a drive-thru COVID-19 test site at Deep River Elementary School in Sanford, North Carolina, May 27-28. The Guardsmen collected about 500 samples in two days. This is the second time they have supported a COVID-19 test site; the first tested employees at a Chatham county chicken processing plant on April 23.

The Georgia National Guard deployed more than 2,600 Soldiers and Airmen in support of military operations and training missions around the world in 2019. Now in 2020, many of these service members serve a different kind of mission– to fight the COVID-19 virus.

Senior Airman Ledarius Carpenter is a Mississippi National Guardsman traveling around the state helping to facilitate community-based COVID-19 testing sites with his team from the 186th Air Refueling Wing of Meridian.

See more of his efforts here:

Joint Base Charleston hosts rescue team ahead of NASA human space flight mission - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2203514/joint-base-charleston-hosts-rescue-team-ahead-of-nasa-human-space-flight-mission/

AFRL centrifuge part of NASA’s history-making launch - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2203373/afrl-centrifuge-part-of-nasas-history-making-launch/

B-1 Lancers integrate with Ukraine aircraft for first time - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2203357/b-1s-integrate-with-ukraine-aircraft-for-first-time/

Hill AFB F-35 fighter wing members arrive at ADAB - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2203615/hill-afb-f-35-fighter-wing-members-arrive-at-adab/

The 28th CONS trains for future deployments - https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2192898/28th-cons-trains-for-future-deployments/

USAF Weapons School continues to innovate air superiority - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2203574/usaf-weapons-school-continues-to-innovate-air-superiority/

Little Rrock AFB surges airlift operations in the face of COVID-19 constraints - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2201744/lrafb-surges-airlift-operations-in-the-face-of-covid-19-constraints/

AFLCMC division to launch new feedback app - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2203362/aflcmc-division-to-launch-new-feedback-app/

F-22 CTF implements EAFB’s first operational F-22 rapid crew swap to overcome COVID-19 limitations - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2203428/f-22-ctf-implements-eafbs-first-operational-f-22-rapid-crew-swap-to-overcome-co/

Air Force Civil Engineer Center consolidates program to maximize lethality, readiness - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2203652/air-force-civil-engineer-center-consolidates-program-to-maximize-lethality-read/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 31, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	526 (+22)	7	272 (+5)	0
Civilian	229 (+8)	8 (+2)	119 (+2)	1
Dependents	269 (+8)	6	133 (+4)	1
Contractors	124 (+4)	7	41 (+1)	2
Total	1,148	28	565	4

May 29, 2020
NOTE: Starting June 1^st, we will only send out this update on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Since its formation on March 27, 2020, the U.S. Transportation Command’s Repatriation Coordination Cell organized the stateside return of more than 3,900 Americans stranded abroad due to tightened COVID-19 travel limitations imposed by numerous countries. Supporting the Department of State’s efforts to bring American citizens home as the pandemic spread across the globe, the USTRANSCOM unit, which stood down in mid-May, contracted 14 separate commercial charter airlift missions, transporting many thousands back to the U.S. from five different African and Asian nations.

Eighty-two days into the COVID-19 pandemic response mission, New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have helped test 285,659 New Yorkers for COVID-19, delivered 16,643,740 meals, and assembled 1,399,580 COVID-19 test kits. State officials are currently focused on “reopening” more businesses and other activities on a regional basis across New York.

A half of dozen Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., returned to a heartfelt “welcome home” from family and fellow team members Thursday, after responding to the call for medical personnel in New York City to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard are supporting the Oklahoma State Department of Health in fulfilling Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s continued efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 throughout the State. In this latest push, Oklahoma Guardsmen, like so many other Guardsmen throughout the U.S., help with contact tracing, which is the process of tracing and monitoring the contacts of infected people within the State, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

See video here:

Members of the Iowa Air and Army National Guard, working with the Iowa Department of Public Health helped set up a new COVID-19 test site this week in the Northwest Iowa hamlet of Sioux Center. The Sioux Center site is one of a number of “TestIowa” COVID-19 test sites to be in operation since mid-April. A key concern for the TestIowa initiative includes communities that have meat processing plants in the state whose economy is largely dependent on agriculture or Ag related business.

See video here:

Michigan National Guard’s Civil Support Team (CST) has faced a trilogy of events in the recent weeks as they expanded their resources to respond to simultaneous mission demands. From COVID-19, to floods, to a presidential visit, the 51st Civil Support Team has answered the state’s call. The 22-person team, made up of Michigan Army and Air National Guard members, provide initial assessments of incidents and assist the state emergency management office, the state’s Joint Forces Headquarters, and other key officials including representatives of federal agencies when requested.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/370926/michigan-cst-responds-floods-potus-visit-and-covid-19

Fresh off three recent deployment cycles, the 150th Security Forces Squadron has been busy responding to the New Mexico National Guard Joint Task Force COVID-19 response effort.

VCSAF and former 14th FTW commander congratulate SUPT Class 20-14/15 graduates - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2200597/vcsaf-and-former-14th-ftw-commander-congratulate-supt-class-20-1415-graduates/

Team Hickam supports NASA’s Human Space Flight program - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2200719/team-hickam-supports-nasas-human-space-flight-program/

Air Force Global Strike Command’s innovation hub ‘STRIKEWERX’ now open for business - https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2200536/air-force-global-strike-commands-innovation-hub-strikewerx-now-open-for-business/

Military Medical Experts Explore Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2201490/military-medical-experts-explore-psychological-impacts-of-covid-19/

Puerto Rico Airmen conduct a virtual drill during COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/370921/puerto-rico-airmen-conduct-virtual-drill-during-covid-19-pandemic

Finding new ways to recruit amid the COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/370948/finding-new-ways-recruit-amid-covid-19-pandemic

Warhorses gallop steadfast through COVID-19 - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2201360/warhorses-gallop-steadfast-through-covid-19/

Intel analysis cells continue worldwide support amid COVID-19 - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2201463/intel-analysis-cells-continue-worldwide-support-amid-covid-19/

Delivering pilots despite global pandemic, face masks - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2200893/delivering-pilots-despite-global-pandemic-face-masks/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 28, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	504(+17)	7	267 (+20)	0
Civilian	221 (+3)	6	117 (-1)*	1
Dependents	261 (+1)	6	129	1
Contractors	120 (+4)	7	40 (+1)	2
Total	1,106	26	553	4

*Corrects previous reports

May 28, 2020
As the officer in charge of 15 Washington National Guardsmen, 2nd Lt. Megan E. Zurliene’s natural enthusiasm is well suited for the demands of the COVID-19 testing site on the Quinault Reservation. Her team consisting of both Airmen and Soldiers, are testing more than 100 members per day, working long hours in HAZMAT suits, all the while safeguarding those they test, as well as themselves. With a goal of testing more than 2,000 people, Zurliene's team is running a walk-up testing site, which focused on testing the tribe’s first responders and casino staff first, but plans to test every member of the tribe.

More than 30 Alaska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, Alaska State Defense Force Soldiers, and other DMVA personnel volunteered to give blood at the National Guard Armory in coordination with the Blood Bank of Alaska. Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood, plasma, and platelets is constant as part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, according to the American Red Cross. Blood drives like this can maintain and secure adequate supplies for blood transfusions for patients throughout Alaska.

Late March 2020 was a time not to know. Members of the Texas Military Department activated in support of the COVID-19 response mission faced uncertainty with the daily awareness that we didn’t know how long the pandemic would continue. When do we go home, to our families, to our jobs, to our lives? And yet, the morale was high. Soldiers, Airmen and Texas State Guardsmen who were supporting Texans by serving at food banks, distributing medical supplies and disinfecting nursing homes smiled with calm determination. They moved with enthusiasm and purpose as if life were both enjoyable and meaningful as they got their jobs done.

US, Japan bomber-fighter integration demonstrates commitment, enhances readiness - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2199435/us-japan-bomber-fighter-integration-demonstrates-commitment-enhances-readiness/

COVID-19 Centrifuge Training B-Roll -

The 361st TRS swings into action to limit potential spread of COVID-19 - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2200044/361st-trs-swings-into-action-to-limit-potential-spread-of-covid-19/

Spangdahlem AB F-16s participate in large force exercise - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2199927/spangdahlem-ab-f-16s-participate-in-large-force-exercise/

Airmen learn Tactical Combat Casualty Care - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2199146/airmen-learn-tactical-combat-casualty-care/

Mental Health Awareness Month - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2200053/mental-health-awareness-month/

The 309th AMXG credits wingman culture as key to success during pandemic - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2200155/309th-amxg-credits-wingman-culture-as-key-to-success-during-pandemic/

AFIMSC analytics tool expands to help leaders prioritize investments -https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2200124/afimsc-analytics-tool-expands-to-help-leaders-prioritize-investments/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 27, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	487(+4)	7 (+1)	247 (+2)	0
Civilian	218 (+1)	6	118	1
Dependents	260	6	129	1
Contractors	116 (+3)	7	39	2
Total	1,081	26	533	4

May 27, 2020
Airmen from the Maryland Air National Guard are playing an integral role in the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working alongside civil authorities and partners in the community, they have performed many successful missions throughout Maryland but none of that would be possible without the support of personnel back on base doing the behind the scenes work. Airmen from the 175th Logistics Readiness Squadron have processed over 40 million pieces of medical personal protective equipment and supplies, as well as distributing it across the state. Medical personnel from the 175th Medical Group have supported over 100 skilled-nursing facility visits and helped distribute thousands of test kits with their Army counterparts and other government agencies.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/370797/mission-support-group-plays-pivotal-role-wings-response-covid-19

Michigan Air and Army Guard service members partnered with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Muskegon County, and Muskegon Heights to provide no-cost COVID-19 testing to residents of Muskegon County, May 23, 2020. As of May 23, more than 950 Michigan Guard members are actively supporting the state's COVID-19 response which includes food distribution, screening operations, and testing support.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/370739/michigan-national-guard-suppports-successful-free-covid-19-testing-muskegon-heights-residents

The Michigan National Guard has joined a collaborative effort with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and State Emergency Operations Center to assist with voluntary COVID-19 testing for staff and residents at the request of long term care facilities across Michigan. With more than 60 trained testing teams ready to assist, the Michigan National Guard has 15 teams currently assigned to support this long term care facility testing mission.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/370741/michigan-national-guard-assists-with-voluntary-covid-19-testing-long-term-care-facility-staff-and-residents

Soldiers and Airmen with the Florida National Guard are providing COVID-19 antibody testing support at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Hard Rock Stadium community based testing sites This support will allow the state and local partners to conduct rapid antibody testing for first responders at both facilities, providing a result within 15 minutes.

See photos 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.

Tyndall AFB renames school house: Gen. Lori Robinson Hall - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2198684/tyndall-afb-renames-school-house-gen-lori-robinson-hall/

US Space Force to train space professionals in Space Warfighting Disciplines - https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2198012/us-space-force-to-train-space-professionals-in-space-warfighting-disciplines

Reserve Citizen Airmen help transportation efforts amid coronavirus pandemic - https://www.433aw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2198026/reserve-citizen-airmen-help-transportation-efforts-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/

AFCEC consolidates program to maximize lethality, readiness - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2198353/afcec-consolidates-program-to-maximize-lethality-readiness/

Hurricane Hunters participate in online National Tropical Weather Conference - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2198439/hurricane-hunters-participate-in-online-national-tropical-weather-conference/

52nd MXG teams up with 435th CRS to get hot pit certified - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2197193/52nd-mxg-teams-up-with-435th-crs-to-get-hot-pit-certified/

Hill’s new manufacturing flight overcomes part shortages - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2198548/hills-new-manufacturing-flight-overcomes-part-shortages/

448th Supply Chain Management Wing meets challenges of COVID-19 - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2197174/448th-supply-chain-management-wing-meets-challenges-of-covid-19/

Spangdahlem expedites out-processing with new weekly event -

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

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	483 (+8)	6	245 (+3)	0
Civilian	217 (+4)	6	118 (-2)*	1
Dependents	260 (+3)	6	129 (+1)	1
Contractors	113 (+7)	7 (+1)	39 (+2)	2
Total	1,073	25	531	4

*Corrects previous reports.

May 26, 2020
Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett visited Hollman Air Force Base and AFB, New Mexico, May 20-21, 2020, to see how Airmen at both locations have been diligently adapting, innovating, and maintaining mission operations amid COVID-19.

Read more about her visit to Holloman AFB here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2196327/secaf-visits-holloman-air-force-base-during-covid-19/

Air Force officials announced that, beginning June 2, the service will continue to hold basic military training at Keesler AFB until the end of COVID-19 surge operations. The decision to stand up BMT's initial operating capability at Keesler AFB under Detachment 5 of the 37th Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas comes after a successful proof-of-concept trial run at the base, which began April 7.

Read this announcement here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2191816/feasibility-of-secondary-air-force-bmt-location-proven-covid-19-surge-operation/

Travis AFB Airmen prototyped personal protective equipment April 17 to help base medics safely treat and transport potential coronavirus patients. Members of the 60th Medical Group emergency department at David Grant USAF Medical Center joined forces with the 60th Maintenance and the 60th Operations Support Squadrons, all here, to develop an isolation pod and an intubation protection box.

Airmen with the 156th Medical Group, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, conducted a COVID-19 rapid test for Puerto Rico National Guard members at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, May 22, 2020. In support of Puerto Rico Health Department efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, the PRNG offered voluntary rapid tests for all members.

See photos of their efforts here:

Airmen and Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guardsmen assigned to Task Force Iroquois, launched a Point Prevalence Sampling Strike Team at Hickory House Nursing Home, Honeybrook, Pa. The mission is designed to identify possible risks of exposure to the COVID-19 virus by testing the entire staff and residents or the virus. This is one of the first locations within the pilot program that will eventually reach out across the state.

See video of their efforts here:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reserve Citizen Airmen like Lt. Col. Andrea A. Haylock, chief nurse with the 514th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, are actively engaged in critical response efforts on the front lines, right in their own neighborhoods. Haylock serves as a clinical assistant nurse manager at Richmond University Medical Center on Staten Island, New York, and was recently mobilized with the Air Force Reserve to Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y., for three weeks in support of COVID-19.

Barrett, Raymond speak with US astronaut ahead of historic launch - https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2195073/barrett-raymond-speak-with-us-astronaut-ahead-of-historic-launch

B-1 Lancers complete 24-hr sprint from Guam to train in Alaska, Japan - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2195433/b-1s-complete-24-hr-sprint-from-guam-to-train-in-alaska-japan/

Academic, business and military innovation hub to solve command challenges; Virtual ribbon cutting May 28 - https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2194115/academic-business-and-military-innovation-hub-to-solve-command-challenges-virtu/

Global strike, command and control, rapid global mobility missions showcased in aerial formation - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2196960/global-strike-command-and-control-rapid-global-mobility-missions-showcased-in-a/

Coalition Partnerships Strengthen AFCENT -

Jokers Wild support C-17 Air Ops AFCENT wide -

Second CWSS narrows Air Force Weather’s first-in communications gap - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2195688/2nd-cwss-narrows-air-force-weathers-first-in-communications-gap/

Archer University: Sharpening the Intel Hunters’ Toolkit - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2195608/archer-university-sharpening-the-intel-hunters-toolkit/

New trauma training program prepares surgical team for deployment - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2196304/new-trauma-training-program-prepares-surgical-team-for-deployment/

Adapting A Mission to Mars - A Bright New Future for AFRL STEM Academy - https://www.kirtland.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2195604/adapting-a-mission-to-mars-a-bright-new-future-for-afrl-stem-academy/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 25, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	475 (+13)	6	242 (+11)	0
Civilian	213 (+5)	6	120 (+4)	1 (+1)
Dependents	257 (+2)	6 (+1)	128 (+9)	1
Contractors	106 (+8)	6	37 (-1)**	2 (+1)
Total	1,051	24	527	4

*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on May 21st.
**Corrects previous reports.

May 21, 2020
Members of a unique component of the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s citizen Airmen have been assisting the Hanscom AFB community navigate COVID-19 response operations. Individual mobilization augmentees, reservists assigned to an active duty counterpart, were activated with the 66th Air Base Group to reinforce senior leaders, and provide seamless support during the health crisis.

Soldiers and Airmen with the Florida National Guard support two new COVID-19 walk-up Community Based Testing Sites (CBTS) at Sherbondy Park in the city of Opa-locka and Shirley Branca Park in the city of Miramar, Florida.

When the request for assistance in New Jersey’s state-run nursing homes came in the wake of COVID-19, Citizen-Airmen with the 177th Fighter Wing and 108th Wing came out in force. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Abby Guercioni, a 2017 graduate of Absegami High School and a Galloway, New Jersey resident, jumped at the opportunity to assist those in need. She is part of Team Vineland, deployed to the Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland, N.J., with thirty other Airmen who are assisting staff with entry control, logistics, maintenance, cleaning, and activities.

Read more about her efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/370434/galloway-airman-gives-back

Capt. Jack Gouge, an Air Force Special Tactics Officer assigned to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron at Fort Benning, Georgia, is leading outreach efforts to collect over a thousand pounds of food and supplies for COVID-19 relief in Puyallup, Washington. The STO is currently serving as the Director of Global Outreach and Community Impact at Bethany Baptist Church in Puyallup, Washington as part of the Department of Defense’s Career Skillbridge program.Read more about his efforts here: https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2194183/special-tactics-airman-leads-outreach-programs-for-covid-19-relief/

Air Force Recruiting, NASCAR to Honor Fallen Tuskegee Airman Memorial Day Weekend - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2194099/air-force-recruiting-nascar-to-honor-fallen-tuskegee-airman-memorial-day-weekend/

Ellsworth AFB B-1s integrate with allies, partners in Nordic region - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2194060/ellsworth-afb-b-1s-integrate-with-allies-partners-in-nordic-region/

B-1s integrate with allies and partners; fly over Sweden for first-time - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Press-Releases/Article/2192276/b-1s-integrate-with-allies-and-partners-fly-over-sweden-for-first-time/

Dyess AFB conducts Air Force’s First Virtual Collider - https://www.dyess.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2193289/dyess-afb-conducts-air-forces-first-virtual-collider/

934th Security Forces Squadron commemorate the fallen - https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2192822/934th-security-forces-squadron-commemorate-the-fallen/

MAGNUM: 52nd AMXS keeps F-16s flying, supports regional deterrence, security – https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2194073/magnum-52nd-amxs-keeps-f-16s-flying-supports-regional-deterrence-security/

100th Air Refueling Wing’s agility, capability, versatility - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2194062/100th-air-refueling-wings-agility-capability-versatility/

Fourth Graders go behind the 'virtual' scenes with K-9 training - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2193496/4th-graders-go-behind-the-virtual-scenes-with-k-9-training/

Air University, Arizona State University partner to transform Air Force’s online PME - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2193488/air-university-arizona-state-university-partner-to-transform-air-forces-online/

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

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	462 (+12)	6	231 (+1)	0
Civilian	208 (+2)	6	116 (+1)	0
Dependents	255 (+3)	5	119	1 (+1)
Contractors	98 (+2)	6 (+1)	38	1
Total	1,023	23	504	2

May 20, 2020

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 14. The senior leaders saw how Minot AFB has remained mission-ready and resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

To respond to the growing demand for COVID-19-related supplies, the Air Force is piloting an initiative called the Rapid Agile Manufacturing Platform to leverage the full capacity of the U.S. manufacturing base. This initiative, which kicked off on April 10 as part of the Department of the Air Force Acquisition COVID-19 Task Force, is designed as a framework to keep the Air Force supply system independent of the civilian medical supply market.

Airmen and Soldiers with the Nebraska National Guard mobile testing teams are supporting COVID-19 testing locations under the Test Nebraska initiative, which is aimed at significantly expanding testing capacity in the state over the next several weeks. Test Nebraska is a three-part program, implemented through a public/private partnership designed to help state officials understand the health of Nebraskans, expand testing capacity, and inform those who are affected.

See video of their efforts here:

The 78th Medical Group Clinical Laboratory at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, activated their in-house COVID-19 molecular testing capabilities May 7, becoming the first Air Force Sustainment Center clinic to offer in-house COVID-19 testing. The decision to test a patient is made by their Primary Care Manager based on symptoms, potential for community transmission and risk of exposure among other factors.

The Civil Air Patrol was established in 1941 and has evolved into a premier public service organization that continues to support emergency missions throughout the country when needed. As a total force partner and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the CAP found a way to assist with Michigan’s response to COVID-19 while preserving its 79-year legacy of service and maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide.

319th Medical Group Airman collects sample from a visitor during coronavirus testing on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, May 19. Those who were tested were then also directed to self-quarantine until results return.

See photos of this effort here:

The 344th TRS participates in resiliency chat with CMSAF Wright - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2191802/344th-trs-participates-in-resiliency-chat-with-cmsaf-wright/

COMACC joins AFTAC Airmen in online training session - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2192609/comacc-joins-aftac-airmen-in-online-training-session/

PSAB continues to provide dynamic mission capability - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2189870/psab-continues-to-provide-dynamic-mission-capability/

In Your Boots: 22nd Expeditionary Weather Squadron -

RED HORSE: heavy construction, self-sufficient, rapidly deployable force - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2191138/red-horse-heavy-construction-self-sufficient-rapidly-deployable-force/

DLIELC hosts firs female Lebanese air traffic controller - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2192563/dlielc-hosts-first-female-lebanese-air-traffic-controller/

U.S. Air Force, Chilean Air Force continue the mission despite COVID-19 -

AFLCMC maintenance team airlifts to repair Holloman AFB F-16s during COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2191878/aflcmc-maintenance-team-airlifts-to-repair-holloman-f-16s-during-covid-19-pande/

Combat Ready Airman program meets uniform and equipment needs for Airmen - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2192584/combat-ready-airman-program-meets-uniform-and-equipment-needs-for-airmen/

Oregon Airmen leverage technology to complete training and mission during pandemic -

demic">https://www.dvidshub.net/news/370350/oregon-airmen-leverage-technology-complete-training-and-mission-during-pandemic

911th Airlift Wing conducts first C-17 Globemaster III home station check since conversion - https://www.pittsburgh.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2185838/911th-aw-conducts-first-home-station-check-on-pittsburgh-soil/

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

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military*	450 (-3)	6	230 (+4)	0
Civilian	206 (+1)	6	115 (+3)	0
Dependents*	252 (-25)	5		96 (-2)	5 (+1)	38 (+1)	1
Total	1,004	22	502	1

*Corrects previous rep

r Force are working to keep the workplace safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Col. Brian Peake, Air Force Bioenvironmental Engineering associate corps chief, says bioenvironmental engineers are using their experience in exposures and risk mitigation to combat the spread of the disease.

Seventy-two days into the COVID-19 pandemic response mission, New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have assisted in administering over a quarter of a million COVID-19 tests, distributed over 11 million meals, and assembled just under a million COVID-19 test kits. As of May 18, the New York National Guard had 3,524 personnel on duty as part of

emains the Soldiers and Airmen working at 15 drive-thru testing sites located across the state. 252,959 New Yorkers have been tested at these sites since the first one opened in Westchester County in March.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	431 (-2)	9	215	0
Civilian*	203 (+1)	8 (-1)	107 (-2)	0
Dependents	269 (+2)	7	108 (-1)	0
Contractors	94 (+4)	5	35 (+1)	1
Total	997	29	465	1

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	433 (+3)	9	215 (+6)	0
Civilian*	202 (-5)	9	109 (+6)	0
Dependents	267 (+2)	7	109 (+5)	0
Contractors	90 (+1)	5	34 (+2)	1
Total	992	30	467	1

	CASES		DEATHS
Military	417 (+8)	8	193 (+12)	0
Civilian*	207 (+1)	9	100 (+9)	0
Dependents	256 (+11)	6	98 (+8	0
Contractors	83 (-1)	5	28	1
Total	943	28	390	1

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	400 (+3)	8	159 (+5)	0
Civilian*	205 (-2)	9 (-1)	85 (+2)	0
Dependents	240 (+4)	7	85 (+1)	0
Contractors	84 (+1)	5	28 (+5)	1
Total	929	29	357	1