Air Force update for COVID-19

Published May 11, 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:

May 11,2020
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over San Antonio and Austin May 13.

Read the announcement here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2182767/usaf-thunderbirds-to-salute-texas-covid-19-responders-may-13/

The 96th Medical Group obtained the ability to test for COVID-19 at their laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida in early April. The lab’s technicians received and brought the novel coronavirus test kits ‘on-line’ April 10 to begin (in-house) testing for area DOD beneficiaries. With this capability, Eglin’s lab technicians cut the two-day processing time in half.

Travis Air Force Base is now one of three staging areas for the U.S. Air Force’s specialized aeromedical evacuation missions relating to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. Air Mobility Command, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, selected Travis AFB, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as staging grounds for its AE missions involving Transportation Isolation System use.

COVID-19 has promoted most of the planet to change the way things are done, but for Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, technical training for Airmen arriving from basic military training doesn’t stop. With that being said, certain protective and precautionary measures have been put in place for the arrival of new Airmen as well as students from sister services, and the departure of those who have completed their training here. Instead of being transported in from Lackland AFB, Texas to Sheppard AFB, Airmen are now being flown in to avoid contamination on the journey.

An emergency by nature is unpredictable but, for the 509th Bomb Wing Emergency Management team, preparing for the unknown is their specialty. The nine-person team is accountable for every emergency response plan on the entire installation. Most notably, the Medical Disease Containment Plan with the onset of the COVID-19 virus.

Airmen and Soldiers help prepare meals at Veterans Haven North. Operated by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, it is a transitional housing facility for homeless veterans that provides its residents long-term rehabilitation services and employment training.

A team of 35 Iowa Air National Guard members from the 185th Air Refueling Wing helped set up a COVID-19 test site in Sioux City, Iowa this week, assisting local and state agencies with logistics and traffic control at the drive through test site.

Indiana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen provided necessary medical support to the Indiana Department of Correction facilities across the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The medical professionals augmented the governor's effort to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in correctional facilities during this public health crisis.

Soldiers and Airmen with the Delaware National Guard are fighting the spread of coronavirus this month, joining hundreds of front-line workers at community-based testing sites throughout Sussex County, the state’s southernmost region, and a recently declared hot spot for COVID-19. The community-based testing locations, utilizing both rapid blood tests and nasal swabs, have been geared towards essential employees, at-risk populations, and those with symptoms associated with the deadly respiratory virus.

Nurses working alongside Airmen with the 125th Air Expeditionary Squadron begin antibody testing at the Orange County Convention Center Community Based Testing Site on May 9, 2020. The nurses are collecting blood samples to test for antibodies against COVID-19 as the National Guard provides logistical and traffic control support for the Florida Department of Health.

See photos of this efforts here:

While most people get to go home after a long, grueling day at work, Kevin Kulow an emergency room physician at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center and Air Force Reservist, walks straight to his camper, a short distance from the emergency room where he has faced a wide range of unexpected illnesses and possibly COVID-19 patients.

Columbus AFB salutes local frontline heroes with flyovers

Story: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2182639/columbus-afb-salutes-local-frontline-heroes-with-flyovers/

The 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard conducted community flyovers to honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers across the state.

Video Package:

The 913 Airlift Group at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas participated in an Air Force Salute flyover saluting healthcare worker across the state.

Photos: https://www.dvidshub.net/search?q=LRAFB+America+Strong+flyover&view=grid

Story: https://www.913ag.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2173167/reserve-group-flyover-honors-arkansas-healthcare-workers/

A passion for helping and leading: Nurse leads Air Force Medical Service - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2182737/a-passion-for-helping-and-leading-nurse-leads-air-force-medical-service/

USSTRATCOM Conducts Long-Range Strategic Bomber Mission - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2182539/usstratcom-conducts-long-range-strategic-bomber-mission/

We Have the Watch! America’s AOC monitors the skies over the continental U.S. - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2182602/we-have-the-watch-americas-aoc-monitors-the-skies-over-the-continental-us/

Managing COVID-19: Ogden ALC's 309th Commodities Maintenance Group continues to thrive - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2182733/managing-covid-19-ogden-alcs-309th-commodities-maintenance-group-continues-to-t/

50th OSS conducts space operator training amid COVID-19 pandemic -

312th TRS continues training DoD firefighters - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2182655/312th-trs-continues-training-dod-firefighters/

334th TRS partners with USM, strive to update curriculum - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2181489/334th-trs-partners-with-usm-strive-to-update-curriculum/

High School Seniors honored during parade, ceremony - https://www.malmstrom.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2182203/high-school-seniors-honored-during-parade-ceremony/

Rucking for heroes - https://www.warren.af.mil/News/Article/2181697/rucking-for-heroes/

Resiliency training offered virtually for AMC spouses - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2181266/resiliency-training-offered-virtually-for-amc-spouses/

445th reserve maintainers keep C-17 mission going during COVID-19- https://www.445aw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2182592/445th-maintainers-keep-mission-going-during-covid-19/

Hurricane season is less than a month away, starting June 1. Are you ready? - https://www.403wg.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2180550/are-you-ready-for-hurricane-season/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 10, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	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

*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since our last update on May 8th.

May 8, 2020
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, along with Chief Master Sgt. Manny Pineiro, the service’s first sergeant special duty manager, visited Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland May 7, seeing firsthand how basic military training has adapted operations to fight through the COVID-19 environment.

The Department of the Air Force’s Acquisition COVID-19 Task Force, or DAF-ACT, executed a $126 million contract on May 1 for expanded production of N95 masks — 26 million per month — starting in October. The contract, awarded to 3M, will increase the supply chain of N95 masks and resupply the Strategic National Stockpile following increased demand due to COVID-19.

Read this announcement here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2180225/daf-act-contracting-executes-n95-mask-production-for-dod/

What started as an idea from the Air Force chief of staff transitioning to a Joint Task Force capability fulfilled by 9th Air Force. Ninth Air Force stood up Task Force-Southeast to aid FEMA regions III and IV in the fight against coronavirus, showcasing to the Air Force chief of staff that the numbered Air Force is ready and able to execute JTF command and control.

See video of this JTF here:

The key to finding a vaccine or effective treatment against COVID-19 may lie in its genetic code. Researchers around the globe are searching for clues to unlock the secrets of the novel coronavirus as the epidemic continues to spread worldwide. The Air Force Genetics Center of Excellence at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, is aiding in that scientific research effort to sequence the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, genome, the virus strain that causes COVID-19.

Read more about this effort here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2179613/dha-collaborates-to-further-sequence-the-sars-cov-2-code/

The process of changing duty stations is temporarily evolving now that more precautions are in place due to COVID-19. Tyndall Air Force Base has created Task Force Roadrunner; a multi-agency, collaborate task force specializing in controlling the reception of incoming Airmen to limit the possible spread of COVID-19.

Read more about this effort here: https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2180734/tyndall-takes-action-inbound-airmen-protected-through-quarantine/

Having served with a community-based organization at a ballpark in Macon, Georgia, for 40 years, Freddie Stewart Jr., a communications focal point in the 78th Air Base Wing’s Communications Directorate at Robins, has seen the needs of many families in the area firsthand.

Medical professionals from the Pennsylvania National Guard perform ventilator training at the Medical Simulation Training Center at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., May 6, 2020. The training is very relevant to what the Soldiers and Airmen might face while assisting the fight against COVID-19.

See video of their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/369301/ohio-national-guard-front-lines-during-covid-19-pandemic-soldiers-airmen-provide-medical-assistance-federal-prison

Capt. Jim Kane’s unit, the 144th Medical Detachment, 144th Fighter Wing, was one of the first of the California National Guard to be activated to serve a COVID-19 response mission. He and other members from one of his unit’s medical support teams were tasked by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to support the California Emergency Services Authority with the care and monitoring of 21 passengers from the Grand Princess Cruise Line.

Airmen from the 190th Air Refueling Wing provide N95 protective mask testing for the staff of the Homestead of Topeka. The N95 masks are used by the Homestead of Topeka staff to minimize spread of diseases, such as COVID-19 and will strengthen their defense response while continuing to care for all residents.

See photos of their efforts here:

The Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing will conduct B-2 flyovers of six Missouri communities to honor medical and healthcare professionals, essential employees and volunteers in the fight against COVID-19 on the afternoon and evening of May 8.

Story: https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2179682/missouri-air-national-guard-to-conduct-b-2-stealth-bomber-salute-to-covid-19-es/

910th launches second round of “Hercs Over America” flyovers

Photos:

The 302nd AW performed a C-130 flyover in support of "Operation Air Force Salutes" to honor Colorado healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Video B-Roll:

Story: https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2180565/302nd-airlift-wing-thanks-colorado-healthcare-workers-with-flyover/

The Arizona Air National Guard aircraft took flight, combining a training mission with a tribute to the nurses and healthcare workers on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

Lt. Col. Dean Owen interview, speaks about Nurses Week and involvement in the flight salute as a pilot.

Video:

Aerial footage of the flying training mission over Northern Arizona.

Video B-Roll:

Photos:

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.

Gen. Brown testifies at CSAF confirmation hearing - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2180422/gen-brown-testifies-at-csaf-confirmation-hearing/

Military Spouse Appreciation Day: A salute to their sacrifices - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2181026/military-spouse-appreciation-day-a-salute-to-their-sacrifices/

Remaining safe, secure, lethal: COVID-19 has nothing on ICBMs - https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/2179562/remaining-safe-secure-lethal-covid-19-has-nothing-on-icbms/

Whiteman Key Spouses keep families informed - https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2180727/whiteman-key-spouses-keep-families-informed/

Airpower demo showcases mission readiness, total force integration - https://www.477fg.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2180582/airpower-demo-showcases-mission-readiness-total-force-integration/

First deployed Airmen return during COVID-19 - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2180805/first-deployed-airmen-return-during-covid-19/

First group of Airmen from Hill’s 34th Fighter Squadron return home - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2180815/first-group-of-airmen-from-hills-34th-fighter-squadron-return-home/

New roles, unexpected challenges for DAFB Battle Staff - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2180521/new-roles-unexpected-challenges-for-dafb-battle-staff/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 7, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	409 (+9)	8	181 (+22)	0
Civilian*	206 (+1)	9	91 (+6)	0
Dependents	245 (+5)	6 (-1)	90 (+5)	0
Contractors	83 (-1)	5	28	1
Total	943	28	390	1

*Corrects previous reports.

May 7, 2020
Air Force nurses and medical technicians are answering our nation’s call, and now more than ever, during this pandemic, we know they are heroes one and all. Featured on the nightly news, nurses and medical technicians are filling manpower gaps in New York and elsewhere, risking their own lives in the process. They are ordinary people, but they are doing extraordinary work. They are integral to the Air Force Medical Service, and against this unseen enemy, they are the Air Force’s strongest and best defense.

The Department of Defense, in conjunction with U.S. Transportation Command, has adopted a set of safety measures and protocols designed to protect military personnel and their families who are required to move household goods to new assignments during the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 40 Ohio National Guard medical professionals spent 20 days supporting the Federal Correctional Institution Elkton, with medical services and equipment.

New Jersey Air National Guard Senior Airman Juan Rosado, from Newark, N.J., is one of more than 700 New Jersey Guardsmen activated during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the state’s relief effort.

Read more about his story here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/369358/newark-airman-proud-serve-his-community

Col. Christopher Baca, the 150th Special Operations Wing Vice Commander, visited Airmen and Soldiers working at the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, New Mexico, as a part of the New Mexico National Guard Joint Task Force response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 413th Flight Test Group performed an F-15 Eagle flyover in support of "Operation Air Force Salutes" to honor middle Georgia's first responders during the COVID-19 outbreak

Video B-Roll:

C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard, perform flyovers across Montana, May 6, 2020.

Video B-Roll:

Photos:

148th Fighter Wing Flyover in support of first responders

Video B-Roll:

Photos:

Two C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft from Rosecrans Air National Guard Base flew over medical facilities in the Northwest Missouri region as part of the flyover

Photos:

Barrett, Raymond discuss Space Force’s status and future; debut new recruiting ad - https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2178584/barrett-raymond-discuss-space-forces-status-and-future-debut-new-recruiting-ad

Gen Harrigian conducts calls with African counterparts - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Press-Releases/Article/2179155/gen-harrigian-conducts-calls-with-african-counterparts/

JBER airpower demo showcases mission readiness, total force integration - https://www.jber.jb.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002295723/

B-1B Lancer conducts training in East China Sea - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2179000/b-1b-lancer-conducts-training-in-east-china-sea/

386th ECES Conducts All-Hazard Response Exercise - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2179385/386th-eces-conducts-all-hazard-response-exercise/

352d SOW conducts open ocean rescue training over the North Sea - https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2173478/352d-sow-conducts-open-ocean-rescue-training-over-the-north-sea/

Travis AFB childcare centers implement safety measures amid pandemic - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2179239/travis-afb-childcare-centers-implement-safety-measures-amid-pandemic/

Air Force Sustainment Center continues hiring through pandemic - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2179307/air-force-sustainment-center-continues-hiring-through-pandemic/

Commentary: Grief and loss during COVID-19 - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2178253/commentary-grief-and-loss-during-covid-19/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 6, 2020.

	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

*Corrects previous reports.

May 6, 2020
Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of the Air Force Shon Manasco, along with Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Stephen “Seve” Wilson, and Space Force Vice Commander Lt. Gen. David Thompson, visited Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, May 4, 2020, to observe ongoing efforts during COVID-19 and how operations have adapted to maintain critical mission readiness.

Airmen assigned to Air Force Reserve Command from various locations within the United States arrived at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to assist with coronavirus disease 2019 operations from May 2-3. These technicians are responsible for transporting patients primarily out of the United States Central Command area of responsibility where they will receive treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. The personnel will form into groups referred to as Transportation Isolation teams.

Soldiers and Airmen from the Connecticut National Guard work with the state's Department of Public Health to distribute personal protective equipment to nursing homes, hospitals, and first responders on the front line of the battle against COVID-19 crisis at a distribution point in New Haven, Connecticut, May 5, 2020.

See Video B-roll of their efforts here:

Airmen and Soldiers of the New Mexico National Guard Joint Task Force continue to supply food and water to New Mexico communities during the COVID-19 response mission.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/369262/water-truckload

Airmen from the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, are being activated to work at mobile testing and specimen collection sites in support of the battle against COVID-19 throughout Wisconsin.

Lt. Col. Bruce Simpson, the Headquarters Washington Air National Guard’s Force Support director, started his journey in the fight against COVID-19 by supporting the Grand Princess cruise ship quarantine on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California in March. By early April, he was on a different COVID-19 mission: supporting the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

Members of the 150th Special Operations Wing fill in anywhere needed during COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that all New Mexicans have what they need. Airmen have worked to provide aid across the state, putting in thousands of collective hours to support our communities.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/369264/faces-behind-masked-service

The New Mexico Wing of Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, transported COVID-19 test kits from a meat packing plant in southern New Mexico to the Scientific Laboratory Division of the state Department of Health in Albuquerque for processing.

Airmen from the 187th Fighter Wing perform a flyover in support of "Operation Air Force Salutes" to honor Alabama's first responders during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Video B-Roll (take-off):

Video B-Roll (landing):

Video B-Roll (In-flight):

Virtual ABMS Industry Day seeks innovative, future-focused ideas - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2177691/virtual-abms-industry-day-seeks-innovative-future-focused-ideas/

Bomber Task Force conducts Baltic mission with B-1 Lancers - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/369300/bomber-task-force-conducts-baltic-mission-with-b-1-lancers

Eyes on the Sky: US, Australia collaborate to advance space superiority - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2177532/eyes-on-the-sky-us-australia-collaborate-to-advance-space-superiority/

Magellan mobility allocation planning app gets an upgrade - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2177738/magellan-mobility-allocation-planning-app-gets-an-upgrade/

The 403rd Wing hosts online resilience training - https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2175202/innovative-resilience-403rd-wing-hosts-online-resilience-training/

The 48th Fighter Wing flying training continues during pandemic - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2177637/48th-fw-flying-training-continues-during-pandemic/

U-2 Phase Maintenance - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2176297/u-2-phase-maintenance/

Laughlin AFB Airman writes "Letters to Lackland" - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2177240/laughlin-airman-writes-letters-to-lackland/

The Weekly Grit - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2177056/the-weekly-grit/

Agile contracting team delivers COVID-19 protection to Airmen - https://www.afimsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2177266/agile-contracting-team-delivers-covid-19-protection-to-airmen/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 5, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	397 (+6)	8	154 (+4)	0
Civilian	207 (+2)	10	83 (+7)	0
Dependents	236	7	84 (+4)	0
Contractors	83 (+1)	5	23 (+2)	1
Total	923	30	344	1

May 5, 2020
A nine-person Polish military medical team is assisting Illinois National Guard members with COVID-19 response efforts, sharing insights gained from dealing with the outbreak in Europe. The Illinois Guard and the Polish military are partners in the Defense Department’s State Partnership Program, a program that teams National Guard elements with partner nations worldwide. Read more about this partnership here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2175745/polish-medical-team-illinois-guard-side-by-side-in-covid-19-response/

Airmen assigned to the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron unit operating out of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal have implemented a new procedure to ensure the safety of their workers and the passengers who are required to travel during the pandemic. Read more about this new screening process here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2176728/62nd-aps-airmen-conduct-new-covid-19-screening-at-seatac/

Senior Airman Ruben Rios, a reservist from the 514th Air Mobility Wing and New York City Fire Department firefighter, writes about his fight and recovery from COVID-19. Read more about his story here: https://www.514amw.afrc.af.mil/News/Articles/Article/2174277/not-today-covid/

The 86th Maintenance Group leads the charge for the C-130 Hercules community in procuring ion distribution units to ensure the safety of aircrews, passengers and Airmen working in and around the aircraft. An ion distribution unit uses bipolar ionization technology to replicate nature’s cleaning process, creating positive and negative ions from hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water vapor in the air. This process deactivates airborne and surface viruses and allergens. Read more about their efforts here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2174971/86th-mxg-expanding-aeromedical-evacuation-capabilities/

Medical professionals are dealing with a surge in patients needed treatment, the general public is dawning face masks and some states are on lockdown. In the wake of changes implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19, a small yet highly capable Reserve Medical Unit in the Florida Panhandle is making significant contributions in the fight against the pandemic. Read more about this unit here: https://www.919sow.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2172508/fighting-the-invisible-enemy/

Airmen and Soldiers assigned to the Pennsylvania Task Force South working at their Joint Emergency Operations Center continue to plan for missions in support the Montgomery County COVID-19 testing site with medical staff, nursing home medical staff relief, and logistics support ranging from medical PPE or food deliveries to their area of operations.See photos of their efforts here:

910th Airlift Wing, two-Ship, C-130 Hercules, Air Force Salute flyover of Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania hospitals

Video:

97th Air Mobility Wing in Photos: Altus Air Force Base, Vance Air Force Base Airmen ‘salute’ Oklahomans fighting COVID-19

Photos: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2175606/97-amw-in-photos-altus-vance-airmen-salute-oklahomans-fighting-covid-19/

Sheppard Air Force Base salutes area COVID-19 frontline fighters with Spirit Over Texoma story and photos: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2175154/sheppard-salutes-area-covid-19-frontline-fighters-with-spirit-over-texoma/

21st Space Wing enlisted keep critical USSF asset training churning during worldwide pandemic - https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2175737/21-sw-enlisted-keep-critical-ussf-asset-training-churning-during-worldwide-pand

A day in the life of an instructor pilot during COVID-19 - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2175881/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-instructor-pilot-during-covid-19/

380th Air Expeditionary Wing executes COVID-19 prevention measures during deployment in-processing -

19th Airlift Wing aids in AFSOC jump training - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2176722/19th-aw-aids-in-afsoc-jump-training/

Air Force SERE modernizes training - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2169509/air-force-sere-modernizes-training/

12th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron keeps Texans flying - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2176282/12th-aircraft-maintenance-squadron-keeps-texans-flying/

Loadmaster duo keeps the family flying tradition - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/369183/loadmaster-duo-keeps-family-flying-traditionMilitary recruiting goes virtual in an innovative new campaign - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/369185/military-recruiting-goes-virtual-innovative-new-campaign

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

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	391 (+3)	8	150 (+5)	0
Civilian	205 (+4)	10 (-1)	76 (+3)	0
Dependents	236 (+2)	7	80	0
Contractors	82 (+1)	5 (-1)	21	1
Total	914	30	327	1

May 4, 2020
Air chiefs and leadership representing 19 air forces across five continents came together for a video teleconference hosted by Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Pacific Air Forces commander, April 29, 2020. Discussion focused on sharing lessons learned regarding COVID-19 response, desires for resuming engagement and exercises in a post COVID world, and a commitment to continued cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.

Culminating with an in-flight demonstration on April 30, 2020, the Negatively Pressurized Conex proof of concept prototype successfully proved its capability to potentially transport individuals with infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Air Force Materiel Command and Air Mobility Command leaders quickly joined forces in early April to invite creative materiel and non-materiel solutions to address a Joint Urgent Operational Need to move large numbers of COVID-19 patients should the need for that capability arise.

Air Force Reserve, active-duty and Air National Guard civil engineers are maintaining a recently built tent city at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas to support basic military trainee and technical training student housing.

Members of the New York Air National Guard don assist the City of New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in recovering the deceased in New York City. New York National Guard members are supporting the multi-agency response to COVID-19.

See photos of their efforts here:

Sixty-two days after the first New Yorker was diagnosed with COVID-19, and 55 days after being called to duty to help contain the pandemic, the New York National Guard has 3,629 personnel on duty.

Read the update on their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/369112/ny-national-guard-delivers-45-million-meals-half-million-test-kits-62-days-coronavirus-response

Guard and Reserve Airmen from three wings, come together to run a COVID-19 testing facility with Riverside County and California Medical Assistant Team-Indio at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival grounds, Indio, California.

Watch the video here:

B-roll package:

Staff Sgt. Jacob Rader, an operations intelligence analyst, 110th Operations Group, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, has come up with a way to provide comfort to those on the front line by using a 3D printer to create face shields.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Airmen from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard are assisting the Maryland Office of Preparedness and Response with receiving, organizing and arranging delivery of medical PPE and life-saving ventilators to local hospitals and county health departments.

Watch video of their efforts here:

B-52s and F-15s fly over New Orleans in support of frontline COVID-19 responders

Photos:

Luke AFB, Arizona ANG salute Phoenix

Photos:

The 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard

Photos:

B-1B Lancers return to Indo-Pacific for bomber task force deployment - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2173296/b-1b-lancers-return-to-indo-pacific-for-bomber-task-force-deployment/

Air Postal Squadron delivers across largest AOR despite COVID-19 disruptions - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2174069/air-postal-squadron-delivers-across-largest-aor-despite-covid-19-disruptions/

Eight EAMS Airmen execute rapid global mobility during COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2174214/8-eams-airmen-execute-rapid-global-mobility-during-covid-19-pandemic/

514th FLTS starts ‘taxi service’ to support aircraft deliveries for the warfighter - https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/2173872/514th-flts-starts-taxi-service-to-support-aircraft-deliveries-for-the-warfighter/

57th WPS continues C-17 Weapons Instructor Course at JBLM - https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2174712/57th-wps-continues-c-17-weapons-instructor-course-at-jblm/

Whiteman AFB, Missouri EOD Airmen continue to train and respond amid the coronavirus pandemic - https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2173774/whiteman-eod-airmen-continue-to-train-and-respond-amid-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

Mobile Medics - https://www.warren.af.mil/News/Article/2173671/mobile-medics/

67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit continues ops -

Flight Medicine clinic covers wide variety of medical necessities for Saber Nation - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2174573/flight-medicine-clinic-covers-wide-variety-of-medical-necessities-for-saber-nat/

COVID-19 ops; 721 APS maintains readiness - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2174564/covid-19-ops-721-aps-maintains-readiness/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., May 3, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	388 (+21)	8	145 (+11)	0
Civilian	205 (+4)	11	73 (+1)	0
Dependents	234 (+6)	7	80 (+3)	0
Contractors	81 (+2)	6 (+1)	21 (+1)	1
Total	908	32	319	1

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

May 1, 2020
Secretary of the Air Force Barbara M. Barrett visited Hill Air Force Base April 30 in order to get a firsthand look at critical mission activities here and how the base was operating under current restrictions due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about her visit here: https://www.hill.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2172850/secaf-tours-hill-missions-to-view-operational-capabilities-during-pandemic/

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright visited Task Force-Southeast April 30 to see first-hand how the unit is supporting the whole-of-government approach to the Department of Defense’s response to COVID-19.

Read more about their visit here: https://www.9af.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2172185/top-air-force-leaders-vision-realized-with-stand-up-of-tf-southeast/

Performing the duties of the Undersecretary of the Air Force, Shon Manasco visited Vance Air Force Base, Ohio, to observe pilot training operations. Vance AFB gave the undersecretary a first-hand look at how the pilot training pipeline has been impacted by COVID-19, and how operations have continued through innovation and dedication to the mission.

Read more about his visit here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2172560/acting-undersecretary-visits-vance-to-observe-covid-19-impact-on-pilot-training/

When the tasking came to support the United States’ whole-of-government response to COVID-19 and what would become the first operational deployment of the Transport Isolation System, the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing answered the call. The wing and its Airmen, who are forward deployed on behalf of Air Mobility Command, are spread across nine countries and 17 locations, spanning more than 5,135 miles, making it possible to employ the right effect at the right place at the right time.

Learn more about the Airmen of the 521st AMOW here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2171381/521st-amow-works-behind-the-scenes-to-execute-global-mobility-operations/

Officials at Air Force Global Strike Command responsible for two-thirds of the nation’s nuclear weapons enlisted a new partner in the fight against COVID-19—academia and industry. Through a partnership with the Cyber Innovation Center, Louisiana Tech University, and Virtualitics Inc., they officials rapidly developed a daily report consisting of infection rate projections based on a COVID-19 Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Resistant (SEIR) model.

Learn more about the effort here: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2171749/nuclear-command-leverages-academia-industry-data-in-covid-19-fight/

During this time of continued Air Force Innovation, the T-7A Test Team of the Air Force’s new pilot trainer, the T-7A Red Hawk, has developed innovative ways to maintain the Air Force Test Center’s level of excellence in support of the T-7A Test Program. The T-7A Test Team executed Distributed Test Operations (DTO) in a Mission Control Room at Ridley Mission Control Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California on April 30.

Read more about this expanded test capability here: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2172547/edwards-expands-test-capabilities-with-t-7a-distributed-test-operations/

A workforce of 12 Airmen from the 58th Operations Support Squadron sewed more than 1,775 face coverings for the 58th Special Operations Wing (and its units geographically separated) and 200 for the 377th Air Base Wing Airmen living in the dorms on Kirtland Air Force Base.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.kirtland.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2171285/58th-sow-airmen-apply-job-skills-to-make-2000-face-coverings/

New York National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and active duty and civilian medical providers on duty fighting COVID-19 in New York City are getting the benefit of a wagging tail and licks to lift their spirits.

Read more about this partnership here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368786/covid-19-response-troops-go-dogs-stress-relief

The front lines of the California National Guard Joint Task Force 115 response to COVID-19 includes supporting food banks, medical equipment logistics and operations of shelters. One team providing critical support from behind the scenes is the J1 section. They are the personnel tracking manpower, processing orders for state activations and ensuring individuals in the COVID-19 fight are taken care of while activated.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368923/jtf-115-j1-providing-manpower-continuity-fight-against-covid-19

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.

Thinking ahead: Agility Prime kicks off - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2172755/thinking-ahead-agility-prime-kicks-off/

Team Whiteman bands together to continue the mission - https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2170652/team-whiteman-bands-together-to-continue-the-mission/

Defender life savers - https://www.warren.af.mil/News/Article/2171480/defender-life-savers/

820th BDG maintains readiness during COVID-19 -

Support Where You Need It -

97 AMW Childcare providers step up to support parents - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2172549/97-amw-childcare-providers-step-up-to-support-parents/

Continuing the mission during COVID-19 - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2172358/continuing-the-mission-during-covid-19/

Refueling German allies - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2172312/refueling-german-allies/

52 OSS Weather Flight storm through COVID-19 pandemic - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2172314/52-oss-weather-flight-storm-through-covid-19-pandemic/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 30, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	367 (+4)	8	134 (+3)	0
Civilian	201 (+6)	11	72 (+3)	0
Dependents	228 (+4)	7	77 (+3)	0
Contractors	78 (+1)	5	20	1
Total	874	31	303	1

April 30, 2020
The Honorable Shon Manasco, performing the duties of undersecretary of the Air Force, visited the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, April 29 to observe how the Air Force Sustainment Center continues to meet the needs of the warfighter while overcoming challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more about his visit here: https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2170752/under-secretary-manasco-visits-tinker-afb/

To support the global fight against COVID-19, the Air Force Research Laboratory quickly stood up an aircraft decontamination team pooling bioenvironmental, aircraft materials and medical experts from across the laboratory who’ve assessed a variety of aircraft decontamination support solutions.

Read more about this effort here: https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2168866/afrl-aircraft-decontamination-team-ramps-up-battle-against-covid-19/

The Air Force Research Laboratory is leveraging tactics from the Air Force pararescue (PJ) community, employing a new tool that can monitor multiple patients’ vital signs, helping to alleviate the lean doctor-to-patient ratio that many medical facilities are facing amidst COVID-19. The solution is a medical monitoring tool called the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit, or BATDOK. The original version of this tool has been under evaluation by military medics for about four years and was deployed operationally about a year ago.

Learn more about the effort here: https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2168975/afrl-adapts-pj-tactics-for-covid-19-monitoring/

Within weeks of the pandemic’s spread, Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas drew on its deep bench of research expertise and joined the global race to find a COVID-19 treatment.

Learn more about the effort here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2171305/bamc-lends-research-expertise-to-global-pandemic-effort/

As many face hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Airmen are helping the local community. Tech. Sgt. David Westerdale, 8th Intelligence Squadron Electronic Intelligency Analysis non-commissioned officer in charge, is leading the JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam effort. So far, Westerdale collected 588 pounds of food, cleaning supplies, masks and toiletries, as well as $700 in donations.

Airmen and Soldiers with the California National Guard regional medical support teams are currently assisting skilled nursing facilities at ten sites in Los Angeles County. The medical support teams each consist of an eight-person team with physician’s assistant or a registered nurse, medical technicians, and one medical administrator. The Soldiers and Airmen on the teams are performing a variety of missions at each facility.

Airmen and Soldiers with the Montana National Guard build an alternative care facility at the MetraPark in Billings, Montana. The mobile modular temporary healthcare facility can be transported anywhere in the state depending on medical necessity.

See Video B-Roll of their efforts here:

See Video interviews here:

B-1 Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing will conduct flyovers at facilities in Sturgis, Rapid City and Hot Springs, South Dakota, May 1 to honor healthcare workers on the front lines of the war on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The flyovers, allowed as part of an approved training mission, are part of the Air Force Salutes initiative designed to show appreciation to the countless heroes around the world battling COVID-19.

Read more about Ellsworth Air Force Base's upcoming flyovers here: https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/Press-Releases/Article/2168650/ellsworth-to-honor-healthcare-professionals-with-b-1-flyovers-may-1/

The 509th Bomb Wing and 442nd Fighter Wing joined force to perform Air Force Salutes flyover across Kansas City, Sedalia and Warrensburg, Missouri area hospitals.

Story: https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2170145/whitemansaluteskc-wows-thousands-thanks-medical-professionals-healthcare-worker/

Photos and video: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/509BWPA-WAFB

The 403rd Wing's 815th Airlift Squadron flies by the 81st Medical Group at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.

Video:

B-1 Lancer's conduct South China Sea mission, demonstrates global presence - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2170485/b-1s-conduct-south-china-sea-mission-demonstrates-global-presence/

Minuteman III test launch on schedule, mission ready amid pandemic - https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2171274/minuteman-iii-test-launch-on-schedule-mission-ready-amid-pandemic

Emulation ensures reliability for space domain awareness - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2169032/emulation-ensures-reliability-for-space-domain-awareness/

First-ever Air Force Women’s Fly-In goes virtual May 11 - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2170572/first-ever-air-force-womens-fly-in-goes-virtual-may-11/

Special Tactics Airmen support vital training, maintain readiness through COVID-19 - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2169333/special-tactics-airmen-support-vital-training-maintain-readiness-through-covid/

Cyber Evolution: 16th Weather Squadron - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2170596/cyber-evolution-16th-weather-squadron

CATM trains combat ready Airmen amid COVID-19 - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2169459/catm-trains-combat-ready-airmen-amid-covid-19/

Little Heroes, Honoring Them - https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368823/little-heroes-honoring-them

Yokota AB runner meets goal despite COVID-19 obstacles - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2169980/yokota-runner-meets-goal-despite-covid-19-obstacles/

Air Force Totals of COVID-19 Positive Cases as of 9 p.m., April 29, 2020.

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	363 (+9)	8 (+1)	131 (+8)	0
Civilian	195 (+3)	11 (+1)	69 (+1)	0
Dependents	224 (-1)*	7 (+1)	74 (+5)	0
Contractors	77 (+1)	5	20	1
Total	859	31	294	1

*Corrects previous reports.

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!

Watch video of their preparation here:

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.

See B-roll of their efforts here:

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.

Watch more about their efforts here:

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
Video B-roll:

152nd Airlift Wing C-130s flyover over Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and other cities in Nevada
Video B-Roll:

Photos:

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

April 28, 2020
The 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, saluted the healthcare professionals in South Carolina with a statewide flyover of more than 60 hospitals.

See photos of their flyover here:

See video of their flyover here:

Airmen and Soldiers with the Rhode Island National Guard continued voluntary COVID-19 mapping efforts with the Rhode Island Department of Health to reach contacts of positive cases. This effort is to educate about quarantine and isolation and also ask if anyone is in need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

See video of their efforts here:

The New Mexico Air National Guard continues to support the communities around the state. Members of the 150th Mission Support Group and the 210th Red Horse Squadron combined to load, deliver, and unload over 12,000 pounds of food to the Zia Pueblo Northwest.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368579/tacos-deliver-supplies-new-mexico-pueblos

The West Virginia National Guard’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, added a sixth line of effort to their COVID-19 response, including state surge capacity and capability as an objective moving forward. Since beginning operations in support of the state’s COVID-19 response 45 days ago, the WVNG has completed 674 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, 704 members of the WVNG are on duty serving the citizens of the State of West Virginia.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368588/wva-guard-outlines-sixth-line-effort-covid-19-response

C-17 Globemaster III aircrew assigned to the 3rd Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, are fitted and trained for personal protective equipment use on April 8, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the nation. This training prepared 3rd AS Airmen for any and all Department of Defense COVID-19 response efforts, to include the airlift of COVID-positive U.S. service members.

See photos of their efforts here:

Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing partnered with The Leaven, Vacaville Fire Department and local churches near Travis Air Force Base, California, to support a food drive to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Airmen volunteered to collect nonperishable items and delivered more than 1,600 pounds of food to the Mariposa Head Start Center in Vacaville, California, on April 24, after a two-week food drive. Food items collected included nonperishables such as: canned fruit, vegetables and proteins; grains and cereals; snacks and juice boxes for children.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2167544/airmen-support-food-drive-to-help-those-in-need/

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.

Dynamic response keeps AFGSC mission ready during pandemic - https://www.afgsc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2165770/dynamic-response-keeps-afgsc-mission-ready-during-pandemic/

GPS celebrates 25th year of operation - https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2166101/gps-celebrates-25th-year-of-operation

Ellsworth AFB B-1 plays key role in US, Japan bomber-fighter integration operations - https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2167496/ellsworth-afb-b-1-plays-key-role-in-us-japan-bomber-fighter-integration-operati/

Luke Airmen surprise MSgt (ret) Ruth Heeler for her 100th birthday -

71st Rescue Squadron finds new normal -

MHAFB Enhances Joint Force Capabilities with Idaho Army National Guard - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2165626/mhafb-enhances-joint-force-capabilities-with-idaho-army-national-guard/

Electronic Signals moves virtual due to COVID-19 - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2167707/electronic-signals-moves-virtual-due-to-covid-19/

8th Security Forces Squadron innovates with virtual reality training - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2164461/8th-security-forces-squadron-innovates-with-virtual-reality-training/

Showing Respect: Honor Guard continues to serve amid COVID-19 - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2167561/showing-respect-honor-guard-continues-to-serve-amid-covid-19/

Faster, smarter: virtual hiring fair recruits STEM talent - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2166695/faster-smarter-virtual-hiring-fair-recruits-stem-talent/

The U.S. Air Force Lab with MassChallenge selects inaugural cohort - https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2167587/the-us-air-force-lab-with-masschallenge-selects-inaugural-cohort/

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

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	351 (+4)	7	118 (+3)	0
Civilian	191 (+5)	10	68 (+9)	0
Dependents	222 (+9)	6	68	0
Contractors	75	5 (-1)	19 (+2)	1
Total	839	28	273	1

April 27, 2020
In a show of national solidarity, the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will conduct a series of multi-city flyovers over the next two weeks. America Strong is a collaborative salute from the Navy and Air Force to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first flyover will occur on April 28th over New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Read about the America Strong flyovers here: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2165190/america-strong-blue-angels-thunderbirds-to-conduct-multi-city-flyovers-champion/

Learn more about the April 28th flyover here: http://afthunderbirds.com/site/2020/04/25/thunderbirds-blue-angels-to-salute-new-york-new-jersey-and-pennsylvania-covid-19-responders/

Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri pilots are scheduled to fly over medical facilities in Kansas City, Missouri, April 28th to honor and express Whiteman AFB’s gratitude for all medical and healthcare professionals, essential employees and volunteers in the fight against COVID-19.

Read more about what to expect at the B-52 flyover in Kansas City, Missouri here: https://www.whiteman.af.mil/News/Article/2164532/whiteman-afb-b-2-stealth-bomber-a-10-and-t-38-jets-to-fly-over-kansas-city-in-s/

Gen. Mike Holmes, the commander of Air Combat Command, visited the service members of Task Force-Southeast at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Holmes toured several facilities to learn how the task force operates and about its mission to aid in the country’s fight to combat COVID-19.

Read more about his visit here: https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2165072/commander-of-air-combat-command-visits-task-force-southeast/

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Airmen around the theater have played a variety of roles in supporting the Department of Defense COVD-19 response. Several Airmen, however, have had the unique opportunity to directly assist the Italian air force, the French air force and the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force in their response efforts.

Read more about this exchange here: https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2165482/military-personnel-exchange-program-officers-strengthen-partner-countries-milit/

As of Sunday, April 26, 55 days after the first COVID-19 case was diagnosed in New York, the New York National Guard had over 3,600 troops on duty as part of New York’s response.

Read more about their efforts here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/368497/new-york-national-guard-sustaining-fight-against-covid-19-after-55-days-duty

Nine members of the 167th Airlift Wing have been tasked with the production of a newly designed N95 mask alternative, April 24, 2020, Martinsburg, West Virginia. The Shepherd Mask gets its name from Shepherd University where it was designed.

Watch the story here:

The Connecticut National Guard received a shipment of personal protective equipment to include 455,500 N95 medical masks, 325,000 surgical masks, 120,000 protective coveralls, and 4,500 ICU coveralls. The gear was shipped to the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security commodities warehouse, where it is sorted and distributed to first responders and front line health care professionals through a joint operation with the Connecticut National Guard.

Watch video of this donation here:

The Alabama National Guard's Task Force 31 combats COVID-19 in McCalla as a part of a state wide operation to reduce potential fatal exposures to the coronavirus disease.

Watch the video here:

Airmen with Task Force Oahu's COVID-19 response team donate blood to be used by service member’s on the frontline, home front and civilian counterparts. The Armed Services Blood Program held a blood drive on April 24, 2020

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.

Hickam AFB, Hawaii total force integration readiness - https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2164469/team-hickam-total-force-integration-readiness/

USAF delivers medical supplies to Ghana - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2165225/usaf-delivers-medical-supplies-to-ghana/

9,000th F-35 maintainer headed to 419 FW: http://www.419fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2161157/9000th-f-35-maintainer-headed-to-419-fw/

Dyess AFB, Texas is scheduled to host a virtual collider event April 28 - https://www.dyess.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2163752/dyess-afb-to-host-virtual-collider-event/

A 104th Fighter Wing Pilot takes off amid COVID-19 and with blue skies up ahead -

Refueling F-15C Eagles - https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2165180/refueling-eagles/

86th SFS COVID-19 Operations -

Intel squadron continues to make mission happen through COVID-19 - https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2165653/intel-squadron-continues-to-make-mission-happen-through-covid-19/

Columbus AFB hosts Wings Over Columbus virtual air show on social media - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2165846/columbus-afb-hosts-wings-over-columbus-virtual-air-show-on-social-media/

Air Force Recruiting, 4th Fighter Wing fill void at NASCAR iRacing with innovation - https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2165135/air-force-recruiting-4th-fighter-wing-fill-void-at-nascar-iracing-with-innovati/

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

	CASES	HOSPITALIZED	RECOVERED	DEATHS
Military	347 (+4)	7	115 (+6)	0
Civilian	186 (+6)	10 (+1)	59	0
Dependents	213 (+6)	6	68 (+5)	0
Contractors**	75 (-7)	6	17 (-1)	1
Total	821	29	259	1

*These numbers include all of the cases that were reported since out last update, April 24th.
**Corrects previous report.

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/

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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/

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)	5	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.

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.

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.

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.

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)	5	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.

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.

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/

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)	5	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.

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.

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.

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.

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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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)	5	32 (-1)*	0
Contractors	62 (+2)	4	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.

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.

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.

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)	5	33 (+13)	0
Contractors	60 (+12)	4	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/

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)	5	20 (+5)	0
Contractors	48 (+1)	4	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)	5	15 (+5)	0
Contractors	47 (+4)	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.

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)	5	8 (+1)	0
Contractors	40 (+1)	4	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)	5	5	0
Dependents	52 (+1)	4	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.