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Air Mobility Command conducts operations in COVID-influenced world

  • Published
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – As Airmen across Air Mobility Command adjust operations to fit a new abnormal, they continue their missions delivering Rapid Global Mobility in a world influenced by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

In line with Secretary of Defense Mark Esper’s May 20 guidance to allow changes to Force Health Protection Conditions, AMC leadership has empowered commanders to decide how best to normalize operations and proceed with reopening installations based on mission requirements and local conditions, instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.  

In partnership with Public Health Emergency Officers, Installation Commanders will weigh a variety of factors before easing restrictions and allowing personnel to return to the workplace, always prioritizing the health and welfare of Airmen and their families. Considerations include the trajectory of reported influenza and COVID-like illness cases preceding a 14-day period, as well as local medical treatment facilities’ capacity to diagnose and treat those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

As each mission and location is unique, safety measures will vary from base to base. For example, a state’s stay at home order may be lifted, but military members should check with their chain of command to discern any travel radius limitations or additional safety requirements before traveling to visit family or attending events at off-base establishments.

 “This is about empowering our leaders to exercise considerable discretion in how they’ll go about conducting operations, meeting mission requirements, reintegrating the workforce and responding to local conditions,” said Gen. Maryanne Miller, Commander of Air Mobility Command.

Commanders at all levels are authorized to balance mission requirements with force health protection, and may consider adjustments to duties to maximize social distancing. When social distancing is not possible, Mobility Airmen will adhere to basic force health protection measures such as wearing a face covering, decontamination of frequently touched surfaces, tools, or equipment, wear of personal protective equipment where possible and practicing personal hygiene.

“Across the command from the headquarters staff down to the tactical level, we’re being very thoughtful, deliberate, calculated and data-driven in our decision-making about workforce reintegration,” Miller added.

Amidst the coronavirus outbreak and social distancing, Mobility Airmen continued to deliver strength and hope globally through airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation and global air mobility support.

Whether facilitating the first operational use of the Transport Isolation System, transporting critical COVID-19 supplies and medical professionals, supplying air refueling support to Operation America Strong Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels flyovers, or providing airlift in support to the Department of State to repatriate Americans from abroad - the mission to deliver strength and hope continues on for Mobility Airmen.                   

For questions regarding installation level policies and reintegration, please contact your chain of command.