Arizona Base's Pharmacy Continues All Operations During COVID-19

 Sept. 11, 2020 | BY AIR FORCE AIRMAN 1ST CLASS DOMINIC TYLER

The 56th Medical Group pharmacy at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona continues to serve its patients while implementing preventative safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our pharmacy hasn't closed down at all throughout COVID-19," Air Force Maj. Brandy Renner, 56th MDG pharmacy flight commander, said. "We made an on-the-spot shift in operations to keep our patients safe while still maintaining 100% of our services to 100% of our beneficiaries."

In the initial days of COVID-19, the pharmacy's goal was to provide services to patients with the least amount of physical interaction possible. The pharmacy staff immediately implemented minimum manning which reduced the number of people on a shift by half.

The pharmacy supports a patient population of about 130,000 beneficiaries associated with the Defense Department mission, including active duty members and their families, retirees and civilians. They serve patients from all over the Phoenix area and process about 380,000 prescriptions a year.

According to Air Force Master Sgt. Stephen Iles, 56th MDG pharmacy flight chief, COVID-19 might have brought on unique challenges, but this only proved his teams' ability to adapt and innovate on the fly.

"In the beginning, things seemed to be changing every day," Iles said. "But we haven't skipped a beat as far as the service we provide to all of Luke's beneficiaries. It really goes to show how flexible our team is and how efficient we can be, even with half the staff."

Cryst'al Williams, 56th MDG pharmacy technician, believes the most notable change was the closing of the pharmacy lobby and implementing a new drive-thru system.

"After we got the drive-thru window working and figured out where to direct traffic, everything was pretty much the same," Williams said. "It was something new, but things happened, and we just had to roll with it and come up with the right solutions."

Over a six-week period, the pharmacy filled 33,500 prescriptions and helped about 600 vehicles per day in the drive-thru while at minimum staffing.

According to Renner, along with the significant increase of drive-thru traffic came an increase in traffic on the phone lines. Before COVID-19, the pharmacy could only answer about 100 calls a day to activate prescriptions.

She added that with the increased demand for patients to activate prescriptions over the phone, the pharmacy has implemented a new phone queuing system that allows patients to call and wait for a technician rather than receiving a busy tone. This enabled pharmacy technicians to service 250 to 300 calls a day with a wait time of less than 15 minutes per call.

Williams explained that COVID-19 may have slightly changed pharmacy operations, but getting the right medicines to her patients in a timely manner is of the utmost importance.

"We're dealing with people's health here, and that's extremely important," Williams said. "That's why we've remained open throughout COVID-19. I'm happy to be at the forefront of getting people the medication they need."

Though COVID-19 may bring new problems to light, Iles said this pandemic presents an opportunity for his team to innovate and grow. He said the unique challenges have given him great confidence in the 56th MDG pharmacy's ability to thrive in the future.

"The pharmacy is constantly working to innovate our processes to make obtaining our services easier and safer for our patients, and we want to be their choice for their prescription needs," Iles said. "COVID-19 doesn't change our overall mission. We care for our own. We are here to maintain the Luke warfighters' readiness through health care."

(Air Force Airman 1st Class Dominic Tyler is assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing).

Readout of Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

 Sept. 11, 2020

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Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke with Bangladesh Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hasina over the phone today on September 11, 2020.  During the call, Secretary Esper commended the Prime Minister for Bangladesh’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent goodwill missions to its neighbors.  The two leaders discussed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that ensures the sovereignty of all nations, and specific bilateral defense priorities including maritime and regional security, global peacekeeping, and initiatives to modernize Bangladesh’s military capabilities.  Both leaders expressed their commitment to continue building closer bilateral defense relations in support of shared values and interests. 

Helping Hand

 

An airman receives assistance from a teammate while entering a safety vessel during rescue hoist training near Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 2, 2020.

Competition Course

 

Army Spc. Catherine Downes moves through an obstacle during the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 5, 2020.

Group Exercise

 

Marines fast-rope from an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the USS Germantown in the South China Sea, Sept. 6, 2020.

Road Test

 

Army Spc. Kris-Anne Basilio shows a motorist a vial before issuing a COVID-19 test in Oahu, Hawaii, Sept. 3, 2020.

Temp Check

 

Navy Petty Officers 1st Class Alan Ranks and Krystal Peterson take the temperatures of other sailors preparing to take an exam in Misawa, Japan, Sept. 3, 2020, as part of COVID-19 response efforts.

Flare Focus

 

A soldier deploys pyrotechnic flares to illuminate an area during an M4 night fire range event as part of the 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 7, 2020.

DSCA Encourages Partners to Look Beyond Gear to Multi-Domain Ops

 Sept. 10, 2020 | BY C. Todd Lopez , DOD News

While it's true the Defense Security Cooperation Agency is most-closely associated with foreign military sales,  that is not all they do. When it comes to working with security partners, there's an effort now to focus on multi-domain operations to improve teamwork in regards to air operations, Heidi H. Grant, DSCA's new director said.

"To effectively build a partnership and team in air operations, we work with our allies to bring them into a multi-domain environment," Grant said, during a conversation at the Defense News Conference today. "In this era of renewed great power competition, our adversaries will not be operating in singular land, air or sea domains. They will be operating in multi-domain environments to include cyber and space."

Operationalizing a multi-domain approach, she said, allows for more effective air-power teaming, for instance.

"One of the challenges is to get our partners to look beyond what I call the 'bright and shiny aircraft' to the added necessity to connect and develop a net-centric capability, which will ... make it more effective," she said.

To further push the multi-domain approach, Grant said the DSCA team works actively with geographic combatant commands, military departments and the U.S. defense industry to ensure defense sales are more holistic. She also said the agency monitors international competitions to create further opportunities to expand the use of U.S. platforms with allies and partners.

"Currently, we're monitoring 48 international competitions with 24 partners," she said. "Of those, 70% are air-power based and primarily rotary wing and fighter jets."

Grant also said that DSCA is working to ensure that the exportability of U.S. capabilities is built-in to both programs of record and non-programs of record so that defense partners can have access to the capabilities they need more quickly.

"We're doing our best to lean forward with new emerging technologies to ensure we have a determination on release in advance of actual system deployment by the U.S. military forces," she said.

While it makes sense that U.S.-developed capabilities would be fielded to the U.S. military first, she said partners have said that more could be done earlier in consideration that they also might want access to those capabilities.

"I think this has been one of the complaints of FMS ... we think about the U.S. first, and we don't think about our allies and partners in advance," she said.

Now, she said, there's significant effort across the U.S. government and within industry to consider the exportability of U.S. military hardware early on in its development so that it will be easier to share that technology with partners. That way, partners will consider U.S. technology first — and the compatibility that comes with it — rather than looking elsewhere.

"I think it's ... important to recognize the market is becoming increasingly competitive overall," she said. "Allies and partners don't want to wait to procure the most advanced technology."

New Director

Grant has been on board as director of the DSCA, an agency with a civilian and military workforce of about 20,000 personnel, for just over four weeks now.

As the new director, she said she plans on implementing a "partner culture" within the agency to better serve stakeholders.

"This is something that's been important to me in the last couple of ... leadership roles that I've held, this 'partner culture,' and it fits very nicely here in the organization. It's what I value," she said, during an earlier telephonic conference Sept. 9.

Grant used the word "partner" as a mnemonic device to spell out the priorities she thinks will enhance the partner culture she hopes will grow within DSCA.

"I want the agency to be proactive, in how we do business — proactive in identifying what our stakeholders need so that we can develop policies and plans to ensure they're successful," she said.

The DSCA will also remain accountable to stakeholders, including Congress, she said.

"I can tell you my predecessors have done a tremendous job in reforming our processes to streamline how we do business. And I want to build on that success and will hold the organization accountable for achieving the tangible results," Grant said.

Agency work will also be conducted with respect, she said. With a diverse array of stakeholders, including the defense industry, foreign partners and agencies within the U.S. government, there are bound to be disagreements on how to proceed with agency work.

"What we'll do is navigate our work, leading a diverse stakeholder group, with respect for each other's organizations, equities and responsibilities," she said. "I really believe in order to make progress, we really need to roll up our sleeves and understand each other."

As with nearly every government agency, transparency is also a key facet of Grant's partner culture, she said.

"I want to make sure our stakeholders understand the context associated with process improvement, policy development or funds management and have the opportunity to contribute and provide feedback," she said.

The National Defense Strategy has called for building new partnerships and alliances and strengthening existing ones — DSCA is a key part of that. But as the Defense Department and the DSCA make greater pushes into areas like space and cyber, Grant said, the DSCA itself will need to grow its network of stakeholders — that's the 'n' in partner — to be successful.

"The importance of this mission has grown, and it will only continue to grow and expand into new mission areas," she said. "As the opportunities increase, we'll continue to build our network of stakeholders who will contribute to our success."

Grant also said that there's significant talent within the 20,000 personnel inside DSCA, and that agency success will require empowering those individuals to work closely with foreign governments and industry counterparts to advance agency efforts.

Finally, she said, DSCA's work must always represent the values of the United States and its people.

DOD Officials Describe Modernization Priorities That Will Benefit Warfighters Sept. 10, 2020

 Sept. 10, 2020 | BY DAVID VERGUN , DOD News

Defense Department officials spoke about the DOD's modernization strategy, including the development and procurement of high priority systems — such as artificial intelligence, directed energy, small satellites, hypersonics, a 5G network and unmanned aerial systems — which could potentially offer game-changing results on the battlefield.

Dr. Mark J. Lewis, the acting deputy undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, and Michael Brown, the director of the Defense Innovation Unit, spoke today at the Defense News Conference.

Lewis noted that Congress has been very supportive with the direction of the DOD's research and engineering work.

One of the important reasons for this support on the Hill, Lewis said, is that the DOD has demonstrated that it has adopted an approach to "accepting risk intelligently." That means supporting research and engineering efforts that either result in success or in some measure of success, such that even if an experiment fails, some learning about the physics and process results in enlightenment for the successful creation of a future capability.

The types of failures that the DOD wants to avoid are "dumb failures," such as a fin falling off a rocket or use of a wrong type of battery, said Lewis, who is also the director of defense research and engineering for modernization.

A second strategy of the department, Lewis said, is ensuring each of the services and DOD organizations — including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency — are researching and developing systems that are complementary across the department and are not duplicative.

A third strategy, Lewis said, is working with industry and academia on important research or technologies that could benefit the warfighter. 

The other portion of this strategy is working with allies and partners across the globe, even those that are less traditional partners. This benefits the department because it gets a variety of perspectives and viewpoints, he said, adding that all 11 of DOD's top modernization priorities involve working with allies and partners.

The department's modernization priorities are rapidly developing, Lewis said. "The most important thing is that we're moving beyond the research lab. We're moving beyond the development phase. We're really moving to actual procurement."

Some examples Lewis cited are:

• The Space Development Agency just awarded contracts for low-Earth orbit satellites that will benefit the military's command, control and communications systems.
• Several programs across the department are involved in testing hypersonic prototypes, including an air-breathing cruise missile with plans to deliver these to the warfighter before the end of the decade.
• The department is experimenting with AI for numerous applications, including for UAS flights. 

In addition, Brown provided the following examples:

• Testing of AI-assisted augmented reality is being done with microscopes that will look for precancerous cells that a radiologist might not be able to otherwise spot unassisted.
• AI algorithms are helping National Guard troops and California firefighters pinpoint areas they need to be or avoid in fighting wildfires.
• DIU is supporting the Army's small UAS program known as Blue sUAS. Five suppliers are already on the General Services Administration schedule and two more will be added next week. Although it was an Army program, the Air Force and Marine Corps are ready to buy, and talks are underway with the Department of the Interior and Customs and Border Protection. Allies have also expressed an interest.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols, New Routines in Place for Fort Campbell Students

Sept. 10, 2020 | BY STEPHANIE INGERSOLL, ARMY

With backpacks hanging from their shoulders and masks secured to their faces, hundreds of students flooded into post schools on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, for their first day back.

''It's good to get out of the house and see people,'' said Isabella Espinoza, 12, as she waited to enter Mahaffey Middle School.

On the morning of Aug. 24, students and parents arrived at schools across the installation for the first time since March, when they were closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For many, it was a different experience than in the past as school staff enforced guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Defense Education Activity.

Much planning and teamwork came together to get ready for post schools to reopen amid  the COVID-19 pandemic, said Linda Haberman, principal of Mahaffey Middle School.

''A lot of forethought went into this because when you think about health and safety for large numbers of students, you certainly take that personally – you want to make sure you have done everything you could to make sure all of your children and your staff are safe,'' Haberman said.

Isabella was one of  about 385 students who returned to Mahaffey in person for the start of the new school year. The school serves around 520 students, but some opted for a semester of virtual learning from home, Haberman said.

''This first day, we really wanted to do a lot of building community, building culture, making them feel good about being back in school, reducing any stress they might feel and really work on building that communication, community and of course, health and safety,'' she said.

Army Lt. Col. Brian Freidline, deputy commander for administration at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, and wife, Missy, waited for school to start with their 14-year-old daughter, Anna, outside Mahaffey.

''School is important,'' Freidline said. ''You're always excited for her to start a new year with new teachers and new friends. She'll be learning new things and there will be new opportunities. And it gets everyone back on schedule.''

At Barkley Elementary School, Heather Pappas helped her 5-year-old daughter, Lily, with her rainbow mask. Pappas could not walk Lily to her classroom and greet her teacher as she would have in years past, but Lily didn't seem to mind.

A lot of forethought went into this because when you think about health and safety for large numbers of students, you certainly take that personally – you want to make sure you have done everything you could to make sure all of your children and your staff are safe.''

Linda Haberman, principal

''I'm 100 miles excited,'' Lily said.

Pappas was a little more nervous. Lily, who has four siblings, is the only one old enough to attend school.

''I never thought her first day of school would be in a mask,'' Pappas said. ''I'm nervous, but excited because she's my oldest.''

Kayla Lucas pushed a stroller with her infant while standing in line outside Barkley, while her daughter, Ava, 6, wore a face mask with Disney's ''Frozen'' characters that matched her backpack. She looked around for any friends while waiting to enter the school.

''I'm anxious but excited,'' Lucas said. ''You're excited for her to start, but you don’t really know what to expect with [COVID-19].''

Barkley Elementary School Principal Jenaya Parris said parents are not allowed inside the building to limit the number of people inside and practice social distancing.

Parris greeted students at the door that morning. About 369 were signed up for in-person school and about 120 enrolled in virtual learning, she said.

Parris said the morning went smoothly.

''The kindergarten especially welcomed their students in our gym, where they were able to social distance, make eye contact and start right from the beginning of the day, making students feel welcome and as they belong,'' she said. ''And knock on wood, we didn't even have any tears, so it was good.''

Teresa Moss, Barkley Elementary School guidance counselor, started the first day with drop-off duty. She wore a face shield and held a stop sign as she directed parents to pull their cars forward outside the entrance to let their children out.

Moss said she feels great to be back on campus.

''It's a little different, but it's good to see the kids,'' she said. ''I'm here to help those kids let that anxiety bubble float away.''

Fort Campbell High School Principal Thomas Whittle said the first day back was filled with excitement, learning and safety precautions.

''It's gone quite well, so far,'' Whittle said. ''We have had no issues with masks or students following the rules. There was not one issue with students not wearing a mask. The majority of our students did return.''

Parents also cooperated and there were no problems with car drop- offs or buses, he added.

''They followed the new routine, and if they didn't know they asked,'' Whittle said.

Teachers and staff also were in high spirits to be returning to a routine, he added.

''The faculty was happy to see the kids,'' Whittle said. ''They were happy to see that students wanted to be in school and had a desire to learn. It was quite exciting for people to get back to something close to normal.''

Staff will provide academic and emotional support to help students ''make sense of the new normal,'' he said.

(Stephanie Ingersoll is assigned to Fort Campbell).

China's Africa Investments Could Benefit All if International Rules Are Obeyed

 Sept. 10, 2020 | BY C. Todd Lopez , DOD News

Recently, during a closed-discussion facilitated by the African Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, D.C, U.S. defense officials joined African, European and U.S. scholars to discuss China's involvement in the world's second-largest continent. One takeaway was that China's investments and involvement there can be beneficial and welcome — so long as China plays by established global norms.

"The expectation is that China will be in Africa for a long time — and that's OK," said Chad L. Sbragia, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China. But, Sbragia explained, the U.S. and African partners want China to conduct itself fairly.

"The expectations are that when the United States or China engages in Africa, it's done so in accordance with the practices that we all hold, including African nations, most dearly," Sbragia said. "That's with transparency and an understanding of meeting international standards."

Transparency, Sbragia said, means being open and honest about how and why activities are being conducted and also fully publicizing what's being done.

"There's a lot of issues that revolve around debt, loan transfers, investments that are made, monies that are paid out," he said. "Those should all be done in the most illuminated way possible."

That straightforward approach, Sbragia said, is something the U.S. brings to the table during its negotiations with partners, both in Africa and elsewhere.

"That's part of what I think our greatest contribution is from the United States, is to showcase and help underscore the best practices of the international system," Sbragia said. "We help screen foreign investments, ensure that all those are done with high quality, that they'll support long-term development in support of Africans' interests and don't undermine the sovereignty of those nations or the global system that we are all stakeholders in."

Ronald W. Meyers, acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, added that African nations face an array of challenges, so it should not be surprising that they are seeking to diversify their partnerships. "On the security front, they want partnerships to address local concerns over insecurity from violent extremist organizations (VEOs) and foreign intrusion into sovereign spaces, such as in the maritime space, among other priorities," Meyers said. "These are areas where we share common concerns, already work closely together, and have a vested interest in seeing international rules obeyed." The Department's security cooperation efforts are one way we advance mutual interests.

"U.S. Africa Command oversees many of these efforts for the Department under the valuable stewardship of General Stephen Townsend and his team" Meyers noted. The United States offers its partners in Africa quality training and equipment, with an emphasis on support that increases the accountability and resiliency of African defense institutions. U.S. assistance works towards long-term stability — as our training is often multi-year and requires consistent U.S. investment – a reflection of the U.S. enduring commitment to our partners, Meyers explained. 

Meyers stated the U.S. has mutually-beneficial partnerships on the continent today and, in some cases, those relationships date back more than 60 years. "African nations are global security exporters," he said. "They are the biggest contributor to peacekeeping missions in the world. They are trying to do things their way. And they're committing their own personnel to address our shared mutual interests."

African nations play an important role in international politics and in the global economy.  With a booming youth population, rapidly expanding markets, and occupying the biggest United Nations voting bloc, many experts predict that African voices will only grow louder going forward — and the U.S. is ready to listen. Meyers said, "We want to work more with African nations on issues relating to global security. We want to know how we can better work together to jointly see stability not just in Africa. We have a lot to learn from each other."  

With 54 nations on the African continent, there are opportunities to strengthen and grow U.S. security partnerships there, said the acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, James H. Anderson, who's also Sbragia and Meyers' boss. 

 "As China makes potential useful contributions in peacekeeping and anti-piracy, it is important that we look closely to understand which contributions truly advance African interests, and which mask harmful intentions," said Anderson. 

"China has expanded its global military presence as a means of protecting investments and exerting economic leverage over host countries. Notably, China is seeking to build overseas logistics and basing infrastructure beyond the People"s Liberation Army (PLA) base it established in Djibouti in 2017," Anderson elaborated. 

Both Meyers and Sbragia say that African partners have said they don't want to have to choose between the U.S. and China – but they have already made a choice about the world they want to be a part of.

"You hear this from some countries, not just in Africa, which is, don't make us [choose] choice between China or the United States," Sbragia said. "But when they talk about the choices they have already made, it's clear they support the same type of system the U.S. advocates for — a system built on good governance. We all have a stake in the system the way it is, not in the one that the Chinese are trying to impose upon us."

Sept. 11 Pentagon Memorial Observance Ceremony

 Sept. 10, 2020

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Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley will conduct  a live virtual observance ceremony Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in honor of the 184 people killed in the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon.  The Pentagon observance ceremony is not open to the public.  The ceremony will be livestreamed on defense.gov.

Due to DOD Health Protection Condition Bravo restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, press coverage will be limited in numbers.  For TV/video, this is a pool event and only the pool video cameras will be allowed in the memorial. 

The first press event will be at the main press station in the 9/11 Memorial at sunrise (6:47 a.m. EDT) just prior to the main ceremony's start. At that time, the American Flag will be unfurled down the side of the Pentagon.  Press coverage of the flag unfurling ceremony is limited to 12 press -- not including the network pool camera crew – who must be on the credentialed list.  Slots will be filled on a first-come basis, but only one per outlet.  Show time for press interested in covering the flag unfurling is 5:30 a.m.  Additional details regarding security screening, parking, etc., will be provided to those on the credentialed list.

Press coverage of the main observance ceremony is limited to nine press -- not including the network pool camera crew – who must be on the credentialed list.  Slots will be filled on a first-come basis, but only one per outlet.  Show time for press interested in covering the main observance ceremony is 7:30 a.m.  Additional details regarding security screening, parking, etc., will be provided to those on the credentialed list.

Media interested in covering this event must RSVP by 4 p.m. EDT today, Thursday, Sept. 10,  with name, outlet, position, email and phone number by contacting Sue Gough at susan.l.gough.civ@mail.mil.  Please indicate whether you want to cover the flag unfurling or the main observance ceremony, or both.  Ms. Gough will notify those who are on the credentialed list.

Families will not be present at the observance ceremony; they will be visiting the memorial in small groups throughout the day.  Press coverage of family visits is not permitted.  Please note that the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial remains closed to the public; no press will be allowed on the memorial outside of the ceremony events.

Readout From the White House Coronavirus Task Force's Governors Briefing on COVID-19 Response & Progress on Vaccine Development, Manufacturing and Distribution

 Sept. 9, 2020

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Today, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar led a discussion with the chief executives of approximately 50 states, territories, and the city of Washington, DC, and the White House Coronavirus Task Force to discuss local, state, and federal COVID-19 response and recovery, and provide an update on Operation Warp Speed efforts to develop, manufacture, and distribute a safe and effective vaccine. 

Ambassador Birx provided an update on data and trends from across the nation, and discussed her recent visits to states in the upper midwest including Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and her upcoming travels through the southeast. Administrator Verma delivered an update on efforts to protect the vulnerable in nursing homes.

Secretary Azar led discussion on federal efforts in coordination with state and local governments to develop, manufacture, and distribute a safe and effective vaccine. Dr. Slaoui reported on the status of the vaccine candidates, outlining the integrity of the robust development and approval process. Dr. Marks discussed the FDA’s role in the vaccine approval process and outlined the safeguards that ensure confidence in safety and efficacy. 

General Perna discussed how Operation Warp Speed is planning for the manufacturing and distribution of a vaccine, including the creation of multiple contingencies based on various potential scenarios and characteristics of the eventual vaccine(s). General Perna highlighted efforts to prepare the entire vaccine supply chain for the distribution of a vaccine including the production of additional supplies such as syringes.

Director Redfield discussed how the federal government will coordinate with state and local governments through the public health infrastructure to distribute a vaccine and discussed several actions governors can be taking now to prepare. Director Redfield also highlighted the five pilot states and communities with which CDC has already worked on microplans (California, Florida, Minnesota, North Dakota, and the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and preparation best practices.

Participants from the White House Coronavirus Task Force:

• Secretary Alex Azar, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
• Ambassador Deborah Birx, M.D., White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator 
• Commissioner Stephen Hahn, M.D., U.S. Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), HHS
• Director Robert Redfield, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), HHS
• Administrator Seema Verma, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS
• Director Anthony Fauci, M.D., National Institute for Allergies & Infections Disease (NIAID), HHS
• General Gustave Perna, Chief Operation Officer, OWS, U.S. Army Materiel Command, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
• Moncef Slaoui, PhD., Chief Advisor, Operation Warp Speed (OWS), HHS
• Director Peter Marks, M.D., PhD., Centers for Biologics Evaluation & Research, FDA, HHS
• Rear Admiral John Polowczyk, Joint Chiefs of Staff, DOD

Since January 2020, the administration has organized and hosted 36 governors-only briefings to drive effective communication and collaboration at every level of government.

Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. James Anderson's Bilateral Engagement With Nigerian Permanent Secretary of Defense Mr. Sabi'u Zakari

 Sept. 9, 2020

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Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. James Anderson spoke with the Nigerian Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Mr. Sabi’u Zakari today by telephone.  The two leaders discussed the long-standing U.S.-Nigerian partnership and ways to advance our shared interests, including in the counterterrorism and maritime security areas.  
 
Dr. Anderson also underscored the United States’ enduring commitment to the partnership based on our common values, such as democracy, human rights, and transparency.  

Robust Plan Helps Deployed Guardsmen Avoid COVID-19

 Sept. 9, 2020 | BY JULIE SHEA, AIR FORCE , 158th Fighter Wing

When they returned from last month's deployment to the Northern Lightning training exercise in Volk Field, Wisconsin, members of the Vermont Air National Guard all tested negative for COVID-19.

To accomplish this, the 158th Fighter Wing leadership followed strict Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Vermont Department of Health risk mitigation measures, including: screening, restricting movement, social distancing, mask wearing and asymptomatic testing.

"Overall, the testing was a resounding success. It was an effort between the state of Vermont, Vermont Department of Health, the SNS warehouse, our Joint Force Headquarters team, as well as the Wing and the medical folks at Volk Field," Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Romp, officer in charge of public health for the Vermont Air National Guard, said.

The decision to test all members came after concern that the guardsmen were to travel to Wisconsin, where COVID-19 cases were more prevalent than Vermont, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, which records all COVID-19 cases reported to the CDC since Jan. 21, 2020.

About 100 airmen assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard were tested at varying times throughout the two-week exercise at Volk Field, to ensure any potential outbreaks could be tracked. All the guardsmen tested both on-site in Wisconsin and in Vermont have tested negative for COVID-19.

"We had a robust plan in place before they even arrived in Wisconsin," Romp said. "We screened everybody on the way out, with questions and temperature checks before they got on the plane. All of the units coming into the exercise had those requirements. When they arrived at Volk Field, all of the pilots, basically all of the operators, were tested. They had a pretty robust quarantine and isolation plan, if somebody needed to be treated. Luckily, we didn't have to execute that plan at all."

While the guardsmen were there, access off base was limited for essential travel only and on-base lodging was separated by sections, limiting contact with both the public and other Northern Lightning participants. Both social distancing and mask wearing were enforced, and there were daily screenings and temperature checks for all participants. After returning to Vermont on Aug. 21, airmen were immediately tested for COVID-19, twelve of whom had also taken a test before leaving Volk Field.

"We were in constant contact with [Volk Field] before the exercise until well after, to make sure that folks safely arrived there, are safe while they are at the exercise, and then ensuring that they were safe — and their families were safe — when they returned," Romp said.

"Airmen, soldiers, civilians — it was definitely an intra- and inter-organizational success. And that has been the wing commander's policy from the beginning is to do the best we can: best mitigation, best preventative, following the CDC and state guidelines while still getting the mission done," Romp continued.

Until there is an effective COVID-19 vaccine available, similar precautions and screening will continue for upcoming Vermont Air National Guard training movements and deployments, according to Romp.

Washington National Guard Helps at Community Food Bank

Sept. 9, 2020 | BY Air Force Capt. Hans Zeiger

Members of the Washington Air National Guard's 194th Wing are working alongside Army National Guardsmen at the food bank in Bonney Lake, Washington, to serve their neighbors in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bonney Lake Food bank is one of many food bank locations around the state where the guard continues to serve. Altogether, the guard has taken part in processing, packaging and distributing more than 45 million pounds of food.

"The guard has played such an integral role," said Stacey Crnich, director of the Bonney Lake Food Bank, who began her job not long after Gov. Jay R. Inslee declared an emergency in Washington. Early on during the pandemic, Crnich said she instituted a delivery model to keep up with the growing need and maintain health standards. At first, the food bank was overwhelmed, she said.

"The guard showed up a week and a half into our delivery model and changed everything," Crnich said. "We've been able to leverage resources and leverage people. Route delivery times decreased dramatically."

Crnich has seen the number of families she serves grow from 170 to more than 600 every two weeks, she said. The guardsmen have allowed Crnich and her team to keep up with the growing demand, she said.

Many of the guardsmen serving in Bonney Lake live in the area, said Army 2nd Lt. Mike Sebastionelli, the officer in charge of the food bank mission in Bonney Lake. "People join the guard to help their community. [They] are making an impact on this area," said Sebastionelli.

"We are helping people who are hit by the impacts to the economy," said Air Force Master Sgt. James Moats, a member of the Washington Air National Guard's 116th Weather Flight. Moats started working at the Bonney Lake Food Bank in August after two weeks serving at a food bank warehouse in Kent, Washington.

People in the community are taking notice of the guard's impact, Sebastionelli said. One veteran has written notes expressing thanks to the soldiers and airmen who have delivered food to him, and someone hung a banner on the food bank building thanking the guard, Sebastionelli continued.

"It's cool to see people come in and say thank you for everything that we do," said Christine Krysiak, a member of the Washington Air National Guard’s 194th Wing student flight who recently graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in Parkland, Washington.

Even though Krysiak has not completed initial training to become an airman, she is able to serve on state active duty status.

"I feel happy, and I'm [doing] my part and helping others, because COVID is really affecting everyone," Krysiak said.

Crnich credits the guard with enabling the Bonney Lake Food Bank to perfect its delivery model.

"We have systems in place where we can bring this to [families]," Crnich said. "That's the guard. I feel like we're business partners now."

(Capt. Hans Zeiger is assigned to the 194th Wing).

Defense Acquisition System Directive Goes Into Effect

 Sept. 9, 2020

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On Sep. 8, 2020, Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist signed into effect DoD Directive 5000.01, The Defense Acquisition System. In support of the National Defense Strategy, the Defense Acquisition System develops a more lethal force based on U.S. technological innovation and a culture of performance that yields a decisive and sustained U.S. military advantage.

DoDD 5000.01 is the overarching directive that describes the principles governing the acquisition process and emphasizes six main tenets of acquisition implemented via the Adaptive Acquisition Framework. Representing one of the most transformational changes to acquisition policy in decades, the DoDD 5000.01 re-write was part of a comprehensive redesign of the DoD 5000 Series acquisition policies, which were streamlined and modernized to empower program managers, facilitate flexibility and enhance our ability to deliver capability at the speed of relevance.

DoDD 5000.01 can be found at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/issuances/dodd/. To learn more about the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, visit https://aaf.dau.edu/.

Weight Work

 

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Elizabeth R. Pinon exercises aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Halsey in the South China Sea, Sept. 4, 2020.

Disinfecting Supplies

 

Air Force airmen disinfect supplies on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan during a replenishment-at-sea with fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 5, 2020.

Greenland Travels

 

The Coast Guard cutter Campbell travels with the Royal Danish Navy patrol vessel HDMS Knud Rasmussen off the coast of Greenland, Sept. 7, 2020.

Test Training

 

Virginia National Guard soldiers and airmen train on COVID-19 testing with Virginia Department of Health medical professionals in Sandston, Va., Sept. 4, 2020. Approximately 85 service members were trained and are ready to resume support for Virginia’s COVID-19 response.

Peephole Perspective

 

Navy Seaman Devin Fredrick installs an arming device on a Mark-63 1,000-pound inert mine aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 3, 2020.

Drone Launch

 

Coast Guard Gulf Strike Team members launch a drone to assess waterways near Lake Charles, La., Sept. 1, 2020, in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. The team, one of three that make up the National Strike Force, is composed of highly trained Coast Guard professionals who rapidly deploy with specialized equipment to a variety of incidents, responses and other emergencies.

Twin Thunderbolt

 

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft fly over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility after refueling midair, Sept. 4, 2020.

Smoky Squad

 

Soldiers participate in a squad demonstration at Fort Benning, Ga., Aug. 21, 2020.

Red Range

 

Navy Cmdr. Rudolf Hawkins fires an M4 rifle during a live-fire exercise aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Atlantic Ocean, Sept. 6, 2020.

Digging Duty

 

Marines prepare to build a bridge during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training at Mount Bundey Training Area, Australia, Sept. 5, 2020.

Number Line

 

Sailors hang targets before a gun shoot aboard the USS Tripoli in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 5, 2020.

Mopping Up

 

Soldiers dig out a hotspot during mop-up operations on the Complex wildfire in Mendocino National Forest, Calif., Sept. 4, 2020. The soldiers are supporting the Defense Department’s wildfire response, working side-by-side with professional firefighters.

Downward Dog

 

Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team 91101 members deploy from an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter during training near the entrance to the Columbia River in Astoria, Ore., Aug. 17, 2020.

Spark Spatter

 

A Marine uses a welding torch to perform a simulated breach during a training exercise aboard the USS Germantown in the South China Sea, Sept. 6, 2020.

Force Focus

 

Army Sgt. Jose Galva Diaz sets up an M18 Claymore training mine during the U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisc., Sept. 6, 2020.

Camouflage Canopy

 

Marines assemble a camouflage canopy before a demolition range training event in Kuwait, Aug. 31, 2020.

Weaving Warrior

 

Army Spc. Ivan Torres-Leon navigates a weaver obstacle during the 2020 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., Sept. 5, 2020.

Sports Heroes Who Served: Olympic Gold Shooter Credits Army

 Sept. 8, 2020 | BY DAVID VERGUN AND C. TODD LOPEZ , DOD News

In 2005, at the age of 16, Vincent Hancock won his first world championship title in men's skeet. The following year, he joined the Army.

Six years after joining, he said the Army had provided him with something that he couldn't get elsewhere.

"The military has given me a completely different outlook on life," Hancock said. "The determination they have instilled in me and the ability to grasp hold of opportunities is unlike any other. That's what the military instills in their soldiers.

"The military has led me in a direction that I don't think I could have gotten anywhere else," Hancock continued. "The marksmanship unit family that I've come to know over the past six years has just been an amazing company to be in. They have pushed me further than I knew that I could have gone, and they helped mold me into the man I am today."

While still in the Army, Hancock won gold medals in men's skeet at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He is the first skeet shooter to repeat gold in the Olympics.

He also won gold in the men's division in the World Skeet Championships in 2009 and again in 2015. Hancock also represented the U.S. in the 2016 Olympics, but he didn't medal. In 2018, he won the gold again in the World Skeet Championships.

The skills he learned in the Army as part of the Army Marksmanship Unit didn't end when he left the Army in December 2012. He said he's passing those skills on to others. He and his father have started the "Hancock Shooting Academy," where he said participants will learn to be better shooters.

Hancock said it isn't money or more medals that's motivating him now. Instead, he said it's the desire to further the sport of shooting, to bring more enthusiasts into the fold and to teach newcomers what he knows.

"We've had people come to us for lessons that have never even touched a shotgun before, and this is their first time," Hancock said. "My goal for the shooting academy is not just to take the elite-of-the-elite and help them get better; it's to help grow the sport. That's the stage I'm in, in my career right now. I'm not about winning as many medals as possible or making as much money as I can. It's about growing my legacy, being able to pass on the knowledge I've learned over the past 13 years to people all around the nation and all around the world."

Hancock started competing in shooting at age 11, and he said he now wants to do everything he can to promote a sport that has given him a lot.

"Shooting has changed my life so dramatically that I can't compare it to anything else in my life," he said. "Being a part of a U.S. national team and the international skeet community, I got my wife; she was a shooter before we met. It's given me so much; I want to give back."

Hancock lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife, Rebekah, also a shooter, and his two daughters.

More About the Army Marksmanship Unit

In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized the formation of the Army Marksmanship Unit with the almost exclusive goal of winning shooting competitions that would raise the standards of marksmanship throughout the Army.

In the '50s, the Soviets dominated the international shooting scene. Many believed that only the U.S. Army had the personnel and facilities to develop a program that could compete with them.

The unit quickly established itself as a world power in shooting. Between 1962 and 1978, it led the United States to six Olympic gold medals and 59 individual and team championships in international competition.

Later, the unit's mission expanded to facilitate Army recruiting. The unit also provided marksmanship training to thousands of soldiers, and became a leader in small-arms research and development.

From 2009 to 2012, the Army Marksmanship Unit maintained a constant presence in Afghanistan by deploying multiple marksmanship training teams in support of the NATO's Afghan National Army training mission.

The unit is composed of five competitive shooting sections, each with world-class training facilities and competition grounds.

Those teams include: service rifle, action shooting, international rifle, service pistol and shotgun.

These teams have represented the United States during every Summer Olympics since 1960 and have earned 24 Olympic medals since that time.

The unit builds and customizes small arms and ammunition through its Custom Firearms Shop. The Army's finest gunsmiths, machinists, range technicians and ammunition loaders staff the shop. They are known as the backbone, or "pit crew," of the marksmanship teams.

The Custom Firearms Shop's research and development efforts have enhanced the accuracy and reliability of the Army's competitive weapon systems and ammunition and intensified the combat effectiveness of the entire Army.

For example, the M21 and M24 sniper systems — special purpose rifles and squad-designated marksman rifles — were developed and tested in the shop.

More Stories of Sports Heroes Who Served

Teams Come Together to Supply Trainee Uniforms

 

Sept. 8, 2020 | BY AIR FORCE AIRMAN 1ST CLASS SETH HADDIX

With Air Force basic military training coming to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, due to COVID-19, the mission of the base has become to not only train but create premier war-fighters.

A team of airmen from different units around the Air Education and Training Command worked together to help the 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron issue uniforms to trainees at Keesler.

''Our purpose of coming here as a team is to support the training mission of Keesler and BMT,'' said Air Force Master Sgt. Melina Jimerson, 81st LRS BMT supply lead. ''Continuing to train through obstacles such as COVID-19 keeps our Air Force moving forward, so my team must stay resilient to do our part.''

The uniforms being issued to the trainees were supplied from the 502nd LRS, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The group had approximately a week to prepare and organize the process.

''We came in with limited equipment and time, and had to develop a system that would work,'' said Air Force Senior Airman Hope Curry, 81st LRS material management journeyman. ''Through trials and tribulations, the process became more natural. We overcame and adapted quickly to equip the trainees with what they need.''

Training airmen safely and efficiently through COVID-19 has become possible with the units of AETC coming together as a team.

''Within our own units, we all have our own unique missions,'' Jimerson said. ''However, we've been able to combine our skills to support the BMT mission, which is to motivate, train and inspire the next generation of airmen with the foundation to deliver 21st century airpower without interruption.''

(Air Force Airman 1st Class Seth Haddix is assigned to the 81st Training Wing).