With the rapidly evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to reach out in an effort to keep our personnel and families informed as to where we stand today. As you know, the way forward with regard to COVID-19 is constantly changing, so my decisions and direction on future plans may change. I greatly appreciate your patience and want to assure you that I’m going to do everything possible to ensure your safety and keep you informed. My goal, and the direction of Air Force Reserve Command, is that we do our best to preserve mission readiness, but not at the expense or risk to our reservists and their families. Following is an overview on where we currently stand in a number of key areas:
How to stay informed:
To keep up to date on the latest information, I encourage you to visit our wing website and social media platforms frequently:
Crucial information will also be sent to you via email and/or text message as necessary. Please feel free to reach out to your supervision should you have any questions in the meantime.
The Air Force also has a comprehensive COVID-19 website available here.
Current 419th FW operations:
The 419th FW has gone to an essential-only level of operations for the foreseeable future. Please contact your commander or supervisor for direction and/or clarification as we work to preserve human capital while ensuring mission readiness.
Upcoming Unit Training Assemblies:
The April UTA is still on. However, we will operate with mission essential personnel only. There will be liberal reschedules, limited telework, and other limits based on local area/IDT travel restrictions. Your commanders and supervisors will be in touch to pass on their direction regarding your individual status. Please also reach out to your supervision as well for clarification as needed. Under these unique circumstances, two-way communication is going to be essential. As a reminder, if you’re sick, have ill family members or other extenuating circumstances that make it unwise for you to come in, please reach out to your supervision and do not drill.
Base Health Protection Condition level and 419th FW illness mitigation efforts:
Hill AFB is currently at Health Protection Condition Alpha. The HPCON Alpha declaration defines base measures for a limited health threat to base personnel that has the potential to rapidly move into the installations. Measures include information for personnel on the threats and other precautionary measures, and includes reviewing plans to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Click here for more.
I’ve asked that 419th personnel begin regularly sanitizing their work areas – especially any shared tools, and frequently touched surfaces – and practice social distancing and regular handwashing as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Those with upper respiratory symptoms and/or a fever are being asked to stay home and check in with local medical facilities to see if they require testing. Should any potential COVID-19 cases arise, we will be monitoring those closely and will take any additional precautions as applicable.
DOD travel stop order:
The DOD has issued a travel stop order through May 11 for personnel who were slated to travel in an official duty status. Leadership throughout the wing have identified affected personnel and each has received specific instructions regarding their individual circumstances. Additionally, military leave is now restricted to the local area. As of today, I have defined the local area as a five-hour driving distance radius from Hill AFB for 419th FW personnel. This local area is also applicable for AFRC personnel who are authorized downtime following deployments. Please note, this local leave policy does not apply to ARTs, civilians, and TRs who are not on status or family members. Additionally, leave that began prior to the March 16 restriction will follow the previous 419th FW leave policy through the end of the leave order.
For specific details and a helpful Q&A on how reservists are impacted, click here.
Telework:
I’ve asked commanders and supervisors across the wing to review existing telework agreements and to put them in place for eligible employees. Leaders are encouraged to allow employee telework to the maximum extent possible to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus while balancing the needs of our mission and maintaining readiness.
Current list of Hill AFB and 419th FW events that are now canceled:
In response to President Trump’s recommendation to limit gatherings to 10 people or less, the following events are canceled as of today:
- Resiliency Training Assistant Course (March 23-26)
- Airman Leadership School 20-C remaining events and graduation (March 26)
- Team Hill Chief’s Induction Ceremony (April 2)
- 10th Air Force Commander immersion visit (April 2-5)
- 419th FW Commander farewell (April 4)
- 419th Operations Support Squadron activation ceremony (April 5)
- 466th Fighter Squadron change of command ceremony (April 5)
- 419th FW change of command ceremony (April 5)
- 419th Mission Support Group Commander retirement ceremony (May 3)
- Senior NCO Academy (current class cancelled)
- Airman Leadership School class 20-D (suspended)
- Hill Youth Programs including Open Recreation and Instructional Classes (until further notice)
* Note: the School Age program remains open at this time