Supporting the Nation

 
The Air Force continues to support the federal government when called upon in times of crisis. Active-duty Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard deploy resources to state and local communities throughout the country whenever manpower and unique skill sets can alleviate the burden from federal agencies, first responders and local communities. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Guard and Reserve units are standing up hospitals and alleviating the strain on civilian medical professionals caused by the rise in demand for patient care. Military researchers are partnering with civilian organizations to study the virus and develop treatments. No matter the situation, the Air Force ensures readiness at every turn by adapting, overcoming and always looking to the future. 

Air & Combat Superiority

The Air Force provides enduring combat airpower to America's warfighting commands. Air Combat Command overesees operations for fighter, reconnaissance, battle-management and electronic-combat aircraft, and continues to employ these assets to ensure national and regional stability. It also provides command, control, communications and intelligence systems, and conducts global information operations. Air operations centers meet the challenge of directing all air activities in their regions of responsibility to allow warfighters to continue the air defense mission 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making sure people and assets are safe and protected during times of crises, including the one we’re facing today with COVID-19.

Rapid Global Mobility

The Air Force utilizes a total force effort to execute Rapid Global Mobility and enable global reach — the ability to respond anywhere in the world in a matter of hours. This is accomplished through airlift, aerial refueling, air mobility support and aeromedical evacuation, which plays a vital role during this global pandemic, especially in transporting patients, personnel and life-saving equipment. Despite COVID-19 challenges, units have participated in exercises and deployments while developing new procedures to project agile combat airlift skills in areas of responsibility around the world. Surviving and adapting is part of the Air Force’s DNA, maintaining readiness and global mobility.

Build The Space Force

The U.S. Space Force organizes, trains and equips forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to joint and coalition forces.

The Space Force is steadfast in developing military space professionals, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces. Even during these unprecedented times in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Space Force is committed to protecting and defending the nation’s space centers without interruption, and maximizing warfighting capacity and advocacy for this critical domain.

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Unwavering Nuclear Deterrence

As the cornerstone of the nation’s National Defense Strategy, the intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear mission continues to ensure strategic predictability and operational unpredictability. For the last six decades, the mission has been met with a 24/7/365 continuous sequence and will stand to do so no matter the situation. The nuclear mission never sleeps. Units supporting nuclear deterrence and the missions of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleets continue to conduct sorties and missions, while following national and military leaders’ safety guidelines to ensure the safety and health of Airmen. Air Force Global Strike Command has adapted operations to maintain readiness in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

Prioritizing Innovation

As the face of battlefield changes by the day, the Air Force focuses on technology and innovation in order to compete with near-peer adversaries and technological threats. From 3D fabrication, augmented and virtual reality, to utilizing technological advancements to strengthen national security, the work with academia and the private sector never stops. Cyber Airmen strengthen national defense systems and minimize network vulnerabilities. They prevent network infiltration, especially in battling disinformation spread by hackers and near-peer adversaries exploiting the current pandemic. As teleworking becomes the new normal, the Air Force’s digital delivery is crucial for remaining competitive against adversaries. Because we face a rapidly changing technological world, it is paramount we maintain a strong digital architecture during these unprecedented times, to leverage technology and encourage a culture of innovation.

Strong Partnerships

Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Air Forces Europe - Air Forces Africa and U.S. Air Force Central Command, as well as the Air Force’s Northern and Southern commands, continue to strengthen partnerships and provide world-class air warfighting capabilities to defend U.S. and coalition interests. In conducting joint training and operations, and immersion with the local communities, our Airmen are fostering bonds that are valuable at home in deployed locations. At the same time, these units are actively supporting the repatriation of Americans whose transport was affected by COVID-19 and transporting patients who need vital medical care. Major commands accomplish new responsibilities brought on by the pandemic while ensuring continued operations in deterring regional adversaries and firmly addressing great power competitors.
 

 Ensuring Safety and Development of Airmen

Air Force leaders prioritize the development of Airmen, with the whole-Airman concept, to produce leaders ready for tomorrow’s fight. The safety of service members' families and communities is also paramount, so Airmen can remain focused on the mission. The Air Force continues to support services that implement Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and DoD guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19. On-base medical services have implemented innovative ways to enhance support for patient needs such as drive-thru pharmacies and increased telemedicine capabilities. Dining and other force support functions have intensified their efforts in making cleanliness their top priority.