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- [Barbara] Airmen, space professionals,

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and Department of the Air Force

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civilians and families,

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today our nation faces
an unprecedented threat.

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COVID-19 presents a challenge
we have not faced before.

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We will get through this together,

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just as we have every other obstacle

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our nation has faced.

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Secretary Esper directed
all installations worldwide

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to increase the health protection level

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to Charlie as a prudent measure

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to protect our forces.

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Over the past few weeks

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we have witnessed the
country working together

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with our entire government,

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and with allies, industry,
and community partners

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to tackle this pandemic.

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Already airmen and space professionals

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have been called to action.

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Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing

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transported hospital beds to Italy

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to increase the patient capacity

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of our Italian allies.

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In Honduras airmen evacuated US citizens.

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And across the country Total Force airmen

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are among the 9000 guardsmen

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who support governors
and interagency partners

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mitigating the spread of
COVID-19 in their communities.

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What you are doing goes
beyond the core mission

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of the Air Force and Space Force,

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and I thank you.

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Wherever you are working today,

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you play an important
role keeping jets flying,

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satellites operating, and
our nuclear forces ready.

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I understand the new operating environment

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causes hardships on you and your family.

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Our goal is to protect you

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while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

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The next several weeks will test us.

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We will continue to focus
on three priorities.

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First, protect the force,
their families and communities.

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Second, maintain readiness.

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And third, support the
entire government's response

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to this pandemic.

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Together, with the
dedication and sacrifice

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airmen and space
professionals make every day,

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we will lead through this.

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We will do everything in our power

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to take care of you and your family

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while you take care of our nation.

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Thank you for everything you do

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to make this the world's greatest

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Air Force and Space Force.