1 00:00:00,500 --> 00:00:02,420 - [Barbara] Airmen, space professionals, 2 00:00:02,420 --> 00:00:03,500 and Department of the Air Force 3 00:00:03,500 --> 00:00:05,170 civilians and families, 4 00:00:05,170 --> 00:00:08,493 today our nation faces an unprecedented threat. 5 00:00:09,480 --> 00:00:13,720 COVID-19 presents a challenge we have not faced before. 6 00:00:13,720 --> 00:00:15,950 We will get through this together, 7 00:00:15,950 --> 00:00:18,146 just as we have every other obstacle 8 00:00:18,146 --> 00:00:20,270 our nation has faced. 9 00:00:20,270 --> 00:00:23,850 Secretary Esper directed all installations worldwide 10 00:00:23,850 --> 00:00:25,930 to increase the health protection level 11 00:00:25,930 --> 00:00:28,460 to Charlie as a prudent measure 12 00:00:28,460 --> 00:00:30,135 to protect our forces. 13 00:00:30,135 --> 00:00:31,940 Over the past few weeks 14 00:00:31,940 --> 00:00:34,500 we have witnessed the country working together 15 00:00:34,500 --> 00:00:36,320 with our entire government, 16 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:39,430 and with allies, industry, and community partners 17 00:00:39,430 --> 00:00:42,030 to tackle this pandemic. 18 00:00:42,030 --> 00:00:43,810 Already airmen and space professionals 19 00:00:43,810 --> 00:00:45,570 have been called to action. 20 00:00:45,570 --> 00:00:47,680 Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing 21 00:00:47,680 --> 00:00:49,920 transported hospital beds to Italy 22 00:00:49,920 --> 00:00:51,549 to increase the patient capacity 23 00:00:51,549 --> 00:00:54,220 of our Italian allies. 24 00:00:54,220 --> 00:00:57,660 In Honduras airmen evacuated US citizens. 25 00:00:57,660 --> 00:01:00,550 And across the country Total Force airmen 26 00:01:00,550 --> 00:01:02,670 are among the 9000 guardsmen 27 00:01:02,670 --> 00:01:05,120 who support governors and interagency partners 28 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:09,053 mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in their communities. 29 00:01:09,900 --> 00:01:12,270 What you are doing goes beyond the core mission 30 00:01:12,270 --> 00:01:14,680 of the Air Force and Space Force, 31 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:15,683 and I thank you. 32 00:01:16,780 --> 00:01:18,370 Wherever you are working today, 33 00:01:18,370 --> 00:01:21,550 you play an important role keeping jets flying, 34 00:01:21,550 --> 00:01:24,993 satellites operating, and our nuclear forces ready. 35 00:01:25,830 --> 00:01:27,770 I understand the new operating environment 36 00:01:27,770 --> 00:01:31,070 causes hardships on you and your family. 37 00:01:31,070 --> 00:01:32,760 Our goal is to protect you 38 00:01:32,760 --> 00:01:35,523 while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. 39 00:01:36,540 --> 00:01:38,900 The next several weeks will test us. 40 00:01:38,900 --> 00:01:41,740 We will continue to focus on three priorities. 41 00:01:41,740 --> 00:01:45,820 First, protect the force, their families and communities. 42 00:01:45,820 --> 00:01:48,050 Second, maintain readiness. 43 00:01:48,050 --> 00:01:51,150 And third, support the entire government's response 44 00:01:51,150 --> 00:01:52,283 to this pandemic. 45 00:01:53,390 --> 00:01:56,100 Together, with the dedication and sacrifice 46 00:01:56,100 --> 00:01:59,550 airmen and space professionals make every day, 47 00:01:59,550 --> 00:02:02,030 we will lead through this. 48 00:02:02,030 --> 00:02:03,720 We will do everything in our power 49 00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:06,100 to take care of you and your family 50 00:02:06,100 --> 00:02:09,230 while you take care of our nation. 51 00:02:09,230 --> 00:02:11,010 Thank you for everything you do 52 00:02:11,010 --> 00:02:13,140 to make this the world's greatest 53 00:02:13,140 --> 00:02:15,283 Air Force and Space Force.