KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 403rd Wing has postponed the May 1-3 Unit Training Assembly as part of COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
Information on the status of the June 6-7 UTA will be provided at a later date as it is yet to be determined if it will be postponed.
“These measures are required to ensure the health and safety of our community. Our focus remains on protecting our people while maintaining mission readiness,” said Col. Jeffrey A. Van Dootingh, 403rd Wing commander. “Commanders are authorized maximum flexibility to ensure our Airmen get a good year once UTAs resume.”
Wing Reserve Citizen Airmen should work with their supervisors and commanders to reschedule or excuse the UTA. Some telework options may be available, but inquire with unit leadership.
The 81st Training Wing implemented Health Protection Condition (HPCON) Charlie for Keesler Air Force Base March 23, which restricted base access to mission essential personnel and activities only. On April 6, the Air Force released information to supplement Department of Defense guidance requiring the use of cloth face coverings. Individuals on Department of the Air Force property, installations and facilities are required to wear cloth face coverings when they cannot maintain six feet of physical distance in public areas or work centers.
Wing members are encouraged to continue to take protective actions for themselves and those around them by practicing strict hygiene, such as no hand-shaking and proper hand washing, social distancing, and taking appropriate actions if feeling sick.
Wing members must report any contact, exposure, or positive test for COVID-19, said the wing commander. Air Force Reserve members, whether they are Active Guard Reserve, civilians, or traditional reservists must remember that they are required to notify their commander if they or a family member is diagnosed with COVID-19.
Retirees, dependents, and Tricare beneficiaries may use the Drive Up COVID Clinic on base Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wing reservists who are on active orders are encouraged to use the Dragon Hotline at 228-376-7132.
Airmen who may be experiencing any financial or medical hardships are encouraged to work with their supervisors and leadership and use resources such as Military One Source and Airman and Family Readiness.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” said the wing commander. “Supportive resources are available to you during these uncertain times.”
Information on available helping resources can be found at this link: http://www.403wg.afrc.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/tabid/9102/Article/2128818/covid-19-supportive-resources-for-wing-members-families.aspx
For up-to-date base information, visit the 403rd Wing Website www.403wg.afrc.af.mil, the wing’s Air Force Connect App, and the Keesler AFB Health page at www.keesler.af.mil/Health
Other information resources include:
Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) 877-978-6453
COVID-19 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
DoD COVID-19 - www.defense.gov/Explore/Spotlight/Coronavirus/
AF COVID-19 - https://www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/
AFRC COVID-19 - https://www.afrc.af.mil/COVID-19/
Mississippi Department of Health - https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,420.html
CDC Health Travel Notices - https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/