JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
In the event of a possible H1N1 pandemic, Joint Team Andrews members stand at the ready, and are so in part to an installation-wide simulated outbreak exercise held here Nov. 23 through 25.
This simulation assessed operational readiness in the event that multiple Joint Team Andrews members were infected with the virus and were forced to stay home.
"The purpose of this exercise was to try to operate with minimum manning and assess whether or not we could still operate with that reduction," said Col. John Cramer, 779th Aeromedical Squadron public health officer.
While operating with a lower percentile of staff during the exercise, members were asked to follow distancing safety precautions.
"Personnel were advised to work remotely from home if feasible, to wash hands as much as possible, to regularly clean surfaces and implement social distancing (keeping six feet away from all other persons)," said Colonel Cramer.
The exercise is critical; making certain that operational readiness would not be impacted on base with such a decrease in manpower.
"If there were an outbreak of H1N1 on the installation, you could see anywhere from 30 to 40 percent in absenteeism," said Robert Yarbrough, 316th Wing deputy director of plans and programs. "We have to be prepared to continue our mission at Andrews with minimum manning."
Also during the exercise, 316th Security Forces Squadron members took all necessary precautions to prevent the potential spread of the virus in some of the most public of places.
"Security forces set up a marquee outside of each gate informing traffic of the exercise and proper procedures for entering and visiting the installation," said Col. Henri Lambert, 316 SFS commander. Drivers were instructed to keep their windows closed and press their identification cards to the glass for verification.
As to the outcome of the exercise, Team Andrews Airmen performed in a manner that instilled confidence in commanders and proved the installation is ready should an outbreak occur.
"I think we're ready to handle H1N1 here," said Colonel Lambert.