ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
If struck by the H1N1 flu virus, the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron would continue to meet the mission of providing transportation, supplies and combat ready forces in support of worldwide logistics and National Capital Region contingencies.
Utilizing resources and strategies available to the squadron, 316 LRS would require customers to wash their hands before entering any of their customer service areas, social distancing, limiting personnel interaction with customers (i.e. assigning fewer members to work with customers that come into our work areas), and reducing communal services that are not identified as mission essential by the wing leadership, such as the shuttle bus service.
"First and foremost, we will all be getting our flu shot, staying fit and well rested to fight off the virus," said Capt. Demetria Hundley, 316 LRS deployment and distribution flight commander. "We're telling our members to stay home if they are sick and for those persons with sick family members, we are asking that they please be careful by using hand sanitizer, washing their hands thoroughly and remembering the use cough etiquette.
"If the flu were to hit the 316 LRS hard, the squadron has identified areas such as household goods shipments, vehicle management leased vehicle repairs and vehicle operations shuttle services where we may have to do a work around or call on outside agencies for support, Captain Hundley said. "We have already implemented proper hygiene practices and will continue to educate our personnel so that they remain healthy. Like many of the base organizations that may get hit this flu season, customer service may be altered, therefore, customers should anticipate longer wait times and possibly delayed support. We ask that everyone remain flexible in order to provide the best possible service."
Captain Hundley recommends calling ahead for an appointment, which will assist the LRS sections in servicing customers faster. Further, the LRS has evaluated missions by precedence should the flu season be severe.
"We have racked and stacked our priorities and discussed ways to continue servicing our customers during a time that social distancing may be implemented," explained Captain Hundley. "Should a social distancing directive be implemented, we have inquired with our Base Supply contractors regarding the availability of hand sanitizer and rubber gloves, which the installation may require for projected support, should local vendor supply fall short or they are unable to supply these items for the installation. Furthermore, we are researching how the Base Supply could build up the availability of these items before there is an overwhelming need for units assigned to the installation to purchase these items.
With regard to deployments and distribution specifically, Captain Hundley said the LRS would consult with the Air Force District of Washington and the Air Force Personnel Center as to how to best augment the mission.
"The logistics planners coordinate and update AF level tasking requirements and ensure that personnel assigned to Andrews and tasked to deploy meet those requirements," said Captain Hundley. "To augment this section with other Air Force Specialty Codes is difficult. Due to this inability to augment, we could be faced with an inability to meet deployment taskings and need to submit the required requests for AF level functions, such as the Air Expeditionary Force center, or task other Air Force installations while not impeding the combatant commander's wartime requirements or imposing a hardship for other Airman ordered to fill the deployment tasking."
"Bottom line is, we will work to support our customers the way we always have - with the best possible customer service, but what needs to be understood is that the LRS will focus on its top missions first," said Captain Hudley.