AFSC Commander Update on COVID-19 Posture

  • Published
  • Air Force Sustainment Center

AFSC Teammates,

In the midst of this pandemic, our top priority at the Air Force Sustainment Center is to ensure the health and safety of our workforce while we balance mission readiness and our support to national security.  Not only must we continue our unique contributions to the defense of our nation, we also have an important responsibility to protect the workforce and prevent the spread of COVID-19.  AFSC has taken significant steps to do both.

First, we are maximizing use of telework where practical and executing Administrative Leave for personnel in defined high-risk health categories.  We are executing temporary measures to increase social distancing within work centers, to include directing employees to alternate shifts where necessary.  Further, I have asked leadership across the enterprise to ensure all work centers have the necessary supplies and personal protective equipment to safeguard employee health.  We must practice “conspicuous cleaning” as our standard.

These measures are critical because our Air Force is operating – today -- at deployed locations worldwide and at home stations.  Very simply, our nation’s warfighters depend on the readiness our Center generates.  Thanks to your commitment, our depots, air base wings, and supply chain wings remain ready and working. 

Every individual in the Air Force Sustainment Center is mission essential -- we cannot execute our responsibilities without you.  Whether you are reporting to your regular work area or teleworking, your daily contributions are important.  Our warfighters still need you in these unprecedented times.  

Because our mission relies on the unique skills within our team, it may be necessary to recall specific personnel from Administrative Leave to avoid unacceptable mission impacts.  I have asked wing and complex leadership to prioritize current requirements and consider limited operations, if appropriate, to meet mission needs.  For those who may be recalled, our team will use every possible means to ensure your health and safety within the workplace.

As commander, I am acutely aware of the impact our current situation places on civilian and military Airmen, families, and communities.  My goal remains to prioritize employee health and safety while balancing mission requirements. 

Thank you for the resilience you’ve shown during the past week.  I’m proud to be your teammate.

Lt Gen Kirkland