WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- We are now days away from the first in-person Unit Training Assembly since March 2020. We look forward to seeing each of you in person.
As you prepare to come back to the base, some of you may have questions or concerns about what to expect when you return.
The 88th Air Base Wing commander and his team are working hard to ensure that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a safe environment for all of us.
Wing members are encouraged to wear face coverings when out in public. The Ohio governor, Mike DeWine, recently made it mandatory for masks to be worn in public for several counties in the state to include Montgomery and Butler counties.
We have implemented a plan to keep everyone safe as we return to normal operations to maintain readiness.
Each 445th Airlift Wing facility has developed and implemented a contamination avoidance mitigation plan that uses only one entrance during duty hours. The entrance will be manned during sign in. As you enter the facility, your temperature will be taken.
Before departing for the UTA, please ask yourself the following questions:
Question 1: In the past 14 days, have you travelled out of the country? (Aircrew who transit affected areas with limited exposure to local population should respond No).
- Yes : Do not attend UTA
- No : Proceed to next question
Question 2: In the past 14 days, have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
- Yes : Do not attend UTA
- No : Proceed to next question
Question 3: In the past 14 days, have you been in close contact with a person with fever/cough/shortness of breath?
- Yes : Do not attend UTA
- No : Proceed to next question
Question 4: Do you currently have fever (defined as temperature ≥100.4 ◦F) or symptoms of new onset cough/shortness of breath/lack of smell or taste/sore throat?
- Yes : Do not attend UTA
- No : Proceed to UTA
Question 5: Do you currently have a COVID-19 test pending result?
- Yes: Do not attend UTA
- No : Proceed to UTA
If you answer YES to any of the questions, please contact your supervisor. You will also be asked the questions before you are allowed to proceed to your work section.
If you show up to UTA with signs or symptoms of COVID-19, you will be instructed to return home immediately.
You are required to wear a mask when you enter a building, are in the hallway, and at all times when not able to maintain 6 feet of distance between persons. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided to you. Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies are available at your unit. You will be required to clean and sanitize your work station at the beginning of the day and at the end of each day.
Additionally, 445th AW service organizations have implemented unique measures to safely accommodate your needs. You should be prepared to comply with all requirements as you move around the campus. Common areas such as break rooms are closed, and rest rooms will be limited to only a few people at one time. It is vital that you comply with all these measures, and I am expecting commanders, first sergeants and chiefs to ensure compliance.
Lodging operations will be normal. I encourage each of you to come with necessary cleaning supplies to “wipe” down you rooms as an extra measure of caution. The dining facility (DFAC) will be available and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals will be carry out only. The salad bar is closed but there will be pre-made salads available. You should expect a moderate wait time to get through the line.
I realize this is not the optimum level of service you are accustomed to during the UTA, but it is vital to our readiness that we return to a standard UTA as soon as possible. We can safely accomplish an in-person UTA as long as everyone complies with the measures that the 445th AW and the 88th ABW have put in place.
If you have any concerns regarding your participation or the measures we have in place, contact your unit leadership as soon as possible.
Please stay safe and healthy. Thank you for all you do in serving our great nation.