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Andersen AFB provides medical supplies to Cook Islands

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Heal
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs

The 36th Contracting Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, has recently awarded two contracts worth a total of $64,000 to provide the Cook Islands with medical supplies needed for COVID-19 relief.

The purchase consisted of medical supplies such as syringes, masks, gloves, blood administration sets, shoe covers and other necessary equipment. The supplies are expected to be delivered in October.

“All of these supplies are critical-need items that are minimally available on the Cook Islands,” said Airman 1st Class Pedro Andrade, 36th CONS contract specialist. “So if we did not help provide these items for them, they would not be able to adequately care for any patients with COVID.”

The request for these supplies started when the Cook Islands reached out to the U.S. Department of State for support. At this point, it became clear Andersen AFB would be ideal to provide the support due to its central location in the Indo-Pacific and proximity to the Cook Islands.

“When we get a call, we do what we need to do to get support to the people that need it,” said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Boak, 36th CONS commodities team lead. “We have the mentality of finding the way to a yes.”

The 36th CONS typically deals with contracts directly related to Andersen AFB assets.

“It was a unique experience for me,” said Airman 1st Class Devin Moone, 36th CONS contract specialist. “I personally had to research new items and make decisions that I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to make.”

Regardless if it is supporting fighter jets for a Dynamic Force Employment, bombers for a Bomber Task Force rotation, or humanitarian missions, Andersen’s service members are capable of supporting a vast array of operations. Andersen AFB continues to support global operations, host multinational exercises and cultivate regional partnerships despite COVID-19.

“I relish at the opportunity for acquisitions that require creativity,” Andrade said. “Not only was it a great learning opportunity, but it was also rewarding to see them getting the supplies that they need and to know that I helped make that happen.”