JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST N.J. -- Within 48 hours of notification, the Air Force Reserve Command mobilized more than 120 medical personnel from across the nation to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., to help combat the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City.
Due to the rapid movement of this critical mission, AFRC members were unable to accomplish all pre-deployment medical requirements before stepping out the door to aid in the world-wide pandemic.
The 87th Medical Group with assistance from the 514th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, sprang into action standing up an on-site clinic at the Joint Readiness Center.
"They did not hesitate for a moment when asked to support this critical mission for our Reserve partners on short notice,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Lennen, 87th Medical Group commander. “I continue to be impressed by the ability of our 87 MDG team to adapt, solve tough problems and do whatever is necessary to protect the health of our force, families and community.”
For 72 hours, the joint base medics provided public health screenings, immunizations, labs, deployment-related health assessments and pharmacy services to more than 40 doctors, 70 nurses and 13 respiratory technicians.
"I'm very proud of my team and honored to serve with them,” said Lennen. “Our medics have been doing an amazing job and working incredibly hard on multiple fronts to defeat the greatest healthcare challenge of our time.”
The quick actions of the 87th MDG and 514th AMDS, enabled the Reserve medics to receive the medical clearances required to meet U.S. Northern Command’s deployment initiative. Reservists were then able to forward deploy to assist in the critical mission at the Javits center in New York City.