Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., has been assisting the Navy in testing and housing sailors from the USS Tripoli for COVID-19 at Keesler Medical Center's quarantine and isolation facility.
Keesler Medical Center hosts the Defense Department's only genetics lab, which played a critical role in ensuring the crew of the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship was capable of getting underway free of COVID-19 to support humanitarian and other contingency missions.
"The support helps our readiness by providing temporary housing for USS Tripoli sailors during our required restriction of movement period in order to maintain proper social distancing," said Navy Lt. Elizabeth Feaster, USS Tripoli Pre-Commissioning Unit public affairs officer.
In addition to testing more than 900 sailors, Keesler's Q&I facility provided food and care for 100 sailors as a part of the joint and total force effort across Navy and Air Force active duty and National Guard installations along the Gulf Coast.
"If housing and caring for 100 sailors for 18 days is what it takes to ensure the Navy's newest vessel can leave and do what it is made for, it is simply an honor to do so," said Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Gage, Komfort Cove lodging facility flight chief. "I believe it is important for all airmen to not lose focus of the fact that we are all part of something greater, no matter what we are being asked to do."
(Air Force Airman 1st Class Kimberly Mueller is assigned to the 81st Training Wing.)