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Task Force-Southeast wraps up COVID-19 support with more than one million vaccinations

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andrew Satran
  • 15th Air Force Public Affairs

On May 27, 2021, 15th AF wrapped up their support to the whole-of-government COVID-19 vaccination response after administering more than 1.1 million vaccines to communities throughout the southeast.

As a Joint Task Force-capable headquarters, 15th AF stood up Task Force-Southeast as a command and control headquarters for the Covid-19 vaccination support mission.  Task Force Southeast sent joint teams from every branch of the Armed Forces with more than 1,200 service members that supported nine Community Vaccination Centers in six Southeast states.

In a message to the men and women who supported the pandemic response, Maj. Gen. Chad P. Franks, 15th Air Force and Task Force-Southeast commander, addressed the importance of answering the nation’s call.

“Despite the challenges brought upon us by the pandemic, I am extremely proud of your steadfast professionalism to answer our nation’s call to protect our fellow citizens. You were a key part of America’s pandemic response,” said Franks. “All of this was done while simultaneously supporting the requirements for a Conventional NAF and its 45,000 Airmen across the country.” 

Supporting U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Army North, Task Force-Southeast sent large-scale medical and logistical vaccination support teams that varied in size and scale, with approximately 130 service members per team depending on the location.

These teams joined forces with local, state, and federal agencies to include the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, supporting vaccination centers in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky.

“The medical teams tackled a challenge that hadn’t been seen for over a 100 years. Their medical expertise and professionalism led to mission success.” said Lt. Col. Ramona Rivas, TF-SE medical planner. “The pride and satisfaction for helping bring our country back to life and the sincere appreciation received from our citizens was priceless.”

As of May 2021, the Task Force administered nearly 25 percent of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Army North’s 4.9 million vaccinations to slow the spread of the virus for the nation.