Sierra Army Depot provides COVID-19 PPE support to Afghanistan evacuee mission

Photo By Doug Magill | Josue Alvarado, left, and Gaosa Tautolo, right, assemble a pallet of disposable gowns as part of Sierra Army Depot's mission to supply COVID-19 personal protective equipment support to Operation Allies Welcome. Sierra Army Depot, located in Herlog, California -- approximately 60 miles north of Reno, Nevada -- is suppling COVID-19 PPE to eight different U.S. Department of Defense installations that are supporting the mission providing temporary housing, sustainment and support inside the United States for Afghan personnel. The Department of Defense, in support of the Department of State, is providing transportation and temporary housing in support of Operation Allies Refuge. This initiative follows through on America's commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.  

HERLONG, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

09.22.2021

Story by Doug Magill 

Operation Allies Welcome - Operation Allies Refuge   

HERLONG, Calif. – The U.S. Army’s storage and distribution center for COVID-19 personal protective equipment is sending millions of items in support of the United States’ multi-agency effort to relocate Afghan evacuees.

Sierra Army Depot has sent a total of 6 million latex gloves; 250,000 disposable masks; 200,000 gowns and N-95 masks and 9,000 safety glasses over a combination of multiple shipments to eight different military installations in the U.S. supporting Operation Allies Welcome.

The Secretary of Defense has approved for the Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, to provide to the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security temporary housing, sustainment and support inside the United States for Afghan personnel. DOD will provide support for more than 50,000 individuals at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. Support will be provided on DOD installations and potentially at contracted non-DOD land and facilities.

Sierra Army Depot worked in coordination with several agencies such as Army Medical Logistics Command, U.S. Army Medical Material Agency, Communications Electronics Command, and U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command in order to meet emerging requirements in a short timeline.

“I am immensely proud of the Sierra team and the entire enterprise for the rapid execution of this important mission for our nation,” Lt. Col. Amy M. Cory, Sierra Army Depot commander said. “The throughput processed in this short period of time is the highest intensity since the PPE program began and the work to provide it to each of the safe havens is nothing short of impressive. This equipment is essential to protect our allies, installations and surrounding communities in these areas from COVID-19. Sierra Army Depot is privileged to be a part of this effort.”

The health and safety of U.S. personnel and vulnerable Afghans are paramount. DOD personnel supporting the operation are taking maximum precautions prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and base leadership. Afghans are also being encouraged to follow CDC recommendations for COVID mitigation.

Sierra Army Depot is located in Herlong, California -- approximately 60 miles northwest of Reno, Nevada. The depot provides sustainment solutions for U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, U.S. Army Materiel Command and ultimately for the U.S. Army and the joint force.

For more information, call Doug Magill, Sierra Army Depot public affairs officer at [phone] or e-mail at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 09.22.2021
• Date Posted: 09.23.2021 17:35
• Story ID: 405803
• Location: HERLONG, CALIFORNIA, US
• Hometown: SUSANVILLE, CALIFORNIA, US