BOSTON--Medical supplies are unloaded from the New England Patriots' team plane and onto Massachusetts National Guard tactical vehicles for transportation from Logan Airport here, April 2, 2020. The Mass.National Guard is providing logistical support to civil authorities throughout the Commonwealth as part of the battle against COVID-19.

BOSTON – The Massachusetts National Guard used its logistical capabilities to transport medical supplies delivered to Logan Airport from China aboard the New England Patriots team airplane April 2.

Gov. Charlie Baker and Patriots owner Robert Kraft arranged the purchase and delivery of 1 million face masks that health care professionals will use to protect themselves and stop the spread of COVID-19 while treating patients.

More than 75 soldiers from the 1058th, 1166th, and 1060th Transportation Companies and 1-182 Infantry Regiment loaded the supplies onto 24 military tactical vehicles and moved them to the state's central stockpile.

Army Spc. Orvil Sanchez, a Massachusetts Army National Guard transport operator, made it clear that now, more than ever, moving cargo in a timely, safe and efficient manner is a critical mission.

"Those who don't have the proper medical equipment rely on us to get it to them," Sanchez said. "If those people can't get those supplies, it's an issue."

The Massachusetts National Guard is leveraging all its capabilities, including logistics and transportation, to support civil authorities as the commonwealth battles COVID-19.

For more National Guard news: http://www.nationalguard.mil/

National Guard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard/

National Guard Twitter: https://twitter.com/usnationalguard

National Guard COVID-19 Response: https://www.nationalguard.mil/coronavirus/

Coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.coronavirus.gov/

Latest from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/

COVID-19 Response: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thenationalguard/albums/72157713483827538