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 (530) 827-4343 or e-mail at douglas.l.magill.civ@mail.mil.
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