18 June

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has successfully adapted two transport aircraft for carrying medical patients and staff at no additional cost. BAe146 Mk.3 aircraft was selected for aeromedical evacuation (aeromed) capability because of its smaller size and footprint. It took two months for personnel from 32 (The Royal) Squadron at RAF Northolt and Tactical Medical Wing (TMW), as well as the Joint Air Delivery Test & Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) at RAF Brize Norton to come up with a serviceable solution.

The US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Philippines-AFRIMS Virology Research Unit (PAVRU) has provided technical training on Covid-19 Testing in the Philippines. PAVRU has worked directly with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel in the fight against the virus. Four medical laboratory technologists were trained at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center. The two-week molecular biology training focused on biosafety, biosecurity, respiratory sample processing and storage, and testing techniques. Around 3,000 Covid-19 tests have been completed on behalf of the AFP.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Global TechSolutions has developed 3D-printed tactical masks for use by warfighters stationed at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. The additive manufactured masks will be used along with tactical gear. It is made from medical-grade plastic, with a replaceable filter. The prototype masks are being evaluated US Forces Korea and the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command. Large quantities of the item will be 3D-printed once the design is finalised. This will be conducted in partnership with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Keyport.