JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
U.S. Army North, as U.S. Northern Command's Joint Force Land Component Command, concludes its current COVID-19 response operation as support to two remaining public hospitals in New York City drew to an end June 3.
Over the past two months, military medical personnel supported 11 New York City public hospitals and staffed the Javits Center alternate care facility.
"Military medical teams were the lifeline we needed in New York City, when we needed it most. On behalf of a grateful city, I thank you," said Deanne Criswell, Commissioner, New York City Emergency Management.
"I am tremendously proud of everyone who participated in the Department of Defense's COVID-19 response effort and helped flatten the curve of the pandemic. Thank you for your selfless service during a time of great uncertainty," said Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson, the DOD's COVID-19 response JFLCC commander, and commander of U.S. Army North.
"As we move forward, we remain focused on understanding and monitoring COVID-19 trends and leveraging lessons learned, ensuring we remain ready to respond at a moment's notice," the general added.
In total, the JFLCC supported 134 FEMA approved mission assignments, deploying and integrating almost 9,000 service members from all components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
Throughout the response, the JFLCC employed more than 3,100 medical personnel to help staff nine alternate care facilities and 24 civilian hospitals in nine states.
U.S. Army North remains prepared to provide flexible Department of Defense support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency should additional support be requested for future COVID-19 response missions.