Andersen AFB provides medical supplies to Cook Islands

Photo By Senior Airman Zachary Heal | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Pedro Andrada, left, Tech. Sgt. Joshua Boak, center, and Airman 1st Class Devin Moone, right, all assigned to the 36th Contracting Squadron, pose for a photo at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 22, 2021. The 36th CONS Team recently awarded two contracts worth a total of $64,000 to provide the Cook Islands with medical supplies needed for COVID-19 relief. The purchase consisted of medical supplies such as syringes, masks, gloves, blood administration sets, shoe covers and other necessary equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Heal)  

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM

07.26.2021

Story by Senior Airman Zachary Heal 

36th Wing

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- The 36th Contracting Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam has recently awarded two contracts worth a total of $64,000 to provide the Cook Islands with medical supplies needed for COVID-19 relief.

The purchase consisted of medical supplies such as syringes, masks, gloves, blood administration sets, shoe covers and other necessary equipment. The supplies are expected to be delivered in October.

“All of these supplies are critical need items that are minimally available on the Cook Islands,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Pedro Andrada, 36th CONS contract specialist, “So if we did not help provide these items for them, they would not be able to adequately care for any patients with COVID.”

The request for these supplies started when the Cook Islands reached out to the U.S. Department of State for support. At this point, it became clear that Andersen would be ideal to provide the support, due to its central location in the Indo-Pacific and proximity to the Cook Islands.

“When we get a call, we do what we need to do to get support to the people that need it,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Boak, 36th CONS commodities team lead. “We have the mentality of finding the way to a yes.”

The 36th CONS typically deals with contracts that directly relate to Andersen AFB assets.

“It was a unique experience for me,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Devin Moone, 36th CONS contract specialist. “I personally had to research new items and make decisions that I wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to make.”

Regardless if it is supporting fighter jets for a Dynamic Force Employment, bombers for a Bomber Task Force rotation, or humanitarian missions, Andersen’s service members are capable of supporting a vast array of operations. Andersen AFB continues to support global operations, host multi-national exercises and cultivate regional partnerships despite COVID-19.

“I relish at the opportunity for acquisitions that require creativity,” said Andrada. “Not only was it a great learning opportunity, but it was also rewarding to see them getting the supplies that they need and to know that I helped make that happen.”

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• Date Taken: 07.26.2021
• Date Posted: 07.27.2021 01:00
• Story ID: 401680
• Location: ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GU