Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. -- Ellsworth officials announced that in line with the current imposed travel ban, effective immediately all permanent changes of station are on hold, TDYs are canceled and leave for military members is restricted to a two-hour driving radius until further notice.
For leave only, Ellsworth family members and civilian employees are highly encouraged (but not mandated) to adhere to the same guidelines to reduce exposure to and potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Active duty members currently on leave should plan to return no later than 16 March, as they may be recalled if mission requirements necessitate. Case-by-case exemptions to be approved by member’s squadron commander. Dependents are highly encouraged (but not mandated) to return as soon as possible. Civilian employees should contact the squadron commander to discuss leave status if it extends beyond 16 March.
Active duty members with approved retirement/separations orders in the next 60 days are exempt from the stop movement order. Permissive TDY for house hunting is approved for these individuals only, but permissive TDY must be taken consecutively with terminal leave. Please contact supervision if you have questions.
Civilian employees should talk to their supervisors for questions about upcoming leave.
Additionally, to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, individuals traveling directly from Level III countries within the past 14 days will not be granted entry to the installation without approval from the base commander. This includes guests and family member of on-base housing residents. (Note: Level III country restriction as defined by the Centers for Disease Control.)
Over the next few days we will also begin canceling some activities and may limit gatherings on the installation to no more than 50-75 people, according to wing leadership. Cancellations/adjustments will be advertised as soon as those decisions are made.
They added to Please be patient as we continue working through this very fast moving and fluid situation. Your health and safety is of the utmost importance, so continue to check the Ellsworth Air Force Base official Facebook page for updates and reach out through your leadership chain to address specific questions/concerns.