U.S. Military Converts C-17 Carrier Aircraft into Mobile Vaccination Clinic

Following the approval and subsequent nationwide rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, the U.S. Air National Guard announced it converted one of its C-17 Globemaster III airlifters into a mobile vaccination clinic to administer the vaccine to activated guardsmen on Hawaiian islands.

The C-17 aircraft is operated by 154th Wing Airmen, based out of Oahu, according to a Air national Guard release published Thursday. A joint team of medical, logistical and operational guardsmen were transported from Oahu to neighboring islands to vaccinate guardsmen who are assigned to the COVID-19 response effort.

Members of the Hawaii National Guard prepare to administer COVID-19 vaccinations on the modified C-17 Globemaster III at Hilo, Hawaii, Jan. 5, 2021.

The state of Hawaii has established strict COVID-19 guidelines that extend to visitors from mainland United States, who must test negative in order to board aircraft going to the islands.

Activated guardsmen have been providing temperature screening at airports throughout the state, supporting the mass testing efforts in each county. They have also been assisting health agencies in education efforts.

Prior to this modification, the Air National Guard has been using the C-17 to deliver vaccines across the United States in an effort to vaccinate those responding to the COVID-19 efforts.

Modifying the C-17 was an effort to streamline response across Hawaiian counties on neighboring islands. Hawaii National Guard aircrew transported the COVID-19 vaccine to airmen and soldiers deployed to the counties of Hawaii, Maui and Kauai in support of the state's COVID-19 response.

Vaccinating first those responding to the pandemic response should reduce the risk of spreading COVD-19 in these higher-risk assignments. In the meantime, we will still see high use of antiseptics, masks and other personal protective equipment.

It remains to be seen if more C-17 airlifters will be converted into mobile clinics elsewhere in the United States. Depending on the success of this rollout, we may see more medical clinics take flight.