The nation’s national security posture has not changed, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper will not alter travel plans as a result of President Trump’s coronavirus-positive test, the Pentagon said Friday.
“There’s been no change to DoD alert levels,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.
“The U.S. military stands ready to defend our country and interests. There’s no change to the readiness or capability of our armed forces,” he added. “Our national command and control structure is in no way affected by this announcement.”
Hoffman specifically addressed reports confirmed by U.S. Strategic Command that Boeing E-6 Mercury airborne nuclear command and control platforms were conducting missions on the east and west coasts.
The aircraft is designed to serve as an airborne command and control alternative should land-based nuclear operations be inoperable.
“With regard to reports about E-6B aircraft on alert status, US STRATCOM has confirmed these E-6B aircraft were part of pre-planned missions,” he said. “Any timing to the president’s announcement was purely coincidental.”
Hoffman noted that Esper, who is traveling in North Africa, will not curtail his travel plans.
The Pentagon spokesman said Esper tested negative for the coronavirus on Monday and Wednesday and will undergo another COVID-19 test today as part of his regular travel routine.
Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley last met with Trump Sunday at the White House Gold Star families event.
Hoffman said Esper’s travel plans will not be curtailed as a result of Trump’s announcement.
“He will not be returning to the U.S. early. The chairman was tested this morning and was negative,” he said.
Hoffman also said Esper and Milley send their thoughts and prayers to the president and first lady for a swift recovery.
“The secretary has expressed his appreciation for the White House’s military medical team and is confident that they will ensure that the president and first lady, like all members of our military family, will continue to receive the best medical care in the world,” he added.
