COVID-19: Pentagon Freezes Overseas Movements of 90,000 Troops, Afghanistan Withdrawal Unaffected

The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following a Western Pacific deployment, Nov. 13. As of March 23, 2020, two sailors stationed on the ship have tested positive for the virus that caused COVID-19. DoD/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aja B. Jackson

The Pentagon has ordered a freeze on overseas troop movements, affecting around 90,000 military personnel, in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The 60-day “stop movement order“ on March 25 affects both those slated to return home to U.S. shores, and those who would have deployed overseas.