File:Dyess Airmen deploy in support of OUA 141029-F-JY186-948.webm

English: Dyess Airmen deployed Oct 29th in support of Operation United Assistance, the Department of Defense’s role in a comprehensive effort led by the U.S. Agency for International Development to respond and contain the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa.

Dyess Airmen deploying to West Africa are not expected to perform missions that put them at risk of contracting Ebola. However, there are protective measures in place before, during and after the deployment to safeguard Airmen from contracting an infectious disease.

Before departing, Dyess Airmen gathered for a pre-deployment briefing with Air Mobility Command Surgeon, Brig. Gen. Dr. Kory Cornum and Infectious Disease Physician Lt Col Nicholas Conger. General Cornum explained the DoD’s mission and emphasized that no deploying members will provide direct care to Ebola patients:

“We're not going to be taking care of any Ebola patients. We're going down there to build hospitals, Ebola Treatment Units is what they're calling them, and help with the infrastructure, but not take care of patients."

Lt Col Conger informed Airmen about the characteristics of the Ebola virus:

"The virus outside the body...actually dies very quickly. The only time it stays alive is when it's in a warm fluid that has proteins in it..."

General Cornum and Lt Col Conger also led a discussion with spouses of deploying Airmen to address concerns about the safety of Airmen transiting airfields in an Ebola outbreak area.

As with any deployment Airmen also received immunizations and training on other regionally specific medical threats.

With Airmen fully prepared and cargo loaded, deployers boarded for an early morning departure. Deploying Airmen will provide humanitarian support by moving cargo and needed supplies. Reporting from Dyess AFB TX, I’m A1C Audrey Harmon-Smith.