Newswise — About 15 air transportation specialists from the 446th Airlift Wing here are scheduled to depart for Dakar, Senegal in West Africa Nov. 8, to support ground personnel for the campaign against Ebola, Operation Unified Assistance.
The wing's Citizen Airmen from the 36th and 86th Aerial Port Squadrons have been active since early October, completing computer-based training, hands-on training, and medical evaluations, and will fill in the areas of air cargo loading and unloading, special handling, air transportation operations, and load planning.
"I appreciate the 36th and 86th Aerial Port members stepping up to the plate for this deployment," said Col. Bryan Runion, 446th Mission Support Group commander. "The situation in the West African area of responsibility has been in the news quite a bit lately." There's been no hesitation among the porters to go on this deployment. A common response has been, 'this is what we do.'"
The Reservists are set to be across the pond until May 2015.
Chief Christopher Dietz, 86th APS air transportation manager, said the team will most likely be moving passengers, medical equipment, and supplies during the half-year tour.
With the Airmen being away from home for six months, this puts a void on the home front.
"In addition, I thank their families and employers for their support," Runion continued. "They also make this possible, and we will do everything we can to support them as well."
Air Force Reserve Command is providing vital support to the anti-Ebola effort. Citizen Airman volunteers provide significant capability, while working alongside their active-duty, and Air National Guard partners.
"I rest assured knowing that our Aerial Porters have been briefed, trained, and are prepared to do the job," Runion Added.
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Advisory:
Members of the news media are encouraged to come down to JBLM, McChord Field at 1 p.m. Nov. 7 to talk to 446th unit leaders about the deployment. Due to time constraints, the departing Airmen will have minimal availability due to ensuring their outprocessing requirements, and documentation are finalized. Therefore, unit leaders will be available for, and more than happy to field interviews.
Assignment editors, reporters, photojournalists, etc. should contact Jake Chappelle at [email protected] no later than 10 a.m., Nov. 7 to ensure space is accommodated for them. Please arrive at the McChord Field North Gate off of S. Tacoma Way and 112th, and a public affairs rep will escort you on base.
For more information, go to www.446aw.afrc.af.mil/mediaoperations/
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