FORT BRAGG, N.C. - About 120 Soldiers from Fort Bragg have been alerted for potential deployment to west Africa to participate in Operation United Assistance, the Department of Defense stated Oct. 3 during a press briefing.
Soldiers supporting the mission will come from the 20th Engineer Brigade, 44th Medical Brigade and 10th Press Camp Headquarters and will provide construction expertise, medical support and public affairs operations to keep the American people informed about the support that members of OUA will provide to the region.
Prior to deployment, all Soldiers will be trained in personal health safety to preserve the health of our forces. All troops deploying to Liberia will receive specific medical training – developed in conjunction with U.S. Army Public Health Command – and use specialized personal protection equipment to ensure they are protected from exposure to Ebola.
Fort Bragg-based Soldiers will not treat Ebola victims but will provide infrastructure support to U.S. Agency for International Development, establish logistical centers to support the operation’s efforts through logistical and life sustaining support to military personnel for Operation United Assistance.
Neither specific deployment dates, nor the duration of the deployment, have been determined.
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Headquarters, based at Fort Campbell, Ky., will deploy as the Joint Force Command for Operation United Assistance in Monrovia, Liberia.
The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) are one of four infantry divisions commanded by the XVIII Airborne Corps.
"Operation United Assistance is a critical mission," said Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). "We will coordinate all of the Department of Defense resources in Liberia to support USAID and the government of Liberia to contain the Ebola virus and ultimately save lives."
The mission of the JFC-United Assistance is to support the lead federal agency, the U.S. Agency for International Development, response to the Ebola virus outbreak in Liberia. In support of USAID, the JFC-UA will help the government of Liberia contain the Ebola virus and synchronize the establishment of Ebola treatment units across Liberia, as well as train health care workers and establish logistical centers to support this effort.
"Operation United Assistance is our next Rendezvous with Destiny," said Volesky. "We will deploy from Fort Campbell ready to conduct this important mission for as long as required."