MEDIA RELEASE14-10-0001: Dover AFB prepares while on standby to support Ebola mission

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  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. RELEASE NO: --  Senior leaders at Dover Air Force Base from both the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings met on October 29 to assess preparedness to support Operation United Assistance and the fight against Ebola in West Africa.

Base leadership discussed current guidance and conducted a table top exercise consisting of several scenarios to address procedures and training for aircrews and mission-essential personnel who may be tasked to fly missions into affected areas, as well as procedures for installation response in the unlikely event that a person(s) show signs or symptoms of Ebola upon return to the base.

"We're following the Centers for Disease Control, DoD, and Air Mobility Command guidance and taking conservative measures to ensure the safety of our personnel and their families," said Col. Michael Grismer, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "As with any potential threat to our personnel or the installation, we exercise our preparedness and response to ensure we're ready to take on any situation, which is exactly what we're doing with regards to the Ebola virus.

"We're taking all the necessary steps and implementing protocols to minimize potential risks to any and all personnel when called to support the OUA mission," he said.

One of these measures for the 436th and 512th Operations Groups includes providing robust personal protective equipment kits on each mission and training aircrews and mission-essential personnel on the recommended guidance of how to handle a potential symptomatic passenger(s) in flight.

The 436th Medical Group has developed this local training based on the latest CDC guidelines to protect all Dover AFB personnel tasked to support OUA. In addition to the PPE kits, the training includes recognition of the signs and symptoms of Ebola, proper notification procedures, and coordination with medical authorities. The 436th MDG has also partnered with local public health and federal agencies to develop a coordinated response to the Ebola threat. The Medical Group will continue to monitor the situation and refine training and pre- and post-deployment protocols to remain in compliance with the latest guidance from the CDC, DoD, and AMC.

"This preparation is being done as a precautionary measure, understanding that it is unlikely for Dover personnel to come in contact with a symptomatic person, as military personnel are not providing direct patient care to local nationals infected with Ebola," said Col. (Dr.) Kevin Murphy, 436th Medical Group commander. "In the event that military personnel are exposed to the Ebola virus, they will receive world class medical care."

While Dover AFB personnel are not directly supporting OUA missions, a C-17 Globemaster III departed the base on October 27 to a staging area outside of affected areas in support of OUA. This is the only mission that has been tasked to the base at this time.

"The threat to our personnel is minimal and we're confident we can manage this risk effectively through protective measures in the field as well as screening measures both overseas and here at home," said Grismer. "The safety of our personnel is our highest priority and we're making every effort to ensure an environment where their personal safety and security are protected."