101st Airborne Division assumes Ebola response mission in Liberia

By Marine Corps 1st Lt. Peter Koerner, JFC-UA Public AffairsOctober 27, 2014

101st Airborne Division assumes Ebola response mission in Liberia
Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and Sgt. Maj. Kirk Hines, acting senior enlisted adviser for the 101st Air Borne Division (Air Assault) in Liberia, uncase the unti's colors during the transfer-of-aut... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

MONROVIA, Liberia (Oct. 27, 2014) -- Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), assumed responsibility of Joint Forces Command -- United Assistance from Maj. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, during a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Barclay Training Center here, Saturday.

"Thousands of my Soldiers are arriving now, and they are excited and ready to join this great team you have formed, so together we can stamp out Ebola," said Volesky.

The ceremony took place in front of an audience of representatives from the Liberian and U.S. governments, as well as representatives from the various U.S. agencies assisting in the fight against the Ebola virus.

"I want to thank my friend, Maj. Gen. [Darryl A.] Williams [U.S. Army Africa commander], and his great Soldiers for all they have done in not only setting the conditions for us to come to Liberia, but more importantly, for the superb work they have done in supporting USAID (U.S. Agency For International Development) and the Government of Liberia in turning the tide on this disease," said Volesky.

The 101st Airborne (Air Assault) assumes its role as the headquarters unit for the military mission here, as Service members from all five services continue providing engineering, healthcare training and logistical support to USAID, the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the Government of Liberia.

Joint Forces Command -- United Assistance is a part of the comprehensive U.S. Government effort led by USAID, to support the World Health Organization and other international partners to help the Governments of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone respond to and contain the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa.

"While Ebola is a very difficult problem, together we will beat it," said Volesky.

Williams and his staff will be returning to their home station location in the upcoming days.

Related Links:

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on Facebook

U.S. Army Africa team helping fight Ebola

<b>U.S. Army news, information about Army's response to Ebola threat</b>

Soldiers ramping up capability to fight Ebola in Liberia

Vice chief discusses Africa, AOC, future vehicle requirements

U.S. Army Africa chaplain delivers hope in Ebola-stricken Liberia

Army.mil: Current Operations News

U.S. Agency for International Development

World Health Organization